Palama Settlement

“For their review, the Form 990 is provided to the board prior to its submission to the IRS.”

“Palama's conflict of interest policy is discussed during new trustee orientation. A signed copy of the policy is kept on file for key staff and volunteers, and trustees. Should potential conflicts of interests arise, the trustee is given the opportunity to disclose all material facts. Depending on the conflict, the trustee may recuse him/herself from a meeting or vote.”

“An annual performance review is conducted with the Executive Director. Any increase in compensation is made based on the evaluation and available funds. No officers of the board are compensated. Other key employees are evaluated by the Executive Director, and merit based increases are made only with available funds.”

“Palama annually renews its registration with State of Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Attorney General's office and the State Department of Taxation and the 990 is therefore public record. Upon request, Palama will make all information available to a requesting party.”

“Recreation Programs - Recreation programs are provided for low to moderate income families and individuals, at-risk youth, and the elderly. Programs for youth include learn-to-swim classes / free swim, after-school drop in activities, and access to a computer center. Palama's goal is to provide safe and nurturing environment for youth during those hours when the risk for delinquency is high. Late Night Basketball during the summer months provides an option for teens to engage in a physical, team sport rather than delinquent activities. The Late Night League drew over 200 youth from various Kalihi area non-profits to the Palama gym for the weekly games in June and July. In addition to the games, the teams were required to participate in educational and community service components of the League. The Honolulu Police Department, a League partner, provided the educational component that focused on status offenses and law violations, its penalties and consequences. In 2015, the senior citizens' program in which 250 seniors were registered, participated line dancing, tai chi, Zumba, chair yoga, qi gong, mah jong, hula, ukulele and sewing classes. The program is volunteer driven with seniors serving as coordinators and instructors.”

“Psycho-Social Well Being - The In-Community Treatment Program (ICTP) is an alternative learning program for adjudicated youth who are referred by Family Court. ICTP provides an opportunity for the youth who are failing in school to recover credits toward graduation by working in partnership with each student's home school. Staff also work with probation officers to ensure compliance with Family Court plans. The program integrates mentoring, character development, one-on-one counseling, and group sessions to encourage the students to eliminate law violating behaviors and develop into healthy, productive adults. During the 2014-2015 contract year, 48 unduplicated students were served. While in the program, the number of law violations committed dramatically decreased with only one charge of abuse of a household member, one of terroristic threatening and one of theft were reported. This compares to six robbery, seven theft, four burglary, and three assaults, in addition to other law violations adjudicated prior to program entry.”

“Delinquency Prevention Programs - Palama's Pakolea program coordinates football, basketball and volleyball for youth. In 1968 the Pakolea program was established in response to the low number of high school graduates from the community and the high number of boys rejected from entering the military. The program utilizes sports participation as an incentive to improve academic achievement and behavioral change. Even today, in addition to time on the field or court, academic hours are required for Pakolea participants. Assistance with homework, guest speakers, and other learning opportunities are conducted with the student athletes during these hours. Mentoring and character development are integrated into the program to develop student athletes who are respectful and value education. With a generous donation from an individual supporter, many of the players from the low-income neighborhood were awarded financial aid to pay their registration fees. This enabled a large number of community youth to participate in a structured sports program where they not only gained athletic skills, but made new friends and learned the values of being scholar athletes.”

“This process has not changed from the prior year.”