Founder and director of Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike. Mobilizes at-risk youth to learn construction skills to benefit themselves and their community.
Rick Rutiz is the driving force behind the Hāna School Building Program, or Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike (“in working, one learns”), an award-winning construction skills training program he founded for at-risk youth 14 years ago.
As the executive director of Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike, the licensed contractor combines more than three decades of building experience with a lifelong passion for mentoring youth.
Honored as one of 10 “People Who Made a Difference” by The Maui News and an “Environmental Hero” by Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine, Rick was also the recipient of Häna’s prestigious “Tiny Malaikini Mea Kokua Award,” the governor’s “Innovation Award” and mayor’s “Laulima Award” for his environmental leadership.
Rick’s mission is to provide students with learning opportunities that make sense to them, while building their self-esteem and showing them that they have the power to change their futures.