STUDENT-LED IN HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI

Every teen deserves the everyday essentials.

Kahala Self Improvement is a student-led initiative collecting hygiene and menstrual-care essentials for teens in our community.

Offer a product donation What we collect

Have products to contribute? Contact us to arrange a handoff.

OUR MISSION

Feeling prepared makes a difference.

Soap, toothpaste and period products are everyday necessities. Their cost should not stand between a teenager and feeling comfortable at school.

Kahala Self Improvement is a student-led community initiative in Honolulu. We focus on collecting useful supplies and coordinating respectful, discreet support with local youth-serving organizations.

THE REALITY IN HAWAIʻI

Everyday essentials can be a financial burden.

Poverty statistics show the pressure many families face. Local university research also documents difficulty affording hygiene products.

11.5%

Children living in poverty

Of Hawaiʻi residents under 18 lived below the poverty line in 2024.

U.S. Census Bureau · 2024 ↗

27.9%

Children in low-income families

Of Hawaiʻi children lived in families with incomes below twice the federal poverty level (2020–2024 estimate).

KIDS COUNT / U.S. Census Bureau ↗

25%

Hygiene insecurity among UH students

Of students in a 2025 University of Hawaiʻi System survey reported hygiene insecurity (2,704 students surveyed).

University of Hawaiʻi · 2025 ↗

These figures describe different populations and surveys. The university finding is about college students, not an estimate for Hawaiʻi high-school students.

CARE PACKAGE FOCUS

The basics, thoughtfully collected.

Our planned care packages include these essentials. Please contact us before donating so we can confirm current needs.

Face + body care

Soap and facial cleanser.

Oral care

Toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Hair care

Shampoo and conditioner.

Menstrual care

Pads and tampons.

Not sure whether an item fits? Email or message us before arranging a donation.

UNDERSTANDING PERIOD POVERTY

Period products are essentials, not extras.

Period poverty means being unable to afford or reliably access menstrual supplies, education, or appropriate sanitation. This can make a normal school day harder to manage privately and comfortably.

That is why pads and tampons are included alongside soap, toothpaste, and other everyday hygiene products in KSI's collection focus.

See the supplies we collect

29.5%

Of 361 people responding to a 2021 Hawaiʻi survey said they or someone in their household had difficulty obtaining period products.

Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women · 2021 ↗

1 in 4

University of Hawaiʻi college students in a 2026 study of 462 students reported period poverty in the preceding year.

George Mason University research · 2026 ↗

Both results come from survey samples, not representative estimates of every Hawaiʻi teenager.

THE PLAN

From donated products to practical support.

Collect useful supplies
Confirm current needs and coordinate donations of new, unopened products.
Count, check and pack
Check product condition, record quantities and assemble suitable care packages.
Arrange a discreet handoff
Confirm a receiving partner and delivery arrangements before supplies are distributed to teens.

HOST A COLLECTION

Your community can help stock the essentials.

A workplace, studio, club or community space could host a short product collection. We would agree on the products, dates, collection point and pickups before a drive begins.

Ask about hosting a drive

HELP WITH DISTRIBUTION

Do you work with local teens?

We welcome conversations with school counselors, youth programs and community organizations about discreet ways to get essentials to teens.

CONTRIBUTE PRODUCTS

Help make everyday essentials accessible.

Individuals, families and businesses can contribute new, unopened products. Email us with the item types and quantities you have; we will confirm current needs and discuss a handoff.

Discuss a product donation

THE TEAM BEHIND KSI

Students behind the work.

Meet the KSI leadership team.

Mannix Nonaka

President / Founder

Jonathan Liu

Vice President

Noah Sakai

Community Outreach Lead

Sabrina Kan

Social Media & Strategic Planning Lead

Harlan King

Partnerships Lead

William Kelareyes

Community Outreach Co-Lead

Ethan Lewis

Partnerships Co-Lead

BEFORE YOU DONATE

A few practical answers.

Can I donate just a few products?

Yes. Small quantities are welcome. Please tell us the product types and quantities first so we can confirm whether they match current needs.

Where can I drop off supplies?

Contact us to arrange a handoff. We do not currently advertise a permanent public drop-off location. Please do not leave products at a school or business without an agreed arrangement.

Can you accept opened or used products?

We ask for new, unopened products in their original packaging. We cannot include opened, used, damaged or expired products in care packages.

Can a school or youth program request supplies?

Yes, organizations serving teens can contact us to discuss their needs and possible coordination. Availability and arrangements are confirmed individually.

GET IN TOUCH

Let's connect.

Product donations, collection drives, and community partnerships all begin with a conversation. Send us a message using the form or reach out directly.

Send an inquiry

Choose a topic and tell us a little about your request.