CERENE March Neighborhood News

As March begins and ushers in a fresh new Spring season, we hope you're excited for new beginnings. With the arrival of spring, we're looking forward to carrying forward a spirit of celebration for what's to come this year. We hope some of you enjoyed St. Patrick's Day and embrace all the fun and laughter that comes with it, while also carrying a bit of luck with you throughout the rest of the year. We also acknowledge Women's History Month and honor the incredible women who have shaped our world. Not to mention showing love and recognition for our ʻāina during Environmental Awareness Month.

Our latest issue of resilience news is here, packed with stories and insights from across the

community. This is a BIG issue. We hope you enjoy diving into it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thanks a bunch for all you do to champion resilience in your own life and beyond.

Here's to a March filled with resilience, growth, and plenty of reasons to smile!

Mahalo Nui Loa,

Chris Pascua, Brianna Donnelly, Dr. Miku, and the CERENE Team

Updates from partners in our Hubs Learning Community & Network

CERENE presented alongside Sarah Harris (CCSR) at the Nice Neighborhoods February Meeting chaired by Harris Nakamoto in partnership with Anders Noyes, the Head of Security and Safety at the Honolulu Museum of Art (HOMA) to nearly 20 community leaders last month. Harris and Anders have been working together to support community resilience for the surrounding neighborhoods for some time now and they are excited about developing and supporting HOMA as a Resilience Hub! Their Hub model is a beautiful example of both Blue Skies and Gray Skies resilience. They are supporting community programming through their new Welcome Project focused on art and revitalizing the community and they are also interested in future Gray Skies (Emergency) resilience planning as well. More updates from them to come, and we welcome them to the Hub Learning Community and are looking forward to learning from them and supporting them in the future!

CERENE attended the Kickoff meeting for the The Ko'olaupoko Resilience Review (KRR) on March 7th. The KRR is a community-focused analysis of the potential future impacts of climate change in Koʻolaupoko with the goal of identifying shovel-ready projects that will improve resilience. The Review is funded by grants from the Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City and County of Honolulu, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency and the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC). CERENE will attend to advocate and support for community-based initiatives and best practices for working with the community, and to be a bridge for our large O'ahu Resilience Hubs Network, and Learning Community. We will share updates and info here as we learn more!

Tomodachi (Friend) Kibou for Maui is a new program in partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative and Odyssey Nature Japan. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors directly impacted by the Maui wildfires. The objective of the program is to engage, inspire, and empower youth impacted by the Lahaina wildfires to lead the long-term physical, mental, and spiritual recovery of their community. Right now youth leaders from Maui are on a week-long trip to Higashimatsushima in the Tohoku region learning about tsunami recovery, networking with young people in Japan who are active with the recovery, and participating in workshops with local organizations/trainers. What an awesome program and exchange supporting our next generation youth in Hawai'i and the Pacific!

We are thrilled to highlight the TBSE (Transcending Barriers to Success in Economics) Program at CERENE. This initiative brings together student leaders and peer mentors dedicated to tackling inequalities within economics programs at community colleges. By establishing a pathway for Native and Pacific Islanders, as well as women, in economic studies, TBSE aims to address the underrepresentation of these demographics in economics programs. The program offers a structured track designed to facilitate progression to UH Mānoa, providing a bridge to a four-year university education. Check out our amazing student leaders below to see how they are supporting aina-based resilience on O'ahu and beyond!

Our TBSE and CERENE student leaders had a great experience at Paepae o He'eia! They delved into hands-on work, clearing out invasive jellyfish and plants from the shoreline during our fishpond restoration field trip. This experience was not only a restoration project but the field trip was aimed to immersed them in Aloha 'Āina values but also deepened their understanding of the circular economic practice. We're proud of our student leaders for their dedication to environmental stewardship and making a positive impact on our community. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!

Interested in Workdays like these? Does your Aloha 'Āina spirit call you to action? Join us in preserving and nurturing cultural and environmental heritage at Paepae o He'eia. Volunteer and sign up for future workdays at Paepae o He'eia, where together, we can continue to cultivate the legacy of stewardship for generations to come.

We were honored to host a special delegation from Kwajalein Atoll at the Center For Resilient Neighborhoods at Kapiolani Community College. The delegation consisted of the Mayor of Kwajalein, the Educational Department Chief and many other important guests. During their visit, we had discussions centered on topics of community resilience and strategies to foster a climate-ready future for the Kwajalein Atoll. Building closer relationships between our communities was emphasized as crucial for navigating the challenges posed by climate change. Together, we explored approaches to strengthen resilience and a closer relationship to ensure a sustainable and climate ready future for all.

CERENE was lucky enough to host Dr. Pimpimon Kaewmanee through the State Department's Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Community College Residency Program (CCRP), which pairs fellows with two-year colleges to share best practices and build expertise in important fields. Dr. Pim, Department Chair in Economics and Distinguished Lecturer at Maejo University, shared her work regarding supporting community resilience and sustainable agriculture through reforestation and quality of life improvement in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand. She worked closely with our CERENE Student leaders at all our CERENE Events (including the Paepae Fishpond restoration), shared an excellent seminar presentation and even had the chance to attend the Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting! We look forward to many collaborations and exchanges with her in the future. (Read the UH News Story Here.)

Mahalo to the KCC Grants Office for supporting Dr. Pim's visit and making these connections possible to enrich our students learning and support continued resilience effort on O'ahu

Building resilient communities is especially important for islands where assistance and supplies can take days or weeks to arrive. Including our vulnerable populations in disaster planning ensures that any special needs are considered and incorporated into these planning efforts. Building on lessons learned in previous disasters, presenters will discuss the importance of partnership and training in multi-hazard disaster planning initiatives for vulnerable populations in the Pacific territories. If you can't join today, no worries, we will share the replay recording next time!

We'd love to share with our resilience community the opportunity to join upcoming community listening sessions, where your voices will shape the future of clean energy. Share your perspectives on energy needs, costs, resilience, and renewable sources like geothermal and wind. Hosted by the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), NREL, and our diverse Community Council, these sessions aim to empower communities to play a pivotal role in their energy futures. Register now for our upcoming sessions on Oahu and Maui and be part of this transformative conversation. Together, let's build a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for Hawaii.

Here is an interesting article shared by the American Association for Geographers. The National Academy of Sciences is considering creating a new Hurricane Category - Category 6! Take a look at the article here to follow the conversation: https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-stronger-climate-change-pacific-atlantic-86e3abe2c0cc44c3f729e9205e3e35f7. You can find the original PNAS research article here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2308901121.

The project conducted a state-wide survey in Hawaii to assess households' readiness for emergencies, specifically focusing on meeting the 14-day emergency supply recommendation by HIEMA. The study aimed to inform HIEMA about households' preparedness levels and to provide recommendations for enhancing awareness and readiness across Hawaii's counties. Read the Report HERE

In this searching conversation, two internationally renowned experts on and advocates for Indigenous cultures and sustainability in Papua New Guinea discuss the evolution of conservation across the Pacific. In looking toward an Indigenous future of environmental management, they see a reconnection of people to place, a transfer of resources from carbon-producing and former colonial powers, more robust knowledge sharing between environmental scientists and traditional ecosystem stewards, and, not least, greater respect for the Pacific’s Indigenous communities. If Oceania is to survive the climate crisis, they contend, environmental solutions have to be equitable, collaborative, and local.

Speakers: John Aini, Indigenous environmental activist, founder of Ailan Awareness, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea; Paige West, Claire Tow Professor of Anthropology at Barnard College and Columbia University, co-founder of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research; and Alexander Mawyer (moderator), director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies.

Lead Sponsors: School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, Center for Pacific Islands Studies

What are the futures we hope for and envision for our children and grandchildren? Dr. Gail Christopher, whose work emphasizes the importance of holistic healing, and Kumu Hula Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, whose passion lies in the rejuvenation of human-to-nature relationships, come together for the first time in conversation: “For Our Grandchildren: Healing. Restoring. Imagining.”

Featuring: Keynote Speakers: Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani and Dr. Gail Christopher

Co-Facilitated by: Kekuhi Kanahele and Kamakani Albano

Thank you to the Hawaiʻi Kuʻu Home Aloha Summit Sponsors: Papa Ola Lōkahi, Sentry Foundation, University of Hawaiʻi Office of the President, and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Office of the Provost.

The Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program aims to boost kids' understanding of agricultural science and enhance their nutritional well-being. The goal is to ramp up food, garden, and nutrition education in places like school cafeterias and classrooms, while fostering stronger community connections between farms and schools.

• Program: Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program (FASLP)
• Eligibility: Open to various entities including state agricultural experiment stations, colleges, universities, research institutions, federal agencies, private organizations, & non-profits
• Closing Date: December 7, 2023
• Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,920,000
• Range of Awards: $112,500 - $240,000

For More Information and To Apply: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program

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Description: The NEH Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Cultural and Community Resilience program. This initiative supports community-based efforts addressing climate change and COVID-19 impacts by safeguarding cultural resources and fostering resilience through heritage preservation and community experiences documentation. Projects from disadvantaged communities in the U.S. or its jurisdictions are prioritized, with NEH encouraging inclusive methodologies. Current Closing Date for Applications: May 21, 2024

Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,500,000; Award Ceiling: $150,000

Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, City or township governments, State governments, Private institutions of higher education, County governments, Native American tribal governments, Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education, Special district govs.

For More Information and To Apply: visit NEH Cultural and Community Resilience.

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EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.

Current Closing Date for Applications:

November 21, 2024

Estimated Total Program Funding:

$2,000,000,000

More information and to apply: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program

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For more information and to share grant opportunities in our upcoming Newsletter, please contact CERENE at cerene15@hawaii.edu. Special thanks to HUD and the KCC GO (Kapi'olani Community College Grants Office) for supporting this work and sharing opportunities!

Wishing you abundance and prosperity for all that you do.

E lauhoe mai na wa'a i ke ka i ka hoe i ka hoe i ke ka pae aku i ka 'aina.

Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana.

Living on O‘ahu means living with flood risk, regardless of where you reside. Floods can happen suddenly and at any time, making it crucial for residents to understand their exposure to this hazard. To gauge awareness, knowledge of flood insurance, and experiences with flooding events, the Resilience Office urges you to take part in our Flood Risk Survey. Previously targeted at specific households, the survey is now open to all O’ahu residents. Your input, taking roughly 15 minutes, is invaluable and will help shape enhanced City outreach and education efforts aimed at bolstering community flood awareness and resilience across the island, including the importance of flood insurance. This initiative is made possible through support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Cooperating Technical Partnership program. Take the survey today and safeguard what matters most in the face of flooding!

The Resilience Corps Leadership Award Program is made possible through funding from our generous donors Hawaiian Electric and State Farm.

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