Maui Police Launch Choice Mentorship Program for Youth

Capt. Tivoli Faaumu is commanding officer of the Kihei Station and will continue in that position when the new station opens. Photo by Susan Halas

By Wendy Osher

The Maui Police Department joins state and county agencies in hosting a Choice Mentorship ‘Ohana Night next week.

Under the program, Maui officers in the Kihei District and other participating agencies volunteer as mentors for at-risk youth for a full year.

The program was the brainchild of Maui Officer Emily Kibby, who under the guidance of her Commander, Captain Tivoli Faamu, submitted a grant application through the state Attorney General’s office.

The kick-off event will take place this Friday, July 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kihei Youth Center.  The year’s worth of activities will culminate with a graduation ceremony planned for next year on June 29, 2013.

In attendance at the upcoming ‘Ohana Night, will be members of the MPD Kihei District, the US Attorney General’s office, the Maui County Prosecutor’s Office and Lokelani Intermediate School.

The Choice Mentoriship Program is funded in part through a Project Safe Neighborhood grant from the Department of the Attorney General.

This program was designed to continue the Maui Police Department’s efforts of community involvement and being role models for at risk youth.