Youth Cadet Leadership Program

It was with great pleasure and a privilege to meet the 12 cadets of this newly developed summer program: the first of its kind on Molokai and in the state of Hawaii. Kudos to Officers Lani Caparida (originator) and Kauanoe Mossman.

The 12 high school cadets were made up of five young women and seven young men between the ages of 14 to 18 who were selected through an application process. The three-week summer program consisted of a well-designed curriculum exposing these young cadets to a para-military style training focusing on law enforcement and first responder professions. When asked what the highlight of their three-week experience, the cadets replied: giving back via community services, inspired me to be a police officer, different types of professions like being a lawyer or a park ranger, the fitness training, exposure to the fire fighters training, being CPR certified. Graduation for the 12 cadets was held on June 25.

Along with my fellow Molokai kupuna, we were very impressed with the cadets in their uniform, their commitment and their professionalism. It was a shock to know that there is no budget at the county, state or DOE level for this one-of-a kind program except via donations. In my opinion, this program qualifies for an annual budget. How much could it be? Don’t our political/community leadership support youth programs… our future?

Mahalo,

Darlene Johns, East Ohia