OHA replaces school’s stolen instruments

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is replacing musical instruments stolen from a school that many Native Hawaiian children attend.

OHA officials visited Stevenson Middle School on Thursday to present a flute, a piccolo and two ukulele. They also donated carrying cases and strings.

School Principal Linell Dilwith said OHA reached out to the school after last week’s burglary.

According to the state Department of Education, Native Hawaiians represent the largest ethnic group at Stevenson, which is near the Papakolea homestead community.

OHA is a semi-autonomous state agency tasked with improving the lives of Native Hawaiians.

OHA board of trustees Chairwoman Colette Machado said that when someone steals from one’s ohana, the family comes together to help. OHA CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe said music is a sanctuary for many kids and is what keeps them in school.