E Ulu Ē: Growing Stronger Together
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities come together to strengthen families and ensure all keiki are healthy, safe, and supported. In Maui County, the theme E Ulu Ē: Growing Stronger Together is inspired by the ulu tree.
A traditional symbol of nourishment, strong roots, and intergenerational care, ulu reflects cultural continuity and resilience. Once abundant in Lāhainā and now returning to the landscape, it reminds us that our ʻohana grows stronger when nurtured with care.
The Hoʻoikaika Partnership is a coalition of community organizations, county and state agencies, and caring individuals working together to prevent child abuse and neglect across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Our focus is building what researchers call “protective factors,” the strengths and supports that help families manage stress and thrive. These include strong social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, parental resilience, and children’s social and emotional skills.
Research shows that when protective factors are strong, keiki are less likely to experience Adverse Childhood Experiences, often called ACEs. ACEs include things like abuse, neglect, or household challenges that can affect long-term health and well-being. The good news is that every day acts of support, connection, and care can buffer those risks and help families thrive.
Parenting is meanginful work.
It is also demanding. Financial stress, housing challenges, and everyday pressures can feel overwhelming. Reaching out for help during those times is not a weakness. It is one of the strongest things a parent can do.
What does that look like in real life?
- Attending a parent support group through a partner agency like Child & Family Service, Maui Family Support Services, or Family Hui Hawaiʻi;
- Participating in youth programs through Boys & Girls Clubs or Pāʻia Youth and Cultural Center;
- Accessing early childhood screenings or behavioral health support for teens; and/or
- Receiving help with food, housing, childcare subsidies, or car seats when finances are tight.
Prevention is not about perfection.
Prevention happens in everyday moments.
Take a deep breath before responding during a stressful moment. Look for “Talking is Teaching” posters on Maui buses and around town. Talking, reading, and singing with your keiki from birth builds brain development, early literacy, and connection. Small, consistent interactions build big protective factors over time.
Each April, Hoʻoikaika Partnership honors Child Abuse Prevention Month by hosting the ʻOhana Fest, a free, family-friendly event filled with games, cultural activities, storytelling, and resource booths from partner agencies. ʻOhana Fest brings families together for a day of fun while increasing awareness of the supports that keep our community strong.
This April, let’s commit to nurturing our ʻohana and one another. We invite families to explore resources, attend ʻOhana Fest, and continue growing stronger together. When families are supported, keiki flourish and Maui grows stronger for generations to come.
Where to turn for support
Need help but not sure where to start?
Maui County has many organizations ready to walk alongside families from infancy through high school graduation. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Everyone needs help sometimes. No shame. Just support.
If you’re not sure where to start, Hoʻoikaika Partnership’s Navigation Services can help connect you to resources that match your needs.
Explore local resources:
Hoʻoikaika Partnership was featured in the spring edition of Maui Mama Magazine in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
