Key Project

The Kualoa-Heeia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project was initiated in 1968 through a combined effort of youth, community residents, churches, and social agencies. Several ministers saw the need for an agency to serve primarily low-income youth in the semi-rural areas from Kualoa Point to Heeia. Funding was obtained from the Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic churches and also private trusts and foundations who supported the efforts of community leaders who had the courage and determination to accept the responsibility of meeting the needs of their community. KEY Project is a rarity in that it was founded, built and sustained by the blood, sweat, and tears of the efforts of it's beneficiaries.

In its early history, KEY addressed itself to the main problems of youth in the community; drug abuse and school dropouts. In 1968, many young people were dropping out of school and turning to drugs (painting and glue sniffing, popping amphetamines, dropping acid, and smoking marijuana). There were a few suicides that were related and girls aged thirteen and fourteen were getting pregnant.

The staff at KEY Project opened a teen canteen 24 hours a day in the summer of 1968. The focus was social and recreational, providing a place for the kids to spend their time constructively. A youth council was formed allowing the teens to determine their own conduct codes and types of programs.

A canteen became the focal point for other youth programs. A VISTA volunteer began a store-front school for teens who kept hanging around KEY. They were not going to regular school so he offered English and Math in an unstructured format. Twelve teens attended during the school year 1968-69. The canteen became a place for kids to go without getting into trouble. The building served as both classroom with learning center and lending library and recreation area, a lounge with TV, phonograph, pool tables, Ping-Pong, piano and game area.

In 1969, a vocational training program for twenty young carpenters was funded by the Progressive Neighborhood Act 299. The majority of the participants were placed in jobs after completing the training. Also that year, a coed dorm experience called the Communiversity was housed at KEY. The program was designed to help people break their dependence on drugs and eventually became the Habilitat Program.

KEY was commended as a model in 1970 by the State House of Representatives for involvement with youth in the area. It was cited as a new approach: "A neighborhood coalition of churches and grass roots people having the freedom to deal with local problems in a way not yet made possible by existing government programs."

In 1970, KEY began it's tradition of sponsoring a children's Christmas party for underprivileged youngsters in the community. Each year, 400-500 children looked forward to a lunch, entertainment, and a gift from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Businesses-and community organizations helped to fund this annual event.

The State Department of Education took over the funding and management of KEY's Dropout School in 1970 using Title I funds. The school began publishing the community newspaper Kalama with the students writing and editing articles.

KEY began offering special interest classes for young adults in the mornings and for teens after school. Community volunteers and paid instructors taught sewing, ceramics, feather lei making, and arts and crafts. Youth activities and a teen club have been periodically held at KEY. Recreational and educational excursions, fundraisings for outer-island trips and service and clean-up projects have kept area youth involved with KEY.

In 1971, Senate Bill 1299 was introduced by Senators John Hulten and Andy Anderson and special funding provided five teacher for the forty students who alled themselves the "Na 'Opio Select Dropouts." A community education committee continued to monitor the program ensuring community control over their children's education. Volunteers from the community served as resources, making the school more relevant to their lifestyle. A canoe club was started and students built a fiberglass hull from a koa mold; Ka Hokulani Kai (heavenly star of the ocean). The KEYhole Arts and Crafts and Thrift Store also opened that year with the project youth serving as sales personnel. The products were made by the students and local craftsmen. Youth programs at KEY then included leathercrafts, wood carving, weaving, carpentry, photography, ceramics, cooking, sewing, welding, and surfboard making.

The year 1972 was very important in KEY Project's history as it marked Aloha United Way funding. This ensured stability of funding and allowed the staff to spend more time on programs. The emphasis of KEY also expanded to include all ages; pre-school to senior citizens. Counseling services to families with drug or alcohol problems, welfare assistance, direct services to the elderly, family planning counseling, health services and vocational counseling were arranged through contacts to extend the services of other agencies. KEY staff often served as an intermediary between other social service agencies and community residents.

The Na 'Opio dropout school moved to a building on the grounds of Kaneohe State Hospital in 1972 due to a large enrollment of 58 students. High school students were not required to attend classes and could complete their assignments for credit on their own time. That year six former dropout students from Castle High received their high school diploma at Castle's graduation ceremony.

In the summer of 1972 KEY began it's annual Summer Fun Program, an educational and recreational enrichment experience. The program originally ran for six days a week, during the day and evenings. It was offered to approximately one hundred youngsters and employed twenty-five youth aides.

A Mother's Program with an informal coffee hour format was introduced in 1973. Guest speakers on child care, health, drugs, vocational and legal counseling were available.

KEY continued to offer a variety of classes, workshops and direct services to interested people in the area. The reputation of KEY had developed and rapport was established with many community residents through various methods. KEY had opened up fines of communication especially with youth. The "Na 'Opio Select Dropouts recorded "Eh, How Come?", a record of Hawaiian songs. They performed at numerous special engagements including private and public functions. In 1974 these former dropouts shared their talents by teaching fourth and sixth graders at Waiahole Elementary School Hawaiian songs and dances.

Internal differences between the staff and the KEY Board of Directors nearly resulted in the destruction of the agency in 1975. The staff was reduced to three employees and one program. The Aloha United Way and the Health and Community Services Council of Hawaii helped to keep KEY alive in 1975 and 1976, and improve the staff, board and programming.

Some of the senior citizens in the area were having a difficult time surviving. There were several incidents of break-ins at KEY to steal food. The Kababayan Club was formed for senior citizens in 1975. KEY staff along with the Honolulu Community Action Program and other social service agencies arranged for free hot lunches for seniors from the community. Soon claims assistance and enrichment classes, along with health services for senior citizens became a program at KEY.

A federally funded after-school tutoring program, Project Kaena, began in 1976. The purpose of the project was to provide a balanced experience of cultural awareness, academics, and socialization. Specifically, the participants were expected to get better grades, get along better with their family, have an improved self-image, and develop ethnic pride. Leadership training, career guidance and college financial aid were important elements of Project Kaena.

The Department of Education began referring students who wouldn't attend regular school, so KEY again offered an off-campus tutorial learning center in 1976. An average of fifteen secondary students received English and Social Studies credits. The program eventually expanded to offer a weight-lifting program. This was very popular with the young men and teens who developed their bodies and discipline. The tutorial program was called the Alternative Learning Center.

In 1978 a farm project was introduced. A few students from Castle High's special education classes received work-study credit and learned how to grow a variety of vegetables. The farm project has gone through several changes. In 1979-80 the farm. 

In 1981 KEY moved into a new facility on Waihee Road. Legal Aid opened it's Windward office and Lanakila continued it's meal site.  Kamehameha Schools and Windward School for Adults begain providing adult basic skills along with KEY's programs.  Our Community development services continue increasing. 

The Food Bank Program, providing both emergency and weekly food distribution was started in 1983.

The Hui Malama Ohana program started in 1988.  At the time of it's founding it was known as Youth Involved in Change. 

The Family Literacy program, an intergenerational learning opportunity for  parent and child together began in 1990.

In 1991, KEY was designated one of four Family Centers in the State of Hawaii.  Comprehensive information and referral services are provided. 

In 1995, Formal collaborations to provide youth services are formed with Hale Kipa and the Susannah Wesley Community Center.  Formal collaboration  with four other Family Centers that provide services to schools that  improve the family, school and community role in literacy and the education of our children are also established.  

In 2000, KEY continues to offer and bring in a wide variety of services for the whole family.