Rep. Ohno with kupuna at the 2019 Lanakila Pacific March for Meals to fight senior hunger
State Representative thanks those showing aloha for Hawai‘i’s vulnerable populations
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To mark the end of the first month of Governor Ige’s stay-at-home order, State Representative Takashi Ohno (Nu‘uanu, Liliha, Pu‘unui, Alewa Heights) issued a statement of recognition to the countless organizations that have stepped up to care for the community.
"The way we lived our lives literally changed overnight last month and that was not an easy adjustment,” said Ohno. “It is inspiring to see Hawai‘i's organizations take the initiative to protect our families, keiki, and kupuna. We are truly the Aloha State."
Ohno acknowledge that there are numerous organizations statewide who are worthy of recognition, but a special shout-out goes to the following groups for their efforts: State of Hawai‘i Departments:
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Unemployment Insurance Division has grown to over 10 times its original size, created a new website for claims processing, and launched additional call centers to adapt to the inundation of people who found themselves in need after mandatory closures.
The Department of Education and its cafeteria workers continue to show up to school campuses to offer free, nutritious Grab and Go Meals to all students under 18-years-old.
The Hawai‘i State Public Library System focuses on feeding our minds by offering 45-day temporary cards to access their growing online resources, like e-books and free digital access to the New York Times.
Nonprofit Groups:
Lanakila Pacific immediately changed the protocols of its Meals on Wheels program to ensure continuation of food services and socialization to its senior participants across the state.
St. Francis Healthcare System participated in the Show Aloha Challenge and delivered meals to homebound seniors.
Palama Settlement feeds the community through access to an emergency food pantry, home delivery of supplies to kupuna, and free grab-and-go dinners for keiki.
Private Organizations:
Alaska Airlines responded to the call to reduce non-essential travel by ceasing flights to Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island.
Spectrum supported student learning by offering three months of free internet to homes with keiki who had no service.
Hawaiian Electric Company literally helped families keep the lights on by issuing a suspension of disconnections if customers are facing financial hardship.
Keep up the great work, Hawai‘i.