Introduction
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Hawaii is made up of a multitude of ethnic groups, all of whom have brought with them their own cultural diversity. Upon their arrival, they are embraced by the spirit of Aloha – a sense of welcome and understanding.
In many Pacific Island cultures, the canoe is a symbol of strength, courage, teamwork, and perseverance. Like a canoe, newcomers must be ready for change and must be able to adjust to their surroundings by working together to overcome challenges. All cultures, all nations, and all people have one common value – respect for others. We are in the same canoe and through “laulima” (many hands working together), we can find success in a new land.
A recent addition to Hawaii has been newcomers from the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Yap), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, also known as the Freely Associated States (FAS). As with other ethnic group newcomers, many are faced with exciting and challenging adjustments in their new home.
The intent of this handbook is to provide an acculturation tool for those from the Freely Associated States.
This handbook includes:
- The important role of the family in the home and at school;
- Caring for children;
- Child safety in the home and in the community;
- Hawaii laws; and
- Low- or no-cost resources.
As we journey together, and meet life's many challenges in our canoe, it is our hope that we will succeed in reaching our dreams, not only from looking to the stars as our ancestors taught us, but also from working harmoniously together for better horizons ahead.
We hope this handbook will provide the information needed to successfully adapt to Hawaii.
Voyaging Together to a New Life: A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawaii is the result of a partnership between:
- Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division;
- Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Office of Community Services;
- Department of Health;
- Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu;
- Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc.; and
- Parents And Children Together, Hawaii Parent Information Resource Center.
Portions of Voyaging Together to a New Life: A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawaii are from Raising Children in a New Country: An Illustrated Handbook © United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. 20017. These copyrighted portions are on pages 5, 13, 20, 21, 37, and 38 of Voyaging Together to a New Life: A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawaii.
The information provided in this booklet is for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. The information presented here is not intended to set any standards, nor is it to be taken as, nor should it replace, legal counsel. Although some of the information contained herein is about legal issues, this guide is not and should not be treated as legal advice. Due to the ever-changing nature of the law, the public should seek timely legal advice from counsel, based on current law.
September 2008
The handbook may also be found on the Internet, at: