Neighborhood Place of Puna Opens Hub for 14-25 Youth, Expanding Job and Education Support
Updated
Updated · Big Island Now · Jul 19
Neighborhood Place of Puna Opens Hub for 14-25 Youth, Expanding Job and Education Support
2 articles · Updated · Big Island Now · Jul 19
Summary
Puna ʻŌpio Hub has opened in Hawaiian Paradise Park, giving young people ages 14 to 25 a new drop-in site for career, education and life-skills support.
The Kīlauea Recovery Grant-funded program targets barriers to adulthood in lower Puna, including limited access to jobs, career guidance, technology, transportation and basic support services.
On-site youth specialists will help with resumes, interview practice, college and trade school applications, FAFSA, budgeting and referrals, while workshops are set to begin advertising in August.
Six youths already started a community garden at the hub, part of a broader effort to build community and teach agriculture, financial literacy and other practical skills tied to long-term stability.