PIDF Honors Two Visionary Women Leading Youth-Focused Change in Hawaiʻi  August 29, 2025

On August 8^th, beneath the glow of the full moon over Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) welcomed over one hundred supporters to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for its annual fundraising gala, Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards. The evening was filled with laughter, joy, and aloha, celebrating endurance, leadership, and deep-rooted community care.  

The “Pewa,” a traditional Hawaiian wood joinery symbolizing strength through unity, is the guiding symbol of the annual event. This year, PIDF honored two extraordinary women dedicated to youth mentorship, recognizing Carla Houser of RYSE and Kumu Michelle Pieper of Hānai Kaiāulu as living pewa, mending the fractures of adversity and reawakening the dreams of Hawaiʻi’s youth. From serving houseless teens and young adults to reconnecting West Oʻahu youth intentionally with ʻāina and sustainability, these women and their initiatives exemplify what it means to create thriving connected communities. 

The evening also showcased the heart of PIDF’s mission. A powerful panel discussion, led by PIDF’s President and CEO, Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, featured voices from across PIDF’s programs: Adelina Crowell (Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Project Coordinator and former participant), Gail Omoto (Founding Member of Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and current participant), and Armond Jason Kahawai (KAʻA Project Director and long-time Ka Paʻalana staff). Their heartfelt testimonies offered guests a firsthand look at the lasting impact of PIDF’s work to inspire and equip Hawaiʻi’s families for success through timeless Native Hawaiian values.  

As the awards were presented and stories shared, guests responded with overwhelming generosity. From spirited auction bidding to countless acts of kōkua throughout the night. Together, our partners, donors, and community members helped ensure that PIDF can continue to provide critical programs for Hawaiʻi’s keiki, ‘ōpio, and ʻohana. 

Mahalo to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made this year’s Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards such a remarkable success. With your support. The legacy of care and aloha continues to grow. 

For more information about PIDF’s Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards, please visit https://pidf.org/ulu-hana/  

Nominations for our 2026 Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards are now open! To nominate a community hero you admire, submit a form here.