Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i Member Highlight: Celebrating 50 Years of Hale ‘Ōpio Kauai, Inc.

TFK Coordinator, Valerie Saiki (far right) at an event with Hale Opio Kaua‘i Staff: Christy, Letty and Maya (L-R)

This year marks a major milestone for Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i (TFK) member Hale ‘Ōpio Kaua‘i (HOK) as they celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to the Kaua‘i community. Incorporated in 1975, HOK’s mission is to improve young people’s quality of life, enhance a sense of belonging, increase self-awareness, and strengthen ‘ohana by providing residential and community programs for education, prevention, court diversion, and substance treatment.

To achieve its mission, HOK reaches over 500 youth annually through more than 20 programs designed to: 

• Develop youth competency
• Strengthen family bonds
• Divert youth from the justice system
• Reconnect youth to education
• Prepare youth for self-sufficiency
• Teach healthy  lifestyles

At the heart of their approach is  the belief that genuine relationships with trusted adults are key to supporting the positive development of young people.

TFK has been a proud partner with HOK over the years, collaborating on tobacco prevention efforts through after-school programs, summer initiatives, diversion services, and more. 

To honor five decades of service, TFK invites you to join HOK’s End of Summer Bash & Resource Fair on Saturday,  August 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Grove Farm’s Puhi Park  (same field as the Saturday Farmers Market).

This free, family-friendly event will include:

• Community resource booths
• Local craft vendors
• Food trucks
• Live entertainment
• Free back-to-school supplies for keiki. 

At this event, TFK will host a school bag tag-making station and is looking for volunteers to help laminate tags for youth. No experience is needed! If you’d like to help, contact TFK coordinator Valerie Saiki at valerie@hiphi.org. 

For questions about the End of Summer Bash, contact Tiare Luka at tluka@haleopio.org or (808) 977-8207.

To learn more about TFK or get involved, email valerie@hiphi.org.