Recent federal reductions have jeopardized essential assistance programs such as SNAP, leaving countless families across Hawaiʻi island struggling with food insecurity. Despite the alarming situation, local government action has been lacking. A proposed amendment by council member Jennifer Kagiwada aimed to allocate $2 million towards bolstering local food security initiatives but was rejected. This decision raises significant concerns about leadership priorities and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
The impact of food insecurity is profound, with over 40% of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and American Indian/Alaska Natives living in households that struggle to access sufficient nutrition. Students and those without a college education are particularly affected. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s 2023 survey highlights these disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. On Hawaiʻi island, the situation is dire, with 40% of families classified as food insecure—the highest rate in the state.
In June, an amendment introduced by council member Jennifer Kagiwada sought to address this crisis by dedicating funds specifically for food security programs. However, it faced opposition from several council members who cited reasons such as insufficient planning time. Despite passing a massive budget exceeding $950 million, the same council deemed allocating resources for feeding their constituents too hasty or unplanned. Such decisions reflect a disconnect between policy-making and community needs.
Council members Matt Kaneali’i-Kleinfeilder, Holeka Inaba, Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, James Hustace, and Rebecca Villegas voted against the amendment, while Jennifer Kagiwada, Michelle Galimba, and Heather Kimball supported it. Ashley Kierkiewicz was absent during the vote. Critics argue that if the council possesses the foresight to approve a substantial budget, they should also be capable of organizing a subcommittee or task force to strategize solutions for hunger relief.
Programs like FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which supports organizations providing meals to houseless individuals, have also experienced funding interruptions. While driven by aloha, these efforts cannot sustain themselves without financial backing. Without active county leadership, the community's ability to support one another will falter under the pressure of unmet demands.
Leadership accountability remains crucial in addressing this crisis. Advocates urge citizens to engage with their representatives and emphasize the importance of food security. The kuleana—or responsibility—of caring for constituents is non-negotiable. History will judge how this generation responded to the cries of its children on sacred Hawaiian land. Let us strive to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of compassion rather than neglect.
As the situation unfolds, the call to action grows louder. It is imperative that leaders prioritize the welfare of their communities, recognizing the intrinsic value of nourishing both body and spirit. By observing the realities around them, policymakers can take meaningful steps toward alleviating hunger and fostering resilience among the people they serve.