Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai: Building a Better Tomorrow Through Youth-Led Justice

We will explore Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai (NOW), a youth-led initiative committed to transforming the future for justice-involved Native Hawaiian youth. We will dive into the origins of NOW, discussing the reason it was created and how it continues to sustain its mission today. NOW was founded under the umbrella of ʻEkolu Mea Nui (EMN), in response to the intergenerational issues surrounding the high rates of Native Hawaiian incarceration.

Recognizing the need to break these cycles, NOW seeks to create a supportive environment for youth to flourish, not through direct services but through a good support system where they can openly discuss their struggles, challenges, and experiences.

This session will highlight how NOW provides opportunities for these youth to reconnect with Hawaiʻi and their cultural heritage, which is critical to their healing and success. We believe that fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and community is necessary for long-term well-being. The workshop will answer key questions on how culture can play a pivotal role in reshaping the lives of youth, and why having justice-impacted voices at the forefront is vital to creating lasting change for future generations.

What will participants learn?

• Creation and mission of NOW
• Youth leadership and justice reform
• Support networks for justice-involved youth
• Culture connections and its role in healing
• Sustaining youth programs

Who is this workshop for?

• Youth Advocates and Educators
• Community Leaders and Organizers
• Policy Makers and Justice Reform Advocates
• Anyone Interested in Indigenous Justice

Learn more about Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai (NOW)

Looking to receive continuing education contact hours?

Papa Ola Lōkahi (NASWHI-CEP-13) has been designated an approved provider of social work continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers Hawai’i Chapter. The Papa Ola Lokahi maintains responsibility for the program. This program is approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (Approval# ADAD-25-042) for up to 2 contact hour(s). NOTE: Participants are responsible for submitting proof of attendance to their respective certification or licensing board. ʻOhana CoE & Papa Ola Lōkahi do not submit this information on behalf of training participants.

Participants will receive a link to verify attendance at the end of the workshop.

Guest Presenters

Dr. Jamee Mahealani Miller
Co-founder, ‘Ekolu Mea Nui, MSW, Ed.D.

Dr. Jamee Mahealani Miller was raised and continues to reside in the beautiful community of Punaluʻu on the island of Oʻahu. She is married to her loving husband, Kalei Miller, and together they have two children and are blessed with six grandchildren. She has dedicated her entire professional life to working with Native Hawaiians.

She started off as a non-traditional education student at Kailua High School where she worked in the counseling department and serviced Native Hawaiian students, most of whom were from Waimānalo. She assisted these students in completing high school and plans for college. Dr. Miller then started a child abuse prevention program in Waimānalo to service families and young children of Hawaiian ethnicity, she lead a team of multi-disciplinary professionals to strengthen families in the child rearing practices.

Dr. Miller’s longest employment has been with the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust, first as a practicum student and fifteen years later as the Kona Unit Manager. There she increased her learning and practices in indigenous methodologies towards healing. She was able to practice with the greatest of Hawaiian leaders and mentors of our time. It was an honor to serve the Queen and her mission.

Dr. Miller was lured away from one aliʻi Trust to another. Knowing that the Queen and Pauahi love one another so much, it wasnʻt a difficult decision. Dr. Miller served as the regional director on Oʻahu for 5 years.

Through all of her professional success, Dr. Miller has made her ʻohana a priority. Unforeseen personal circumstances brought her to the work of justice reform in Hawaiʻi and the creation of ʻEkolu Mea Nui. Named for her son ʻEkolu who has the biggest heart, generous spirit and a brave soul. She now serves as the Co-Executive Director for ʻEkolu Mea Nui.

Dr. Miller has a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, a masterʻs degree in Social Work and a bachelorʻs in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is a licensed clinician with the state of Hawai‘i. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Kalei K-aloha
Co-Executive Director, ‘Ekolu Mea Nui

Kalei K-aloha was born and raised in the sacred ʻāina of Haleʻaha, Oʻahu, and currently resides in Olaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island with her husband and their five keiki. Kalei draws inspiration from her moʻokūʻauahu and her Hawaiian culture, which guide her work in community. She received her bachelorʻs degree in Public Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

As the Co- Executive Director of ʻEkolu Mea Nui, a Native Hawaiian led- nonprofit. She works towards a vision of a pono justice system in Hawaiʻi. She also leads Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai, a youth-driven program dedicated to justice reform and empowering the next generation to take charge of their future. In addition, she manages Kahikolu Enterprises, a business that specializes in crack seeds snacks, supporting ʻEkolu Mea Nuiʻs mission through its proceeds. Her greatest joy comes from being a mother who fuels her passion for creating a more just and sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.

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Aubree K-aloha
Member, Nā ‘Ōpi‘o Waiwai

Born and raised in Punaluʻu, Oʻahu, Aubree now resides in Olaʻa, Hawaiʻi. She is a dedicated student at Kamehameha High School’s Kea’au Campus. Her passion is Hula, she loves to share her culture with others. Aubree’s favorite subject is speech, which aligns with her natural leadership abilities.As the eldest member of the youth council, Aubree embraces her role as a leader, always striving to set a positive example and inspire her peers. In her downtime, she loves going to the beach, spending time with friends, and planning her future endeavors.

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Zoe Martinez
Member, Nā ‘Ōpi‘o Waiwai

Raised in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. Zoe is a proud student at Kamehameha High School Keaʻau. She enjoys dancing hula and reading, with English being her favorite subject. Zoe loves spending time at the beach with friends and family, cherishing the vibrant community and natural beauty of Hawaii. Zoe has a deep understanding of the importance of providing second chances to those impacted by the carceral system, a perspective that aligns with the mission of the youth council.

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‘Ōhāwai Manuel
Member, Nā ‘Ōpi‘o Waiwai

Raised in Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu, ʻOhawai is a dedicated student at Kamehameha High Schools Kapālama. She loves volleyball, shot put, and discus, excelling both in sports and academics. As the youngest in her family, she is striving to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings. ʻOhawai enjoys spending time at the beach with family and friends, where she loves to play beach volleyball. Her hard work and enthusiasm make her a valuable member of the youth council.

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Oaklynd Unea-Beamer
Member, Nā ‘Ōpi‘o Waiwai

Born in Portland Oregon, and Raised in Waimea of the Big Island. Oaklynd is a proud student at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii. He loves playing volleyball, dancing hula, cheerleading, and enjoys writing summaries for English. He loves inspiring people to be their best person and to always stay positive. He also loves spending time with family because of how much support they give him. He likes doing hands-on activities with his family and friends, such as playing volleyball and going places. The reason he decided to become a part of the council is because he wants to show others that there is more to life.

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