Teen golfer Michelle Wie said she hopes to raise awareness of Hawai'i's homeless problems through a donation of thousands of dollars worth of equipment to refurbish a computer lab at Kamaile Elementary School in Wai'anae.

And if the project works out, Wie says, she would like to expand it to other schools.

Wie said yesterday at a news conference at the governor's office that she decided to make the donation after reading a recent series of articles in The Advertiser highlighting the homeless crisis on the Wai'anae Coast.

She said she was particularly touched by an anecdote about a 6-year-old Kamaile Elementary student who, as a reward for good behavior, chose a can of tuna over small toys from the school's store because of his family's lack of food. Kamaile is believed to have the highest concentration of homeless students on the Wai'anae Coast.

"I was growing up in a real lucky situation, going to Punahou, given all the chances to succeed. And I think that after The Advertiser ran the stories, it really opened up my mind to what some people are going through," Wie said.

A total of 30 top-of-the-line Sony computers, among other equipment, are being donated to the school for its computer lab.

"These kids are the future of Hawai'i. ... They are as much of the future of Hawai'i as I am," she said.

The refurbished lab will be used by the general student population at the school during the day, said Principal Glen Kila. The room will also be available exclusively for homeless students for three hours at the end of each school day, Kila said.

"Hopefully this area will become a real safe haven for them. It's often that they go to school, but it's after school that they don't have anywhere to go," Wie said.

A total dollar amount of the donation was not announced yesterday, but Kila estimated that it could top $60,000.

Wie, 17, is a senior at Punahou.

Gov. Linda Lingle said Wie sets a good example for young people across the state and everywhere.

"Beyond the financial impact of the gift, which will be great, a huge impact is what this says to young people," Lingle said. "It's a big thing to be moved by the challenges that other people face, just as Michelle was moved as an individual to step forward. I appreciate it very much. She sets a great example.

Wie said that with help from the state, she would like to see the room become available during vacations and holidays to students who would need the "safe haven."

"After we finish this project, and we find out if it's successful, I would really like to make it larger, make it to more schools. This is only the beginning," she said.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.