Project Description
The Na Leo Pulama o Maui Hawaiian Language Preschool and Family Resource Center, which incorporates traditional Hawaiian architectural styles with modern construction design, will consist of six interconnected, “hale-style” buildings on a landscaped 1.68 acre site in central Wailuku, Maui. In addition to over 8,000 square feet of interior space to accommodate 3 classrooms for the Punana Leo o Maui preschool and a multi-purpose community resource center, the complex includes a large outdoor gathering area, playground area, garden areas with native Hawaiian plants and a large paved parking lot with bus turn-arounds. A very unique feature of the project site, which was discovered during initial inspections, is an archaeologically significant pre-contact Hawaiian habitational site that will be preserved and maintained as an important part of the Center.

Upon completion, this project will provide an appropriate permanent home for the expansion of the Punana Leo o Maui preschool program, as well as badly needed space for health and nutrition programs, kupuna services, primary and secondary Hawaiian language education programs, youth enrichment programs, family strengthening programs, halau hula and a wide range of Hawaiian-based cultural events.

Current Project Status
The planning, design and capital campaign for this project has been ongoing for over 10 years and in November 2002 an important milestone was reached. With the completion of architectural/engineering construction documents and the capital campaign goal of $2.5 million (based on initial estimates) within close reach, the project was put out for construction bids with five licensed general contractors.

The lowest qualified bid placed the total development cost at $5.5 million, leaving a $3.0 million shortfall that stalled the project and resulted in the loss of major funding commitments. This was a major blow for the project and leadership was faced with the exceptional challenge of reviving support for the project and renewing the capital campaign with an increased goal of $5 million. The NLPOM Board was re-organized and new strategies were developed to tackle the challenges at hand. After over a year of extensive networking and lobbying, the first critical step in renewing support for this project was accomplished in the spring of 2004, with the approval of a grant commitment of $1,500,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The Challenge
With the new capital campaign goal of $6,400,000 and a commitment for a $1,500,000 grant from OHA as the catalyst, Na Leo Pulama o Maui has renewed its concerted effort to secure the funding necessary to keep its promise to the community and complete this project.

The leadership of Na Leo Pulama o Maui has overcome significant barriers in keeping this important community service project on track towards successful completion. With a renewed funding commitment from OHA for $1,500,000 (three times the amount of previous OHA commitment), the capital campaign is now focused on identifying new partners with the financial resources necessary to help fill the $2.4 million funding gap and make this project a reality.

The Na Leo Pulama o Maui Hawaiian Language Preschool and Family Resource Center will serve Maui’s community as a valuable cultural and educational resource that benefits people of all ages and backgrounds for many years to come. It has been a long road with many obstacles along the way, but after over 10 years, the goal is still clearly in sight and our commitment to completing this project for the people of Maui has not wavered.

An investment in this project will support family-oriented, multi-generational educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for Maui residents and visitors to the island from around the world. The Na Leo Pulama o Maui Hawaiian Language Preschool and Family Resource Center, when completed, will be a unique, model community service center that showcases and helps revitalize the ALOHA of traditional Hawaiian culture.

Detailed architectural/engineering plans, financial statements, project description, etc. are available upon request.

Please contact Kili Namau’u at 808-244-5676 or email