Kauai Leaders Highlight Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

On November 16, 2023, Kauai officials, including Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, gathered at the Moikeha Building to launch National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The event aimed to draw attention to the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness affecting the community and beyond. During the gathering, Councilwoman Fern Holland provided her umbrella to shield a worker from the rain while the mayor delivered a proclamation.

Council Chair Mel Rapozo emphasized the lack of support for those experiencing homelessness, stating, “People who are houseless don’t have someone to do that.” The County of Kauai, alongside the County Council, acknowledged the week of November 16-22 as a time for increased awareness regarding homelessness as a significant societal and public health issue.

Community Engagement and Support Initiatives

As part of the awareness efforts, both Rapozo and Kawakami participated in a telethon on November 12, 2023, aimed at supporting the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai. The event, presented by The Babes and the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, sought to address food insecurity exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The mayor’s proclamation highlighted the urgency of addressing hunger and homelessness, stating, “As the holidays inspire a spirit of giving, no one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate, or a roof over their head. Yet, the reality remains that hunger and homelessness are widespread issues affecting far too many people.”

Outreach Events to Address Local Needs

In conjunction with the awareness week, the Kauai Housing Agency will collaborate with the Kauai Community Alliance to host the sixth annual Kauai Project Housing Connect outreach event. Scheduled for November 18, the event will take place at The Salvation Army, Lihue Corps from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will provide essential services such as free Kauai County housing signups, hot showers, open wound care, and health checks for those in need. Additionally, hot meals will be available while supplies last.

The outreach will continue on November 19 at The Salvation Army, Hanapepe Corps, and again on November 20 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa, both from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Various organizations will participate, including Hale Opio, Family Life Center, and the Kauai Fentanyl Taskforce, among others.

Mayor Kawakami urges the community to recognize and support the many individuals facing housing insecurity. He encourages residents to show compassion and understanding, stating that collective efforts are essential to addressing these critical issues.