Learning "green skills" can be a major step up for many of Hawaii’s young people. There is a collaborative effort underway that will help accomplish that goal.
Members of Urban Corps are finishing work on the restrooms at what is called "the Net Shed" at Point Panic. They are part of a cooperative effort involving Kupu, private companies donating material and volunteers, and Sunetric.
"Yes, definitely and it gives the youth really transferable skills whether it's with Sunetric or the industry as a whole. Green jobs are growing so quickly and particularly the solar installer sector,” said Tammy Berger of Sunetric.
Along with the tile work being done here, the young people are learning more about solar panel installation. What qualities matter in the potential workers?
"Attitude's important. I talk to the youth in our first meeting about the attitude to really get in their and learn and their passion for solar,” said Berger.
KUPU - a non-profit that oversees the training program - is dedicated to Hawaii's green future.
"This program would not be possible without partners so HCDA lets us use this facility, Bella Pietra gave us the stone for the restrooms, Sunetric has been huge a huge partnership...these kids would not be able to gain these skills,” said John Leong of KUPU.
John Leong is proud of the work force that has gathered for this project. "These guys do come from under-resourced areas but they all have amazing hearts and as they apply that heart to the knowledge and opportunities that they've been given."
Those opportunities include the chance to develop job skills, life skills and getting a GED. Aaron Tui, for one, is thrilled for the opportunity. "Having a program to where it incorporates the natural environment and the urban environment really helps me to really see what Hawaii can do, what we all can do to live a green life here in Hawaii.”
"It's so easy to become apathetic or think someone else is going to do it,” said Leong. “We need the next generation to stand upwards and take that responsibility."
