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Pihana Na Mamo: The Native Hawaiian Special Education project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This
federal grant is awarded to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG)
with a subcontract to the Hawai'i Department of Education (HDOE).
The mission of the Pihana Na Mamo is the delivery of educational services to children and youth of Hawaiian
ancestry with special needs that results in improved outcomes.
The vision of the Pihana Na Mamo is to affirm and promote numerous positive, varied and mutually supportive
opportunities, experiences, and partnerships with the school, family and community so that students are rooted in
their culture, are contributing members of society, and empowered to set and pursue their goals.
What does the name Pihana Na Mamo mean?
The name Pihana Na Mamo means the "Gathering of Special Children" and was given to the project
by the late Alexander Poki Kali of the University of Hawai'i, the first chair of the project's Advisory Council.
The term mamo literally refers to the now-extinct black Hawaiian honey creeper (Drepanis pacifca)
whose yellow feathers were prized by Hawaiians for its use in featherwork. Because each bird yielded only a few
yellow feathers these were used only in the choicest featherwork items. Hence, according to Kali, mamo figuratively
refers to something cherished, or our special children.
What are the major components of Pihana Na Mamo?
The project has six major components:
- Program Administration,
- Heluhelu
- Kako'o
- Makua Hanai
- Curriculum and Materials Adaptations
- Data Management and Evaluation
CRDG serves as the lead for Program Administration, Curriculum and Materials Adaptations, and Data Management and
Evaluation. HDOE implements the three school-based components of Heluhelu, Kako'o, and Makua Hanai.
What are the major school-based activities of Pihana Na Mamo?
The major school-based activities of the project are Heluhelu (to read), Kako'o (to support and assist), and Makua
Hanai (parent involver).
- Heluhelu supports schools in implementing researched-based reading programs. In grades K-2, schools utilize
programs that emphasize direct-instruction teaching strategies and the development of phonological awareness skills.
For older students the project supports reading programs that stress fluency and comprehension skills. Intensive
reading programs are available for students who need extra assistance.
- Kako'o is a mentoring program for secondary students that focuses on course completion and graduation
from high school by building on the rich cultural heritage and strengths of Hawaiian students. Through timely
advisement, ongoing monitoring, and transition planning, students are encouraged to pursue higher education and
employment training options.
- Makua Hanai is a parent and community partnership component that encourages the building of positive
relationships between schools and the Hawaiian community and families. The project supports parent involvers who
maintain contact with families and serve as a vital link between schools and the Hawaiian communities.
Who do I contact for more information?
| Hawai'i Department of Education
Division of Learner, Teacher, and Student Support
Curriculum and Instruction Branch
475 22nd Avenue
Building 302, Room 214
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: (808) 733-9894
Fax: (808) 735-8227
Gloria Kishi, Project Director
Maggie Hanohano, Project Coordinator
Doreen Yamashiro, Data Coordinator
JoAnn Ka'akua, Kako'o Coordinator
Cynthia Choy, Makua Hanai Coordinator |
Curriculum Research & Development Group
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
1776 University Avenue
UHS 2-213A
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: 956-7900
Fax: 956-9510
email: crdgeval@hawaii.edu
Morris Lai, Principal Investigator |
This project is supported through Grant No. #H221A00002-01 from the U.S. Department
of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
Cover image: Hawai'i Mamo, Dick Miller
Pihana Na Mamo
The Native Hawaiian Special Education Project
from DOE brochure RS 02-0263
A partnership between the
Hawai'i Department of Education and the
University of Hawai'i at Manoa's
Curriculum Research & Development Group
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....Our standards set the course, while students, families, and community
fill the sails with expectation as we voyage with the treasure of bright, young minds ready to lead the way to the future.

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