The FBIHNCAAA board of directors, in an effort to build relationships with and to support one of the most challenging communities in Hawaii, voted to adopt Ke`elikolani Middle School (formerly known as Central Middle School) after meeting with the school’s principal. Ke’elikolani Middle School is situated in downtown Honolulu, in the middle of the downtown business district and the school’s principal is Mr. Joseph Passantino (Principal Joe), a dynamic, energetic, and competent leader of the school. As the principal of Ke’elikolani Middle School, Principal Joe sees the harsh reality of the students he serves. For example, there are 6th graders entering middle school with 30 prior arrests and even sexual assault charges. It is not surprising that the academic performance is one of the lowest in the state for middle schools. Principal Joe strives to do everything he can to make a difference for his students and staff. Whether policing the halls, motivating his students, establishing after-school programs, teaching a class, studying the data, feeding the community, or cooking for the staff, Principal Joe is there to do whatever is needed and the FBIHNCAA has joined him in committing to the school and its students.

As one of its first programs at the school, the FBIHNCAAA will be establishing a resource room located at the school named “The Aloha Room: Na Kumu Waiwai – Source of Abundance” which will help to provide basic necessities for the students who are in need. This includes school uniforms, shoes and school supplies. The announcement and launch of The Aloha Room will take place at the school’s 8th grade graduation celebration that will be held on May 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. on the school’s campus. We invite FBIHNCAA members to be a part of this community effort by donating or volunteering during graduation.