KALIHI CHURCH OFFERS SHELTER TO HOMELESS AS STORMS APPROACH

Rep. Mizuno seeks community, state support to create 'Ohana Zone' for church, farm

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – With two major storms approaching Hawaiʻi, a Kalihi church already known for helping homeless people, is offering to provide shelter for an additional 50 people at its 4-acre Waiʻanae Valley farm, according to Representative John Mizuno, Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee.

Rep. Mizuno (Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, portion of Lower Kalihi) is working with Pastor Duk Hwan Kim of Cedar Church Kalihi to quickly assist dozens of homeless people pushed out of Kakaʻako this week with emergency shelter before Hurricane Erick and Tropical Storm Flossie hitting Oʻahu in the next few days.

"These people are wandering the streets with no place to go and two storms approaching," said Mizuno. "They need help and the church is offering to provide them shelter. I'm hoping this can happen before anyone is hurt."

Cedar Church Kalihi is already housing about 25 people at the church and 40 homeless people on the farm providing housing, shelter and farm work. The church is seeking donations of food, coolers, and basic needs for the additional occupants. They would also like shipping containers to provide shelter at the farm.

Mizuno said he would like the Cedar Church and the Waiʻanae farm to be considered a state Ohana Zones as they are willing to accept homeless and provide them stable place environment. The designation would allow funding for wrap-around services such as healthcare, social services, food, shelter, a hygiene area, and transportation to school for the children and work for the adults.

To donate, call Pastor Miyeo You 808-670-4972 or Ilbo Park 808-232-5768.