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Youth Workers at Liliʻuokalani Trust Reflect Diversity and Dedication

At Liliʻuokalani Trust, more than three dozen Teammates across the pae ʻāina (lands) directly engage with kamaliʻi to provide programs that are enriching, culturally grounded, and relevant to today’s children and teens. Their awareness of youth issues drive the organization’s mission to nurture Hawaiian children.

These Teammates hold a variety of titles and responsibilities:

• Specialists who lead programs for Liliʻuokalani Center, Lydia House, and NLoK (youth council Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha.)

• Hoʻamana Coaches at LT Ranch on Hawaiʻi Island.

• Program Coordinators at ʻŌlino Pathways, specializing in the arts, sports, music, and technology, and more.

• Youth Development Leads, Specialists, and Program Associates who not only create programs but also accompany youth on huakaʻi, or expeditions.

Below are reflections shared by several members of LT’s Youth teams, regarding their roles:

Why Youth Workers are Important at LT

“’Youth development” or “youth work” is vital, especially here in Waiʻanae, because if we don’t reach our ‘ōpio at a certain point in their lives, they may never know or understand their cultural heritage, where they are from, and what is significant about the area in which they live, that which is part of who they are. Reaching them early in their lives will make a difference; by the time they reach high school, they will already have made up their minds and for some, their choices may not be the best choice they make.”

–“Uncle Moon” Kauakahi, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Waiʻanae

What Youth Workers Hope For the Future

“If there is anything that I’d like to see incorporated in our Youth Development programs is to create safe spaces that normalize counseling and mental well-being. I think it’s so important for this piece to be weaved into our programs to allow kamaliʻi a space to step aside and talk through the issues that they’re facing. Our kamaliʻi need adults who are present and available to sit aside them through life’s challenges. How awesome would it be to see young adults being released into this world who have already done the work, are healed from childhood trauma, and have the tools to face what’s ahead?! I would love to see strong kamaliʻi who are ready for what’s next.”

–Moēlani Foster, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Maui

How the Queen’s Mission Aligns with Their Roles

“A good YDS worker needs several characteristics, traits, and values to be able to push through the hard stuff to focus on supporting our kamaliʻi. First, they need to have a deep understanding of the foundation of the organization. Why was this Trust formed? Why did the Queen choose orphaned and then destitute children? How has the Trust evolved over the years? If you don’t know where you came from, how will you know where you have to go?”

Another trait is patience and resilience. I have learned that sometimes, I have to have patience for my co-workers, the kamaliʻi, the changes, and the losses. Then, I must bounce back.

Last, is focus. This job is never about you. Like the Queen dictated in her Deed of Trust, it is about native Hawaiian kids and their families. Everything we do or don’t do is about the kids. What you teach them, what you say to them, where you bring them, how you show up for them, that is the focus. 

–Kathleen Kikuchi-Samonte, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Kauaʻi

“Communication with teammates is crucial. Being able to support one another during meetings, program planning, and just being able to be open with each other helps build trust and support for each other. When we have that, it feels amazing and when you feel amazing, so much more amazing things happen for our team and kamaliʻi.” 

–Kristina Moyers, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Maui

“I always believe that being a servant of our Queen is a calling. For me, a good worker who works with kamaliʻi is someone who loves working with children, is patient, has an open heart/mind, listens with understanding, is non-judgmental, caring, kind, and has the Queen’s mission/vision at the forefront at all times.” 

–Frances Paʻaluhi, Program Associate, Kīpuka Waiʻanae

What Inspires Them to Work in Youth Development

“I have the opportunity to ‘speak life’ with these kamaliʻi, to share the love of God with them, which is the same love our Queen extended to her people, and to impart a wholesome message where otherwise they wouldn’t get it anywhere else. It’s also because I have a heart for all kamaliʻi.

I love, mālama, and advocate for them as if they are my own! I want them to know that in life, there are two types of moments. There will be moments you fear and then there will be moments you seize. It’s my hope and prayer that by having this opportunity to kākoʻo the kamaliʻi that they will truly learn and retain the manaʻo that people may not remember what you did or what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. And by giving and sharing aloha, people always remember aloha, and that’s what we want them to remember, to feel, to learn, to share and to perpetuate.”

–Hileka Lyons, Program Associate, Kīpuka Maui

“My community of Waiʻanae moku inspires me to be in Youth Development. Everything from the mountains to the sea. Everything on top (sky, sun, moon, star constellations, Milky Way), and everything below, (kalo roots, sweet potatoes, soil, rocks, spring water). Most importantly, the people of my moku inspire me. We are resilient, like our kūpuna before us. Just as they have taught me important knowledge and wisdom, I must take my place as an educator and continue the passing down of values and knowledge to the future generation.” 

–Kainoa Aila, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Waiʻanae

“Hawaiian immersion schools helped me to understand the importance of making an impression on kamali‘i early on. The goal is to educate kamaliʻi and encourage them to make a difference in the lāhui. Youth Development asks us to stay connected with them, nurture their growth, and inform them of their development. I am in this field because I want to help mold good, contributing community members.” 

–Mālie Young, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko

What They Enjoy Most About Their Jobs

“Working with the kamaliʻi brings me immense joy as the Queen’s mission and vision. I find fulfillment in guiding them to recognize their potential, encouraging them to dream ambitiously, and providing unwavering support and encouragement. Being able to join them in play, reminding them to embrace fun and their inner child, is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their innocence and untapped potential, regardless of their background or history, inspires me to help them realize these qualities within themselves. The gratitude expressed by the youth towards those who genuinely care, invest time, and foster a positive, safe environment is truly heartwarming.” 

–Kainani Kahunanui, Youth Development Lead, Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko

“What I love most about working with the youth is connecting with them and building pilina (trust) so they can open up to me and share anything they need to get off of their chest. I feel like we do a great job at honing our values and expectations of the kids that when they enter our space, they feel welcomed and valued. These days, society and/or social media is such a huge factor in the kids. This can pressure them into doing something or being someone that they aren’t. So, I just enjoy when they are with us at programs and tailor our programs to their needs.”

–Shyanne Castillo, Youth Development Specialist, Kīpuka Maui

Why Other Teammates Appreciate Them

“I love their hiki nō attitude, support and grace that they have given to me, each other and their kipukas teammates as we work through setting up the new position and team. They are the best.”

–Amanda Sugai, Manager of Special Projects

 "I am constantly amazed and impressed by their creativity, passion, and dedication to kamali'i. They tackle challenges with grace and grit and create engaging and meaningful experiences for youth and communities alike, encouraging us all to flex our creative muscles and remember to play. I feel so lucky and honored to work alongside such incredible teammates.”

–Bailey Huguley, Senior Advisor, Program Implementation and Partnerships