Iopa Maunakea
‘s leadership spans several generations of social movements, participating in a handful of organizations contributing to the future of Puna. In 2006 across seven acres, the Men of Pa’a was formed. Iopa recalls that the leased land was misused by tenants from ’94 to 2004. Shortly after, preparing it for the program we now love and cherish amongst the community. Forming Kanaka ‘O Puna in 2010 with services and programs founded on the communal change process, also known as Ho’okanaka. It grows indigenous stewardship and leadership value and action.
The Men of Pa’a
AKA The “Positive Action Alliance” Program is a reintegration program for released prisoners on the Big Island where participating members contribute to the community through various social services. Long-term rehabilitation programs are a necessity in the United States. Because of the lack of accessibility to rehabilitation programs, many ex-prisoners reintegrate back into society without any form of support.
From 2005 to 2010 a group of researchers studied data on imprisonment rates, and reconviction rates of ex-prisoners, the 5th year being the highest rate for both, making it crucial to have in place a program that will serve their needs over a long period of time.
The Men of Pa’a as an organization is now 16 years old and counting, continuing to serve the community through its rehabilitation program, which is one of Iopa’s many accomplishments.
Kanaka ‘O Puna
History
Established in 2010, Kanaka ‘O Puna provides programs and services that are founded on Ho ‘okanaka. Ho’okanaka is our theory of change in which our participants commit to and engage in a life-long process of personal change through servant leadership. Ho’okanaka is the foundational cornerstone for all that we do as a program and as an organization. Its intentionality resides within every activity, training, program, enterprise activity, workshop, or community event that we offer. Our focus is on embracing learning and practice of empowerment that extends from our men and women to our youth, to our ‘ohana, to our kupuna, and ultimately to our community.
Mission – To empower and enable Kanaka Maoli, particularly native Hawaiian men, who seek restoration and reconciliation with their ‘ohana (family and community) through the process of Ho’okanaka, a culturally-rooted and communally relevant process of change catalyzed by servant leadership.
Vision – To build strong, healthy, and resilient men, women, ‘ohana, and communities through an individual and communal change process (ho’okanaka) that grows indigenous stewardship and leadership values and action.
Kuleana – Acknowledgement, empowerment, and personal responsibility that strengthen our cultural and communal identity and legacy.
Kupono – Recognition, positive participation, and communal accountability that works toward reconciling our relationships with other people and the ‘Aina.
A ‘o kanaka – Consistent practice, capacity building, and connected actions that increase both the independence of the individual within the interdependence of the community. Lokahi – Holistic, comprehensive, and sustainable long-term strategies that promote values, resources, and opportunities for the community.
Mission – To empower and enable Kanaka Maoli, particularly native Hawaiian men, who seek restoration and reconciliation with their ‘ohana (family and community) through the process of Ho’okanaka, a culturally-rooted and communally relevant process of change catalyzed by servant leadership.
Puna Rising wants to network, connect, and collaborate with all of our Puna neighbors and businesses. Interested in connecting with us? Contact us at punarising.com/contact