The recent federal cuts to crucial assistance programs, including SNAP, pose a severe threat to food security on Hawaiʻi Island, prompting an urgent call to action from community leaders and residents alike.
With families facing hunger daily, the call for support has gained momentum, emphasizing that the responsibility for addressing this crisis lies not with vulnerable children, but with leaders and lawmakers.
On June 5, Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada of District 2 introduced a crucial amendment aimed at allocating $2 million to local food security programs.
However, this proposal was met with resistance and ultimately voted down by several council members, including Matt Kaneali’i-KleinfeIder (District 5), Holeka Inaba (District 8), Dennis “Fresh” Onishi (District 3), James Hustace (District 9), and Kona’s Rebecca Villegas (District 7).
Only Kagiwada, Michelle Galimba (District 6), and Heather Kimball (District 1) supported the amendment, while Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz (District 4) was absent during the vote.
The reasons for opposing the amendment included claims that it was “too last minute” and lacked a comprehensive plan.
Yet, the same council successfully passed a $950 million budget, raising questions about their commitment to addressing food insecurity in their communities.
The stark reality faced by families on Hawaiʻi Island is highlighted by alarming statistics from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s statewide 2023 survey, revealing that over 40% of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and American Indian/Alaska Natives suffer from food insecurity.
Moreover, an astonishing 40% of families on Hawaiʻi Island itself are classified as food insecure, marking the highest rate in the state.
As hunger becomes an increasingly pressing issue, leaders are called to action.
The keiki, or children, of Hawaiʻi Island are not seeking empty promises or speeches; they are desperately in need of sustained action to address their hunger.
This sentiment echoes the values of the land and the wisdom of the kūpuna, emphasizing the importance of caring for future generations.
Crucial funding for food assistance has been put on hold, including resources from FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which supports local meal services like Peanut Butter Ministries in Hilo.
These community-driven programs rely on love and community spirit, but without necessary leadership and funding from the county, the ability to provide for the hungry will falter.
The failure to act during these challenging times has sparked widespread disappointment among residents who look to their leaders for guidance and support.
Gratitude was expressed to Council Members Kagiwada, Galimba, and Kimball for their courageous stand in support of local food security initiatives.
In contrast, the inaction of the other council members leaves a lasting impression of neglect towards a pressing humanitarian issue.
As the community continues to grapple with the implications of inaction, the rhetorical plea remains: “By observing, one learns.”
For the council members, the lesson should be clear; the hunger in children’s eyes is a call to immediate action.
The kuleana, or responsibility, to care for the constituents is not negotiable; it is a fundamental element of their role as elected officials.
The legacy of this generation will be defined not by silence in the face of suffering but by the actions taken to ensure that no child has to go hungry on the sacred lands of Hawaiʻi Island.
image source from：https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/06/hawai%CA%BBi-county-should-prioritize-food-security/
