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Ho’ākeolapono Trades Academy & Institute
3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy STE 1300 #349, Lihue, HI
808-652-4208
FOUNDING MEMBERS
FOUNDERS INSPIRATION
Charles Agustus Naihe has been a pivotal member of the Hawaiian community. With over 25 years of service in the Department of Corrections, Charlie has dedicated his adult life to helping others. Growing up on Hawaiian Home Lands on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, he has had the opportunity to serve many Hawaiians. Witnessing many of his fellow brothers and sisters fall victim to the challenges faced by the DHHL, Charles made a simple request to his sons: to engage in activities that would benefit the Hawaiian community.
Lawai'a Naihe
Lawaiʻa is the founder, program director, and instructor of Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy and Institute. He is a father of three girls and a DHHL Beneficiary in Anahola.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, including six years in administrative roles, Lawaiʻa is an accredited educator. Additionally, he has more than 20 years of experience as a journeyman carpenter in the building and construction industry.
During his tenure as an administrator, Lawaiʻa observed that many underprivileged youths struggled with schoolwork due to socioeconomic challenges and behavioral needs.
In July 2021, he left his position as Vice Principal of Kanuikapono Public Charter School to establish Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy and Institute, dedicated to supporting and empowering these students.
Kelcie Yomen
Kelcie Yomen has over five years of experience in the building and construction trades and possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in her field
A native of Kauaʻi, Kelcie is a trades graduate from KCC in Massage Therapy and HCC in Electrical Installation and Maintenance. In December 2020, she graduated from an HVAC program in Arizona and returned to Kauaʻi. Currently, Kelcie holds dual roles at Kauai Refrigeration Services Inc. as both supervisor and lead technician. She and her two sisters are among the few female certified HVAC technicians on the island.
Recognizing the significant gap in tradeswomen, Kelcie developed the Nā Wāhine training program to address this need. In 2021, she collaborated with Lawaiʻa to launch the Hoʻākeolapono HVAC Training and Certification program in 2022, welcoming new individuals every semester.
Kinohionani Naihe
With an AA in Hawaiian Studies, she earned certificates in Hawaiian botany and Hawaiian language from Kauaʻi Community College. Her passion lies in educating younger generations and helping set them up for success.
To pursue this passion, she currently works for Ho’alahou by Alulike, serving Native Hawaiian youth and specializing in a positive action curriculum. This curriculum addresses a wide range of topics, including substance abuse, positive coping skills, life budgeting, and promoting a positive lifestyle for young people.
Kinohi is also translating the Hoʻākeolapono Curriculum into ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to serve the Hawaiian Immersion PCS.