In honor of Women’s History Month, the Centennial of the Women’s Right to Vote, and the current census and election year, Kahuku Public and School Library will host the Kū Kia’i Kahuku Mothers to discuss the importance of staying civically engaged.

Kananiloaʻānuenue Ponciano is a Kahuku resident, Kahuku High and Intermediate School (KHIS) alumni, and proud mother of two beautiful keiki Kamakani and Kawahakui. “I’m passionate about our community. I believe every community member deserves a seat at the decision making table.” She is a Director of Kū Kia`i Kahuku.

Jessica dos Santos, born and raised in Kahuku, is a KHIS alumni (she started KHIS’ first ever environmental club). She has a B.A. in Political Science and Women’s Studies Certificate (UH Mānoa) and an M.A. in Secondary Social Studies (Univ. of Phoenix). She has taught Modern Hawaiian History, Participation in Democracy, World and U.S. History at Kalaheo High School and now at Hawai`i Tech Academy. She also has worked with the Legal Aid Society of HI and Defend O’ahu Coalition. She was one of the founders of Kū Kia`i Kahuku and remains an active advocate for environmental justice and sustainability in Hawai’i.

Sunny Unga, born in Kahuku and married to KHIS alumni Wilson Unga, has a B.A. in Social Work (BYU Provo) and M.A. in Social Work (UH Mānoa). She spent a summer in the Marshall Islands, addressing issues ranging from illegal adoptions to human trafficking. She worked with at-risk youth and the criminal justice system. After learning of the detrimental impacts of wind turbines, she became active in advocating for and seeking environmental justice for the community. She organized letter writing campaigns and rallies, attended and testified at various hearings, and most recently is focusing on legislative work.

Melissa Kaʻonohi-Camit is a Special Education  Assistant at Kahuku Elementary, Director for the non-profit Lāhui Foundation, Vice President of Kahuku Village New Camp Association, mother of three and wife of a KHIS alumni. Resident of Kahuku Village, her mission is to stand up for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and to do her best to uphold and protect what is socially, environmentally, and culturally pono. She believes we need to inspire communities to be unified now and for generations to come.

Refreshments generously provided by the Friends of the Library Kahuku.

All programs are subject to change. If you require an auxiliary aid or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days before the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations.