Two days out from Father’s Day, we explore the concept of centering men, a topic perhaps controversial - or maybe even unwelcome - in a time when men are often considered the root of many problems.
“Kawika” Mattos, proud father and grandfather, and facilitator of mens’ groups as well as parenting classes for both men and women, helps shine a line on:
- What’s unique about the male experience, and what role does male healing play in societal healing?
- How does society’s traditional definition of a “real man” negatively impact the way in which boys develop emotional sensitivity and expression?
- How do we evolve from that definition, and incorporate values of self-awareness, sensitivity, and vulnerability?
- And how can we as a society support dialogue and community around such a topic with a spirit of unity?
Kawika emphasizes that every conversation has a place, that we can strive to create space for each person’s healing in a way that’s unique to them, and that we are strongest when we shop up with a willingness to learn, practice, and grow together.
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About David “Kawika” Mattos:
For more than 28 years, Kawika worked in the non-profit sector with agencies that serve families and children, including working with at-risk teens and fostering over 20 children - mostly teenagers who were deemed high risk in their communities. He also worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs, and then shifted to work with men, fathers and parents through Maui Family Support Services, Inc.
He is the Program Supervisor of the Kane Connections program, which facilitates menʻs groups and parenting classes for both men and women. Kawika also works part-time at a residential addiction treatment center called Aloha House where he teaches a weekly life concepts and skills class, and also a Hawaiian culture class.
He is currently the Maui County representative on the Hawai`i State – Commission on Fatherhood and is involved with other collaborations of early childhood development and men’s voices against family, domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
He brings his skills, fathering and relationship experiences to help men and parents, especially fathers, to gain insight and receive support on their fathering journey. Self-development and always learning something new had been Kawika’s quest. Married for 36 years, David “Kawika” Mattos is the father of 5 adult children and 8 grandchildren who are the center of their family’s life.

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