Tag Archive for: Poverty in Hawaii

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Child Marriage in Hawaii: 5 Key Steps Toward Reform

Child Marriage in HawaiiWhile legal loopholes have historically allowed child marriage to persist in the United States, Hawaii is currently witnessing a powerful wave of advocacy and legislative evolution. The conversation is moving toward the empowerment of young people and the modernization of state protections. By closing gaps in the law, Hawaii is joining a global movement to ensure every child has the right to a full education and an autonomous future. Here is information about child marriage in Hawaii and efforts to address it.

Why Addressing Child Marriage in Hawaii Matters

Historically, Hawaii has faced a disproportionately high rate of child marriage compared to many other states. A landmark study utilizing American Community Survey data revealed that Hawaii ranked among the top states for child marriage prevalence, with more than 10 out of every 1,000 children surveyed having been married. This statistic highlights a deep-seated issue that many local communities overlooked for decades, leaving young individuals vulnerable to early legal unions before they could fully realize their independence.

Addressing child marriage in Hawaii is also a crucial step toward eliminating local poverty. While Hawaii boasts a thriving tourism industry, many residents face a high cost of living that drives vulnerable families into economic hardship. Research demonstrates that marrying young increases an individual’s likelihood of living in poverty during adulthood by 28 to 31 percentage points – a rate even higher than the poverty risk associated with dropping out of high school. By eliminating child marriage, the state can systematically remove a major barrier to financial stability and protect its youth from long-term economic vulnerability.

1. Strengthening the Legal Foundation 

The movement to reform the law regarding child marriage in Hawaii is gaining momentum through several key efforts:

  • Closing Legal Loopholes: While Hawaii’s standard marriage age is 18, current provisions allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry if they obtain written consent from parents or a legal guardian.
  • Legislative Action: Advocacy groups actively work with state lawmakers to remove these age exceptions, ensuring the law acts as a definitive shield for minors.
  • Prioritizing Maturity: This proactive reform ensures that legal age requirements align with the maturity needed for a significant life commitment.

2. Ending Child Marriage in Hawaii Through Education

Advocacy groups highlight how ending the practice of child marriage in Hawaii can lead to better economic outcomes:

  • Completing Schooling: When young people delay marriage until adulthood, they have a higher likelihood of completing their education.
  • Career Stability: Higher education numbers correlate with increased earning potential and career stability.
  • Economic Investment: By protecting minors from early marriage, Hawaii invests in a future generation that is financially independent and empowered to contribute to the local economy.

3. Prioritizing Safety and Well-Being 

Currently, researchers and advocates place a spotlight on the link between age-appropriate marriage and domestic stability:

4. A Rise in Legislative Reform

Addressing child marriage in Hawaii aligns with an inspiring national trend toward total reform:

5. Advocacy and Global Support

The tireless work of organizations like Unchained at Last bolsters the progress concerning child marriage in Hawaii: 

The Push To End Child Marriage in Hawaii Continues

The momentum behind reforming the laws surrounding child marriage in Hawaii represents more than just a legal update; it is a vital step in breaking the cycle of poverty. By ensuring that every young person in Hawaii has the opportunity to complete their education and achieve financial independence, the state actively invests in long-term economic stability.

As advocacy grows and legislative efforts persist, Hawaii moves closer to a future where state laws protect, empower and give all children the tools to thrive in an autonomous life.

– Rebecca Cameron

Rebecca is based in Edinburgh, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Hawaii

Migration to HawaiiBefore becoming the 50th United State, the islands that constitute the archipelago of Hawaii were first populated by South Pacific voyagers. These voyagers respected the land and sea for their agricultural and aquacultural benefits and eventually settled in the archipelago. In 1795, King Kamehameha united the various chiefdoms, and by 1810, the archipelago had become the Kingdom of Hawaii. In 1824, King Kamehameha II visited London in an effort to gain recognition for Hawaii as a nation-state, and in 1874, King Kalākaua became the first foreign leader to attend a state dinner at the White House.

By then, missionaries had also migrated to Hawaii and integrated into the government as the Reform Party. To gain control of Hawaii, the Reform Party forced King Kalākaua to sign the Bayonet Constitution, which shifted power from Native Hawaiians to landowners from the United States, Britain and Germany. The Kingdom of Hawaii ended in 1893 when wealthy businessmen who formed the Committee of Safety overthrew the government with the support of the U.S. Navy. The Committee of Safety then petitioned the United States for annexation, and Hawaii became a United States territory in 1898 and a state in 1959.

Present-Day Migration to Hawaii

Research conducted by the University of Hawaii revealed that in 2023, 80% of migrants to Hawaii were from other U.S. states. However, it also found that long-term residents are moving away, with about 58,000 residents leavingHawaii in 2023. Additionally, data from 2010 to 2023 show an increase in net migration to Hawaii that began in 2020 and reached its peak in 2021. Analysts attribute this surge to residents from other states taking advantage of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond migrants from the U.S. mainland, there is also a significant population of Asian and Hispanic residents. According to 2024 U.S. Census data for Hawaii, 43.5% of the population identified as white, 57.6% as Asian, 10.2% as Hispanic and 27.4% as Native Hawaiian. Hawaii Magazine reports that Asian immigrants from Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines arrived in the 1850s as laborers contracted by American and English sugar plantation owners. After completing their contracts, many remained in Hawaii to raise their families and provide opportunities for their children.

The Impact on the Native Hawaiian Population

When Hawaii became a United States territory, Native Hawaiians experienced denationalization through loss of land, military occupation, Christianization, assimilation and marginalization. In 1896, the native Hawaiian language was banned, resulting in many Native Hawaiians primarily speaking English. Denationalization also included the Americanization of schoolchildren, and those who did not conform were often directed into labor after grade school instead of continuing their education.

Currently, Native Hawaiians are a minority in Hawaii and experience lower socioeconomic status and higher education attainment rates compared to other groups. Migration from the U.S. mainland has contributed to rising living costs, and some Native Hawaiians have relocated to the mainland as housing prices increased. Increased migration has been linked to higher prices for goods and real estate, making affordable housing more difficult to obtain.

Ongoing Efforts 

In 2023, Hawaii experienced wildfires on Maui. Gov. John Green announced that he would not allow U.S. mainland buyers to make predatory offers to purchase land from local residents affected by the fires. The governor and the state attorney general placed a moratorium prohibiting the sale of properties damaged or destroyed by the wildfires.

In the aftermath of the wildfires, Bill 9 was introduced and signed into law in December 2025. Bill 9 phases out certain transient vacation rentals and returns apartment-zoned land to local residents. According to county data, 94% of units affected by Bill 9 are owned by non-Maui residents, and many do not reside in Hawaii. The law does not end tourism but aims to address housing availability for local residents. Rental units will be reclassified under hotel zoning.

Additionally, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) was established in 1978 to advocate for Native Hawaiians. OHA works to support the preservation of Native Hawaiian land and culture, promote economic sufficiency and expand access to education and health care. The organization supports initiatives that address health, affordable housing, culture-based education and financial empowerment.

Looking Ahead

While economic pressures and migration to Hawaii continue to shape the country’s future, recent policy efforts and longstanding institutions such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs demonstrate ongoing work to address housing access, cultural preservation and economic equity. As state leaders balance tourism, development and community needs, these initiatives reflect steps toward protecting Native Hawaiian communities while supporting sustainable growth across the islands.

– Thirza List

Thirza is based in the United States and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Hawaiʻi: Rewriting Futures Through Education

Poverty in HawaiʻiWhen you picture Hawaii, perhaps you envision a tourist paradise, a tropical treasure of eternal sun. But behind that sunny picture, thousands of families who call Hawaiʻi home are struggling to meet their basic needs. According to the UnitedForALICE Hawaiʻi report, a sizable percentage of households are categorized as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).

This means they earn above the federal poverty line but are unable to pay for necessities like housing, food and education due to Hawaiʻi’s extraordinarily high cost of living. This financial strain disproportionately affects children; therefore, access to educational support is essential to breaking the poverty cycle. In 2023, a projected 45% of Hawaiʻi’s households fell below the ALICE threshold due to poverty.

Families below this threshold are compelled to face daunting decisions, such as choosing whether to purchase food or fill a prescription or whether to pay for electricity or auto repairs. According to the Hawaiʻi KIDS COUNT Data Book, disparities in educational outcomes can be attributed to household income, with children from lower-income households more likely to experience academic underachievement. The Data Book also reports that more than one in three Hawaiʻi children lived in households burdened by high housing costs in 2023.

However, across Hawaiʻi, several organizations are addressing poverty by funding education as a long-term solution rather than a temporary one.

Aloha United Way

By providing financing and assistance for educational programs for families categorized as ALICE, Aloha United Way, a charity, plays a crucial coordinating role. The charity allocates funds for early childhood education, literacy initiatives and after-school assistance through its ALICE Initiative, which helps stabilize learning conditions for children who are just above the poverty line. Aloha United Way recognizes that academic performance is closely linked to home stability and works with schools, charities and government agencies.

This is to ensure that educational support is combined with access to food aid, daycare and family services.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawai’i

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaiʻi is another noteworthy organization that offers thousands of children across the islands safe, organized after-school programs. The Clubs provide food, mentorship, tutoring, homework assistance, STEM activities and college preparation to many adolescents from low-income families. These programs reduce the burden of childcare while improving educational outcomes for low-income working families in Hawaiʻi’s high-cost economy.

Additionally, the organization emphasizes vocational skills and team building, helping youth develop self-confidence and skills for future employment.

Hoʻokua ʻĀina

Culturally grounded initiatives are also part of education-based poverty alleviation in Hawaiʻi. Hoʻokua ʻĀina integrates land-based education rooted in Native Hawaiian values with academic instruction. Its activities reinforce reading, numeracy and life skills while engaging at-risk adolescents in farming, environmental stewardship and cultural practices.

By re-establishing students’ connection to land, community and identity, the organization addresses scholastic disengagement and the social effects of poverty. This impact is particularly significant for Indigenous Hawaiian children, who are disproportionately affected by economic inequality.

Final Remarks

Collectively, these dedicated organizations show that addressing poverty in Hawaiʻi requires more than classroom education alone. Charities across the islands are building durable pathways out of poverty by combining education with mentorship, cultural connections and family support, offering a model for similar regions worldwide.

– Prubleen Bhogal

Prubleen is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Diseases in Hawaii

Diseases in HawaiiThough Hawaiians live next to lush nature and clear blue waters, they are vulnerable to several diseases. The state’s 21% shortage of physicians exacerbates their risk, according to the Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, and Hawaii has the third highest cost of living in the United States. Additionally, the population of 1.5 million people, 376,000 of whom are Native Hawaiians, is at the highest levels of poverty in Hawaii. These are five common diseases in Hawaii.

1. Leptospirosis

The first of the diseases in Hawaii is leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease that commonly exists in warm climates; of the 100-200 cases identified in the United States, around 50% occur in Hawaii, as KHON2 reported. Leptospirosis can infect both humans and animals, and symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases are mild, but extreme cases can cause both acute liver and kidney failure or even death if not treated. 

According to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), one of the most common ways people contract Leptospirosis is by swimming in bodies of fresh water such as ponds, rivers or streams; if the urine from an infected animal seeps into a body of freshwater, it an be contaminated, and the bacterium can enter through broken skin, the mouth, the nose or eyes. 

In 2023, Hawaii Pacific University received $50,000 to research how leptospirosis grows in Hawaii’s wetlands and fishponds. To stop the spread, recommendations are that people not swim in freshwater bodies of water, drink from freshwater bodies, keep animals from accessing catchment water-collection areas from tree branches, and vaccinate farm animals and pets. Antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin can treat the disease.

2. Oral Cancers

According to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the rate of oral cancer in Hawaii is higher when compared to the rest of the United States. Early symptoms can include a bump or sore in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks, difficulty swallowing, numbness in your mouth or face or constant earaches, and the survival rate is only 50%, according to Hawaii News Now.

One of the theorized causes of these higher rates is betel nuts. As part of cultural practices in Asia and the Pacific Islands, it is meant to be chewed sometimes with either tobacco or lime, which research suggests can cause oral cancer, according to the National Institute of Health. 

Two organizations fighting oral cancer in Hawaii are the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) and the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center. OCF funds oral cancer research, like through their Oral Cancer Walk in Honolulu that raised more than $5,000 for oral cancer research, and connects people to free oral cancer screening events. At the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, researchers have found new treatments for oral cancer survivors that include exercise. 

Experts encourage individuals experiencing early symptoms to get screened for oral cancer. Additionally, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc. recommends performing monthly self-examinations using a light and mirror to detect any unusual changes.

3. Legionellosis

Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever are both referred to as Legionellosis. It is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. While Pontiac fever is a milder infection similar to the flu, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly lung infection, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii News Now reported that the bacteria can be found in plumbing systems, hot water tanks, water fountains and air conditioning systems. 

In recent years, there have been high-profile incidents of Legionella bacteria being found in water systems that serve a large number of people. In May 2022, the DOH confirmed five people were infected at a hotel in Waikiki. Then, in June 2024, Hawaii News Now reported legionella bacteria were discovered in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole federal building and courthouse in downtown Honolulu; around that same time, detectable levels of bacteria were found in six other federal buildings.

Though not specifically in Hawaii, there are organizations that provide education, conduct research and advocate among federal and state governments to prevent the spread of Legionellosis. These include Legionella.org and the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Diseases.

Those who are over the age of 50 or have a history of chronic lung disease, weakened immune system or cancer are at an increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease when exposed to Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath or fever.

4. Melanoma

The skin’s overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun can cause melanoma, and since Hawaii receives so many UV rays, Hawaiians are often more vulnerable. In a study of melanoma cases due to UV radiation across the United States, nearly 97% came from Hawaii; this is according to a study that the International Journal of Cancer conducted. The study also found that 94% of all cases in the United States occurred in non-Hispanic whites.

Organizations in Hawaii work to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of melanoma. In 2021, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center partnered with the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition to educate the public on how to stay safe while in the sun. When the sun is brightest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., they recommend that you seek shade whenever possible. Additionally, they encouraged the use of UV-protecting clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen above SPF 30 and reapplied every two hours.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society in Hawaii provides resources for those battling cancer in Hawaii. They provide both transportation to medical appointments, through the Road to Recovery Program, and housing for Hawaiians battling cancer at the T.C. Ching Hope Lodge.

5. Measles

Another of the diseases in Hawaii is measles. Measles is a highly infectious disease that causes pneumonia, brain inflammation and death; it is also highly contagious, especially in areas with low rates of vaccination. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes that are watery.

According to the DOH, a laboratory confirmed in April that measles infected two people, one school-age child and one adult; this came as measles cases all around the United States rose to more than 1,200. Though almost 90 people were exposed, most were either vaccinated or immune; the DOH said it is important that people in Hawaii are vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

Looking Ahead

Though some of the diseases in Hawaii listed above are present all over the United States, it is important to consider how vulnerable Hawaiians are to these diseases. Considering the rates of poverty and income inequality in the state, especially among Native Hawaiians, those who contract these diseases will have a far harder time affording treatment and care. This underscores the importance of nonprofit work in Hawaii that fights both common diseases and financial insecurity in Hawaii.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Project Hawaii Inc.: Supporting Hawaii’s Homeless Population

Project Hawaii Inc.Project Hawaii Inc. is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports Hawaiian children and youths suffering from homelessness. Focusing on the three islands that make up Hawaii, it operates multiple programs to help feed, rehome and care for the 23,000 homeless children in the state. 

Homelessness In Hawaii

Hawaii’s number of homeless people jumped by more than 12% in 2023, with the state having the third-highest rate of homeless youth staying in unsheltered locations. Connie Mitchell, the executive director for the Institute of Human Services, said to Hawaii News Now, “Chronic homelessness is driven a lot by the fact people can live unsheltered here, number one, I think the other one is that we have a combination of very high rents here and a job market that doesn’t necessarily pay a living wage.” 

The minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.20 an hour. However, the wage needed for the average two-bedroom apartment is $25.88 per hour, more than double what most local Hawaiians earn. Combined with environmental factors like the recent Maui fires, more Hawaiian locals sleep on the streets. Indeed, the Maui fires in August of 2023 destroyed nearly 3000 structures and contributed to the already high homeless population. Project Hawaii Inc. relies on public donations and sponsorships to run its programs, which are all rooted in Hawaiian culture and aim to deliver the simple pleasures that homeless people often lack. 

Missions

Project Hawaii Inc. runs multiple programs for all children of all ages centering around the core values it holds: Aloha (providing love, compassion and respect to every child), Kuleana (embracing the responsibility to empower and uplift homeless children), ‘Ohana (creating a supporting community), Imua (the commitment to moving forward and improving), Malama (stewardship and care for the community) and Lokahi (the unity and cooperation involved in bringing people together).

Project Hawaii’s programs are holistically designed to impact every aspect that homeless children need help with. With projects ranging from providing essential needs like shelter and food, encouraging the children to participate in sports and helping mothers bond with their children. 

Furthermore, the College Dormitory Rehab Project is a block of six rooms that can house up to 13 female college students. It provides centers that can teach skills like cooking, gardening and yoga, helping them build sustainable skills for their future. This project aims to help students who have experienced homelessness further their opportunities by supporting them through college. 

On top of that, the Healthy Hearts project encourages homeless children to engage in team sports like football, soccer, baseball and many more. The project started due to the lack of athletic shoes for homeless kids, excluding them from physical education and recess. Providing these shoes and encouraging the children to participate in sports can ensure a healthier lifestyle during their most critical developing years.

Finally, the Mommy and Me program focuses on the mothers impacted by homelessness in Hawaii, helping equip them with nurturing skills that help them connect and aid their baby’s development. The project helps assist struggling mothers and also aims to decrease the delays unsheltered babies often grow up with, helping their speech and motor skills develop for when they enter education. 

Summary

Project Hawaii Inc. empowers Hawaii’s homeless children and youth through culturally rooted programs that address immediate needs and foster long-term growth. Driven by volunteers and donor support, the organization creates meaningful change and brighter futures for the state’s most vulnerable populations.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kauai Food Bank: Island-based organization combats hunger

Kauai Food BankKauai, known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle” for its breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery, faces a challenge not immediately apparent to its visitors–food insecurity. Despite the island’s beauty, residents of the island struggle with a food insecurity rate of 20% as of 2020, higher compared to other hunger data sources. Additionally, the state of Hawaii struggles with hunger as well, with a food insecurity rate of 22%, according to 2018 BRFSS data. To address this critical issue, the Kauai Food Bank has emerged as a vital organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing essential resources to those in need.

How It Helps

The Kauai Food Bank plays a crucial role in the community by offering various programs to alleviate hunger. One of the primary services the organization provides is food assistance through its distribution centers. These centers are strategically located across the island to ensure food is accessible to all residents, including those living in remote areas. The organization also hosts distribution events from their Lihue warehouse every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Pop-Up Events

In response to the heightened food insecurity that the COVID-19 pandemic caused, the Kauai Food Bank introduced “pop-up” food distribution events. The organization designed these events to meet the urgent needs of those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The pop-up events provide essential items such as fresh produce, pantry staples, and other groceries. By bringing food directly to the communities that need it most, the food bank has reached more people and provided immediate relief to families struggling during these difficult times. The success of these events highlights the food bank’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continue its mission under challenging conditions.

Partnerships

The Kauai Food Bank’s efforts are further amplified through its partnerships with other local organizations and corporations. By collaborating with corporations, schools, shelters and nonprofit organizations, the food bank has created a network of support that allows it to extend its reach and impact. An example of a contribution that resulted from a partnership with the Kauai Food Bank would be Project Keiki, a community-giving program dedicated to providing food for children when they don’t have access to school lunches. Foodland Super Market, a local Hawaii grocery store chain, helped launch this project with the state food bank, which branched out to all island-local food banks.

Achievements

A study published in 2024 revealed that Kauai has the lowest household food insecurity rate in Hawaii, at just 23%. This achievement directly results from the concerted efforts of the Kauai Food Bank and its partners. The study’s findings underscore the importance of the food bank’s work and its positive impact on the community. Continued efforts are necessary to maintain and further reduce food insecurity, ensuring all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Kauai Food Bank: Even More Success

The Kauai Food Bank also focuses on serving special populations within the community, including children and families. During a recent food distribution event, the Kauai Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank provided enough food to support more than 500 individuals and families. This event is just one example of how the food bank’s targeted initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of Kauai’s residents. The ability to reach such a large number of people in a single event demonstrates the food bank’s capacity to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, a critical factor in the fight against hunger.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the Kauai Food Bank remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate hunger on the island. As the island’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects, the food bank’s role will be more important than ever. By providing not only food but also hope and support, the Kauai Food Bank is a lifeline for many residents, ensuring that the island’s beauty is reflected not just in its landscape, but in the well-being of its people.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Recent Poverty Reduction in Hawaii

Poverty Reduction in HawaiiRecent initiatives in Hawaii have improved poverty reduction through legislative measures and community-driven programs. These efforts are not only aimed at providing immediate relief but also focus on sustainable solutions to assist vulnerable populations across the state.

The Situation

According to the United States (U.S.) Census Bureau, 10.2% of Hawaii residents live below the poverty line. This score is higher than the U.S. national average of 11.5% as of 2022. Even as Hawaii grapples with poverty, a number of local initiatives are offering hope for meaningful progress in reducing hardship.

Governmental Initiatives

One of the most important legislative actions contributing to poverty reduction is the proposed Farm Bill. This legislation aims to strengthen local agriculture while simultaneously combating hunger. By supporting local farmers and promoting healthy farming practices, the Farm Bill seeks to lower food costs and increase food security for people nationwide, including Hawaii’s residents. The Farm Bill’s approach is crucial in a state that is heavily reliant on imported goods and where high living costs disproportionately affect low-income families. Implementing the Farm Bill involves incentivizing local production through grants, reducing dependency on external food sources and stimulating economic growth.

Governor Josh Green’s administration has also taken proactive steps to address homelessness, a critical aspect of poverty in Hawaii (41% in 2022). The Governor’s office highlighted the Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale initiative on its official website, focusing on providing affordable housing for at least 50 people experiencing homelessness. This program incorporates housing with comprehensive support services driven to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families. By providing housing along with health care access, employment resources and social services, Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale aims to reduce homelessness and help residents rebuild their lives.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) also plays a pivotal role in Hawaii’s poverty reduction efforts. DBEDT’s goal is to reach a globally competitive economy for Hawaii. The department has led initiatives to increase the state’s economic growth and job creation. DBEDT’s efforts contribute to reducing unemployment rates and promoting financial stability among Hawaii’s residents.

Nongovernmental Initiatives

Hawaii has also made strides in addressing local poverty apart from governmental efforts. Child & Family Service (CFS), a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering healthy child development, has also been working to break generational poverty throughout the state. In 2016, the organization launched a pilot program called Transition to Success (TTS). The program’s mission is to empower and guide impoverished families to success via mentorship, coaching and other resources. About 986 participants of TTS reported positive changes regarding self-sufficiency.

What This Means for the Nation

Recent efforts towards poverty reduction in Hawaii show a combination of legislative innovation, community engagement and strategic economic development. Working between government agencies and nonprofit organizations will be crucial in building upon these achievements and addressing common challenges. By continuing to evolve upon successful strategies, Hawaii can further solidify its commitment to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, setting an example for resilience and stability nationwide.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr