I was honored to join The Salvation Army’s 52nd Annual Thanksgiving lunch, a tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of giving. Mahalo to Mayor Blangiardi and the City and County of Honolulu for hosting this event, and to the incredible volunteers and organizers who have made it possible to serve thousands of kūpuna, families, and individuals. Today, we celebrate resilience, compassion, and the power of community. From my family to yours, I wish you a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, Hawai‘i!
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Happy Thanksgiving! This is a reminder to reflect on our blessings and find ways to give back to our community. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply sharing kindness, let’s all make a difference this holiday season.I’m also excited to share some fantastic news for our friends and family traveling between Hawai‘i and Japan! We’re excited to announce the full expansion of the Global Entry program for Japanese citizens, making travel easier, safer, and more efficient. This is a huge step forward for Hawai‘i’s travel industry and our cultural ties with Japan.
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A resident at Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina shared her journey of finding stability and community at the kauhale. She spoke about how the support from volunteers and the collaborative spirit fostered by Aunty Blanche’s team have been key in helping her rebuild her family’s life.
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Last week, we gathered to bless and open Kilohana, a FEMA group housing site dedicated to supporting the survivors of the devastating Lahaina wildfires. For so many families, Kilohana represents more than just a place to stay—it is a vital step toward healing and rebuilding in the place they have always called home.
The wildfires forever changed Lahaina, but the resilience of its people remains unshaken. Kilohana offers a safe and stable foundation for survivors to begin reclaiming their lives. It is not just housing—it’s a beacon of hope where families can reconnect, find peace, and begin their journey forward.
This milestone was made possible through a strong partnership with FEMA and the dedication of so many who recognized the urgent need to provide shelter and stability for those impacted. As units are filled in the coming months, this site will become a haven for families working to rebuild their futures and a vital resource for West Maui’s recovery.
Mahalo nui to all who contributed to making Kilohana a reality. To the families moving in, welcome home. We will continue to stand with you every step of the way as you rebuild and recover.
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In the spirit of giving back this holiday season, our team volunteered at Aunty Blanche’s kauhale, Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, in Waimanalo. We packed non-perishable food items donated by the Hawai‘i Foodbank and distributed them to some of the houseless communities in the area. We're so thankful for the chance to collaborate with Aunty Blanche and the wonderful residents at Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina! It was truly inspiring to witness the amazing progress of the kauhale since our last visit. We look forward to continuing our work to improve and establish more kauhales statewide.
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