“The Aloha Closet: Na Kumu Waiwai – Source of Abundance”

In 2023, in an effort to build relationships with and to support one of the most challenging communities in Hawaii, the FBIHNCAAA Board of Directors voted to adopt Ke`elikolani Middle School (formerly known as Central Middle School) after meeting with the school’s principal along with representatives from the FBI. 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” is 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. There are 6th graders entering middle school with 30 prior arrests and even sexual assault charges, so it is not surprising that the academic performance is one of the lowest in the State of Hawaii for Middle Schools. You may recall that 16-year-old Iremamber Skykap (a former student of Principal Joe’s) was shot and killed by law enforcement while he was attempting to flee in a stolen car. Principal Joe shared that he often reflects on what more he could have done to create a different outcome. It is this thought that drives Principal Joe 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 what’s needed to support the school, it’s students, and teachers.

As one of its first programs at the school, in May 2023, the FBIHNCAAA established a lending closet located at the school named “The Aloha Closet: 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 Closet took place at the school’s 8th grade graduation celebration held on May 25, 2023, on the school campus.

We extend our deep appreciation to all of the FBIHNCAAA members who donated school supplies and gift cards and recognize and thank the following corporate donors for their support in making the “The Aloha Closet: Na Kumu Waiwai – Source of Abundance” possible:

Support 2024 Adopt A School

We invite you to join the FBIHNCAA in supporting Ke`elikolani Middle School by donating school supplies or with a cash donation to support the following 2024 Adopt A School Activities:

• School Supplies Needed:
• Pencils
• Colored Pencils
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Teacher Appreciation Day, May 6, 2024
  
• 8th Grade Promotion (Graduation), May 29, 2024

Join us in Supporting the Adopt A School Program by

visiting the Donate Page and selecting "Adopt A School"

to make an online donation.

You may also purchase School Supplies via Amazon and have them mailed directly to the FBIHNCAAA School Supplies Collection address by using this link FBIHNCAAA Keeliokalani Amazon Link.

For Donations via check

For more information about the Adopt A School Program contact Sherilyn Lau at sherilyn.lau@fbihncaaa.com  

FBIHNCAAA Adopt A School Launch - Ke`elikolani Middle School Promotion Ceremony. May 25, 2023

Principal Joseph Passantino with

FBIHNCAA Adopt A School Committee Chair, Sherilyn Lau 

FBIHNCAAA 2023 President Antonio Williams with Randy Baldemor, Roberts Hawaii Vice President (Corporate Donor) & FBIHNCAA Member

"Principal Joe" with FBIHNCAAA Adopt A School Committe Members & Volunteers

(L to R) Sheri-Ann Lau Clark, Alyssa Clark, John Clark, Principal Joseph Passantino, Sherilyn Lau, Wendell Tashiro & Luella Costales