Local News

New teen shelter on Maui

FIRST PHOTO: Teran James Young Foundation co-founder and President Genesis Young (from right) helps lead a tour of the Hale Pono Teen Shelter and Restorative Justice Center with Christina Litman, David Litman, Randy Wagner and George Rixey during the facility's private grand opening Saturday afternoon in Wailuku to mark the completion of building renovations. The island's first teen shelter in 15 years is expected to open for operations soon once staff is hired and trained. Young is executive director of the Network for Nonviolent Communication. Hale Pono is a project of the Teran James Young Foundation. Its other co-founder, Sulara James, was also present for Saturday's grand opening.

SECOND PHOTO: "The fridge will always have food in it," says Hale Pono Program Director David Litman during a tour of the Wailuku teen shelter's kitchen Saturday afternoon. The shelter with 13 beds and one ADA-accessible bed will be geared toward youth ages 12-17 who are in need of sanctuary. Stays will be limited to 30 days, as the primary goal is to reunite youth with their families or find other supportive living arrangements.

THIRD PHOTO: Flowers decorate Hale Pono's receiving area Saturday.