Focus Hawaii Richard Kato

Authors

• Lance Chase

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Richard Kato, Executive Director of the KEY Project (Koʻolauloa–Heʻeia Ecumenical Youth Project)—a community-based organization serving families from Kāneʻohe to Kualoa, Waiāhole, Kahaluʻu, Hauʻula, and surrounding rural areas. Kato recounts the project’s beginnings in the late 1960s, when churches and parents joined forces to address youth drug abuse, eventually expanding into a multi‑service hub dedicated to seniors, families, and children. Through photos and discussion, he describes the project’s evolution from a donated, weathered two‑story building into a purpose‑built community center supported by state, city, and local families. Kato explains KEY Project’s broad range of programs—food bank services, senior meal sites, cultural and continuing education classes, after‑school and summer youth programs, counseling support, GED instruction, crisis assistance, and extensive outreach to local schools. He emphasizes the organization’s “ohana‑centered” philosophy, its heavy reliance on volunteers, and the deep trust the community places in the program. Kato also reflects on the changing challenges families face, including drugs, gangs, and lack of youth resources, and shares personal stories of families aided through emergency support. His role as director spans community advocacy, administration, legislative outreach, and the day‑to‑day management of a bustling community space constantly in use by seniors, youth, school partners, legal aid, church groups, and volunteer crews—embodying the mission of bringing the community together.

Length of Video

00:29:08

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

1994

Keywords

Lance Chase, Focus Hawaii, Richard Kato, KEY Project, Koʻolauloa Ecumenical Youth Project, Heʻeia community programs, Kahaluʻu, Waiāhole, Koʻolauloa families, community center Hawaii, youth outreach, senior meal site, food bank Hawaii, GED classes, family support services, drug prevention 1960s Hawaii, community volunteerism, rural Oʻahu services, social work Hawaii, community advocacy, nonprofit leadership, emergency assistance, ohana‑based programs, Kailua‑Koʻolauloa region

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance, "Focus Hawaii Richard Kato" (1994). Focus Hawaii. 67.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/67