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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Kumu ʻŌhiʻa from Kailua Kona, HI is requesting materials related to food, clothing & hygiene through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Kumu ʻŌhiʻa is requesting

Hoʻokipa-The Art of Welcoming

Help me give my students these essential supplies for softening ti leaves and preserving finished lei, empowering students to practice authentic hoʻokipa and maintain the vibrant cultural traditions of the Hawaiian Renaissance.

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  • $341 still needed thanks to a match offer

expires Sep 08

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Mr. Kumu ʻŌhiʻa Kealakehe High School
Kailua Kona, HI Grades 9-12

My Project

To create the supple, durable strands needed for traditional ti leaf lei, the leaves must first be carefully prepped to ensure they are pliable enough to twist without breaking. A microwave is an essential tool in this process, providing a controlled method for gently softening the leaf midrib, making it flexible for the intricate hilo (twisting) method. Once the lei is completed, the biological life of the plant must be protected. A refrigerator acts as a vital preservation, keeping the lei fresh, vibrant, and fragrant until the exact moment they are presented to our guests.

The heart of this project is to equip my students with the professional-grade tools necessary to practice the art of hoʻokipa (hospitality) at its highest level.

By having these appliances directly in our workspace, students can manage the entire lifecycle of a lei from harvesting and prepping to preservation and presentation. My goal is for students to take full ownership of the welcoming ceremonies, learning that the care taken in the preparation is just as important as the final gesture of gifting the lei. This project bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real-world application of cultural protocol.

Students are the ambassadors of our school’s spirit, and they take immense pride in being the first faces guests see when they arrive on our campus. As practitioners of Hawaiian arts and crafts, they understand that a lei is not just a decoration, but a physical manifestation of aloha and a symbol of the breath of life. They are exceptionally dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels honored and seen. Providing them with a microwave and refrigerator empowers these young cultural practitioners to maintain the dignity of our traditions, ensuring that the gifts they labor over remain a beautiful and fresh reflection of our community's warmth.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

200 students impacted
Mr. Kumu ʻŌhiʻa Kealakehe High School Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Kailua Kona, HI View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

200 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Mini Refrigerator Stainless Steel 4.5 cu ft Total Capacity 3 Shelves • Grainger $393.76 1 $393.76
GE - 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave with Convenience Cooking Controls - Stainless Steel • Best Buy Education $124.99 1 $124.99

Materials cost

$518.75

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $22.83

3rd party payment processing fee

$7.78

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$579.36

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$102.24

Total project goal

$681.60

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $681.60

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $681.60

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Kumu ʻŌhiʻa and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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