Kaimuki High: What's a Portuguese Horseshoe?

It started with a simple box made of wood and ended with one HCC instructor (Marcus Heresa), one woodshop teacher (Paul Tokuno) and two BANK OF HAWAII Regional Managers (Kevin Sakamoto & Danny Kim) partnering to teach a classroom of students on the how-to's of entrepreneurship.

The Building & Construction class at Kaimuki High is an innovative, state funded partnership between Honolulu Community College Construction Academy and participating high schools. High school students enrolled in the class receive dual credits (high school and HCC college credits) upon successful completion of the program. The goal is to encourage students to continue with their education after graduation and provide a qualified labor force for the construction industry.

The Portuguese Horseshoe was introduced as classroom project last school year and was quickly in demand. The teachers realized it would make a great fundraiser during the craft fair season but weren't quite sure how to start marketing the product. Mike Barros, Construction Academy Director, brought the need to JA, and the newly developed JA program,"Be Entrepreneurial!" got it's start. BOH managers, Danny Kim & Kevin Sakamoto volunteered to pilot this program and are working with students to develop their business plans. If student enthusiasm is a sign of success, JA hopes to take the program to other Construction Academy high school classes needing help with entrepreneurial skills.

If you're interested in purchasing a Portuguese Horseshoe game, contact Kaimuki High School at 733-4900. The class will also be making koa bookmarks, getta slipper pen holders and hot plates.