The Kuikui Center is a noble partnership that aims to gather support, resources and opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and the community. Since the establishment of the center in 2009, over 80 individuals, service groups and businesses have donated over $1 million in goods and services. The initial support came from Friends of Hawaii Charities, Makana O Maui Fund and Macy’s. The partnership for donation of services has attracted entities like Ace Security and Locksmiths, Hawaii Self Storage and American Savings Bank.
Support
The support is mostly in the form of good, services and volunteerism. The goods needed include air beds and pumps, office supplies, water dispensers and meals. The services targeted by the initiative include fundraising efforts and translators for languages widely spoken in Hawaii. Kuikui Center also reserves positions for staff wellness services and daily clerical tasks such as report compilation and answering phone calls. The on-demand staff wellness services include transportation and mentoring programs tailored for the youth and teen.
Renewable Energy Program
Kuikui foundation has also established a renewable energy program to save money and the environment. The Kuikui Solar project aims to provide cost-effective energy, separate from that offered by the Hawaii Electric Company (HECO). Homeowners interested in 365 photovoltaic solar panels are required to purchase 2 rooftop systems with output totaling 93.4kW. The equipment’s are subjected to rigorous testing and build standards. The system 1 inverter requirement by HECO is set at 46.2kW. For system 2, the inverter requirement was reduced to 34kW from 34.2Kw.
Robert Tweed
Besides HECO, the new settings have been approved by Net Energy Metering (NEM). The Kuikui solar initiative has so far received grants totaling $88,250 from the state of Hawaii. Prominent entrepreneur and financial adviser, Robert Tweed is also supporting the solar power initiative. Being a tropical location means there is plenty supply of solar energy in Hawaii. The energy tapped from the sun is mostly distributed using solar panels installed in homes and business premises. Robert wants to support the initiative to help the state achieve the targeted per capita rates of solar power.
It is important to recognize that Hawaii was the first state to reach grid parity for photovoltaic. Besides renewable energy, Robert also supports youth empowerment and education. He established the Rusty Tweed Economic Scholarship to support high school and undergraduate students studying economics and finance related courses. The $1000 annual award is offered to students who excel in their studies. Robert’s philanthropic efforts also extended to health care and wellness, where he supports the New Orleans Detox Center and NY Detox Center.