NEWS RELEASE
Public Communications Division
Department of Customer Services
City & County of Honolulu

523-4385

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 12, 2002

CITY AWARDED GRANT TO HELP AT-RISK YOUTH

Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris announced today that the City has won a $1.4 million federal grant for an ongoing demonstration project that assists young offenders, gang members and at-risk youth and prepares them for long-term employment.

“Our city should be proud to be one of only 29 across the country selected by U.S. Department of Labor for this grant,” said the Mayor.

“The City and County of Honolulu’s work to help young people get a second chance in life is inspiring to see,” said Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor. “We hope young people will find good jobs and become valuable citizens in their communities as a result of this grant.”

Honolulu’s application was prepared and submitted by the Department of Community Services’ Office of Special Projects, which is headed by Ernie Martin.

“This funding is valuable to our program, which is designed to deter juveniles from criminal activities and guide them toward economic self-sufficiency through comprehensive educational, vocational and support services,” explained Martin.

Other agencies participating in the program include the State departments of Health and Education, Honolulu Police Department; Hale Kipa, Inc., Samoan Service Providers Association, Alu Like, Inc., Honolulu Community Action Program, Catholic Charities Family Services, Pacific Gateway Center, Kapiolani Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Hawaii Human Development Corporation, Kalihi YMCA, Susannah Wesley Community Center, Oahu Central District Transitional Program, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, and Sisters Offering Support.

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