Latest news with #Kakaako
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nonprofits join to serve community at Opportunity Center in Kakaako
Two Hawaii nonprofits celebrated a new partnership serving children and adults on a shared site in Kakaako. Goodwill Hawaii and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai 'i on Friday announced their recently opened Opportunity Center after hosting a Hawaiian blessing for the property, which they bought in December for $6.3 million from Hawaii State Federal Credit Union. The property bordering South and Halekauwila streets along with Quinn Lane includes office space, classrooms and large multipurpose rooms where Goodwill plans to run programs for at-risk youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, while BBBS runs its youth mentoring programs. Goodwill also is using part of the property, which includes about 14, 000 square feet of interior space and a parking lot, for executive and administrative staff. 'We are excited to mark this next chapter for Goodwill Hawaii with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Hawaii and grateful for all of the companies and community members who helped to make it possible, ' Bob Fricke, Goodwill Hawaii board chair, said in a news release. Jared Kashiwabara, BBBS board chair, said the new space will allow for enhanced services that reach more people. 'This new space is more than just a brick and mortar, ' he said in the release. 'It symbolizes the culmination of our efforts and unwavering commitment to better serve our keiki and their families.' BBBS connects youth with caring mentors who help build confidence, skills and new pathways for the children they serve. Tyler Kurashige, BBBS president and CEO, said the new Opportunity Center reflects the heart of the organization's mission. 'This blessing marks the beginning of a new chapter rooted in shared purpose and community impact, ' he said in the release. Goodwill serves more than 7, 000 people annually at facilities on all major islands. The nonprofit also operates thrift stores that help generate revenue for program operations. 'When people think of Goodwill, we want them to know that not only are we a thrift store and donation center, but that we're also helping some of our most vulnerable residents to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient, ' Katy Chen, Goodwill president and CEO, said in the release. 'This new campus further strengthens our commitment to uplifting the community thru the power of work.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UH Cancer Center launches endowment to support patients
Susan C. Hirano took life by the horns, whether it was in her successful career in real estate or later when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. During her battle with cancer, she had a vision of a program at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to help patients holistically, with emotional, mental and social support, and not just through the physical and medical aspects of the disease. It would empower patients while also supporting their families and caregivers throughout their journey. A new endowment will help ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community will continue the legacy of its namesake, who died April 18. The UH Cancer Center in Kakaako today announced the endowment, with an initial amount of nearly $250, 000, thanks to contributions from her husband, Peter Hirano, along with Tsuha Hawai 'i Aloha, the Servco Foundation, and family and friends. 'The endowment is really a way to keep this program alive and thriving, ' Peter Hirano said. 'It's there for the community and for the people that need it, and it 's all built on her experience and ultimately, it's her gift to the community.' He said the launch of the program was a dream come true after more than a year and a half of efforts working with the UH Cancer Center staff and faculty to make it happen. The initials in Cancer C.A.R.E. Community stand for Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-being, and the program's aim is to offer a network, along with quarterly workshops and other resources, to uplift cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families. At the April 5 celebration of its launch, UH surprised Susan Hirano by announcing it would be named in her honor as its founder. More than 100 gathered for the celebration, which included a performance by the center's hula halau of cancer survivors, followed by small-group discussions to brainstorm ideas for the program. She shared her story at the event and was overjoyed to see her mission become a reality that day, her husband said, as she was so determined to see it through. 'I told her on the way home this is a legacy, ' he said. 'This is something your children, our son's children and his grandchildren would be able to look back and say, 'That was my grandmother or great-grandmother that did that.'' Thirteen days later, she died peacefully at home in Honolulu. She was 57 years old. A real estate agent for most of her adult life with a successful home-staging business, Hirano's cancer diagnosis in October 2021 seemed to surface out of the blue, with no indication it was coming. 'It was really gut-wrenching, ' Peter Hirano said. She had been healthy before then, exercised often and enjoyed spending time at the beach with their dogs. Once she came to terms with the Stage 4 diagnosis, however, 'she dove in, ' he said. She retired from real state and began reading up on the latest cancer research, exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness and reiki to supplement traditional treatment. Hirano preferred to call herself a cancer 'thriver ' as opposed to a cancer survivor. She became a 'hope ambassador ' at the UH Cancer Center providing outreach and education, and a patient advocate for others struggling with cancer as the program became her purpose. 'She saw a vision for how it could help impact people's lives, ' her husband said. 'She had a vision for it while going through it herself, and it was informed by her own journey.' It's a welcome addition to the UH Cancer Center, according to director Dr. Naoto Ueno, himself is a two-time cancer survivor. Ueno said the center, which is preparing to welcome patients into its Ho 'ola Early Phase Clinical Research Center next year, embraces social-emotional support as an important component of the journey. 'Social-emotional support can improve quality of life at any stage of cancer, ' Ueno said in a statement. 'It has shown potential for improving health outcomes and survivorship for patients, and enhancing experiences for caregivers as well. So the UH Cancer Center is extremely proud of and excited for the growth of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer C.A.R.E. Community.' He added, 'Susan was a beloved friend to many at our center, and her legacy will continue to touch many in our community through this program and this endowment.' Family support is important during this time, he said, recalling his own experiences with cancer that eventually led to a stem cell transplant. Patient empowerment is also essential, as every patient navigates their way through potentially difficult choices. Every year, an average of 7, 000 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with invasive cancer, according to the UH Cancer Center, and about 2, 400 die from the disease. Hawaii is home to more than 65, 000 cancer survivors. Though he did not know it at the time, Peter Hirano said his wife upon diagnosis was given six months to a year to live. She survived the late-stage cancer for another 3-1 /2 years, defying expectations. During that time, she embraced her spiritual and holistic self and found a purpose. 'As much as I miss her every day, I have this other side of me that says we had some really good times with her and we did a lot, ' he said. 'We created some great memories.' His hope is that the endowment will grow and the program expand along with it to have a lasting impact for cancer patients in perpetuity. The UH Cancer Center welcomes additional contributions through the University of Hawaii Foundation. Hirano is also survived by son Trevor, stepson Tyler, mother Jean Stine and brother Dan Stine. Legacy of caring
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Servco Pacific seeks pause on HART's eminent domain of Kakaako property
A more than 100-year-old family-owned business has requested the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation pause its plans to condemn the company's large automotive servicing center property in Kakaako. HART claims the eminent domain of a Servco Pacific Inc. property at 616 Keawe St. will be for the benefit of completing the over-$10 billion Skyline project into downtown Honolulu by 2030. But at the HART board of directors meeting Friday, Servco Chief Investment Officer Peter Fukunaga opposed the government's taking of the property until further discussions with the rail agency could be held. 'We want to figure out how we can find a good solution for all of us, ' he added. Saying discussions with HART over this property originally started more than a decade ago, Fukunaga said that 'leadership and staffing changes ' at the agency derailed discussions in recent years. 'There's been about a five-year period where there hasn't been any conversations, and then recently … we were notified that HART needed to take a significant, large portion of the property, ' he added. 'About triple … than what was initially discussed.' 'And then we were informed that the land has to get turned over to the contractor by January, ' Fuku naga said. 'So a very short time to prepare, that's about seven months from now.' Via a resolution, the rail agency seeks to notify the Honolulu City Council of its intention 'to acquire by eminent domain a fee simple interest and a temporary construction easement over, under, above and through a portion ' of that commercial property—which features an 8, 580-square-foot building where automotive repairs occur—for Skyline. HART claims the building conflicts with the station platform for the Civic Center Station and with the 'constructability ' of four straddle bent columns, which will be in the public right of way immediately adjacent to the building. A straddle bent column and electrical facilities to power the station will also be located within the acquired property. And an additional temporary easement is necessary for use during the removal of the building from the property. The business is still eligible to receive relocation benefits, rail staff assert. HART claims it presented a formal offer to Servco in April. 'The owner has been given a reasonable time to consider the offer, ' Krista Lunzer, HART's director of transit property acquisition and relocation, told the board Friday. 'To adhere to the CCGS construction schedule, it's necessary to begin the condemnation approval process now.' 'Efforts will be made to continue negotiations with the owner, with the goal of reaching an amicable and reasonable settlement, ' she added. According to the city's Real Property Assessment Division, the commercial property at 616 Keawe St. has an assessed value of more than $21.2 million. If the eminent domain occurs, Fukunaga—grandson of company founder Peter H. Fukunaga, who started the business in 1919—said Servco will 'need to relocate one of our busiest service centers.' 'So this facility supports nearly 50 jobs, tens of thousands of customers every year, ' he told the board. 'You know, seven months to get permitting, move equipment, retrain staff, potentially find a new location and figure this all out without disrupting … that's the only spot down there that we've got.' Fukunaga requested Servco 'would like to step up the amount of conversations and engagement to figure out alternatives ' to condemnation. The main alternative, he asserted, is full closure of the company's Kakaako service center. Fukunaga said the eminent domain 'jeopardizes the long-term redevelopment plans for this site and leaves us with very few practical options going forward.' But the future of Servco's property was hampered by circumstances at HART's board meeting. On Friday the board lacked a quorum—the minimum number of board members to legally conduct public business on the city rail project—and therefore could not vote on the condemnation or any other items on the meeting's agenda. Although it could not vote, board Chair Colleen Hanabusa explained the panel could receive testimony and that board members could ask questions. To that, board member Roger Morton asked Fukunaga whether Servco 'recommended alternatives that you would like us to consider.' 'Yes, ' Fukunaga replied, adding his company wanted to set up a future meeting with HART to discuss options. 'But certainly, if there's a way that the amount of property to be taken permanently could be much smaller … and maybe some of the property could be leased for the build process.' Hanabusa asked about Servco's business operations on that Keawe Street site. 'For service, that's our only Toyota location in the area, ' Fukunaga replied. 'And you said (the planned taking ) changed, about triple the size ?' she queried. Fukunaga replied, 'It was supposed to be about 5, 000 square feet, and … I think it's up to about 19, 000 (square feet ) at this point.' Board member Anthony Aalto asked whether Servco would 'temporarily move and then, after HART's done its business, move back in … (to ) that huge site you have there.' Fukunaga said, 'To your point, if there's a way that much less can be permanently taken, and during the build … if a portion is leased or borrowed for a period of time … that would certainly be a step in the right direction.' 'I can't speak to the details of that, ' Aalto replied, 'but obviously, looking forward long-term, we want to see that site fully integrated into the station, and potentially see your business there on a permanent basis but in an integrated fashion with the station.' Later, Lunzer said the request for the Servco property's condemnation will return to the board for a formal vote, likely at its next meeting in June. In April the HART board voted for rail-related condemnations on three other Kakaako properties. Those include :—560 Halekauwila St., owned by architecture firm Design Partners Properties No. 5 LLC.—609 Keawe St., owned by Bank of Hawaii, trustee for the Katherine McGrew Cooper Trust.—576 Halekauwila St., owned by Goodwill Kaka ako Center LLC and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Properties LLC. At the same April 25 meeting, the board also voted to condemn a fourth property in Kalihi—at 1956 Dillingham Blvd., owned by Gerald Je Chul Kang and Kloe Sookhee Kang—to allow easement access for placement of Hawaiian Electric equipment.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Servco Pacific requests pause on HART's eminent domain plans of its Kakaako property
A more than 100-year-old family-owned business has requested the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation pause its plans to condemn the company's large automotive servicing center property in Kakaako. HART claims the eminent domain of a Servco Pacific Inc. property at 616 Keawe St. will be for the benefit of completing the over-$10 billion Skyline project into downtown Honolulu by 2030. But at the HART board of directors meeting Friday, Servco Chief Investment Officer Peter Fukunaga opposed the government's taking of the property until further discussions with the rail agency could be held. 'We want to figure out how we can find a good solution for all of us, ' he added. Saying discussions with HART over this property originally started more than a decade ago, Fukunaga said that 'leadership and staffing changes ' at the agency derailed discussions in recent years. 'There's been about a five-year period where there hasn't been any conversations, and then recently … we were notified that HART needed to take a significant, large portion of the property, ' he added. 'About triple … than what was initially discussed.' 'And then we were informed that the land has to get turned over to the contractor by January, ' Fuku naga said. 'So a very short time to prepare, that's about seven months from now.' Via a resolution, the rail agency seeks to notify the Honolulu City Council of its intention 'to acquire by eminent domain a fee simple interest and a temporary construction easement over, under, above and through a portion ' of that commercial property—which features an 8, 580-square-foot building where automotive repairs occur—for Skyline. HART claims the building conflicts with the station platform for the Civic Center Station and with the 'constructability ' of four straddle bent columns, which will be in the public right of way immediately adjacent to the building. A straddle bent column and electrical facilities to power the station will also be located within the acquired property. And an additional temporary easement is necessary for use during the removal of the building from the property. The business is still eligible to receive relocation benefits, rail staff assert. HART claims it presented a formal offer to Servco in April. 'The owner has been given a reasonable time to consider the offer, ' Krista Lunzer, HART's director of transit property acquisition and relocation, told the board Friday. 'To adhere to the CCGS construction schedule, it's necessary to begin the condemnation approval process now.' 'Efforts will be made to continue negotiations with the owner, with the goal of reaching an amicable and reasonable settlement, ' she added. According to the city's Real Property Assessment Division, the commercial property at 616 Keawe St. has an assessed value of more than $21.2 million. If the eminent domain occurs, Fukunaga—grandson of company founder Peter H. Fukunaga, who started the business in 1919—said Servco will 'need to relocate one of our busiest service centers.' 'So this facility supports nearly 50 jobs, tens of thousands of customers every year, ' he told the board. 'You know, seven months to get permitting, move equipment, retrain staff, potentially find a new location and figure this all out without disrupting … that's the only spot down there that we've got.' Fukunaga requested Servco 'would like to step up the amount of conversations and engagement to figure out alternatives ' to condemnation. The main alternative, he asserted, is full closure of the company's Kakaako service center. Fukunaga said the eminent domain 'jeopardizes the long-term redevelopment plans for this site and leaves us with very few practical options going forward.' But the future of Servco's property was hampered by circumstances at HART's board meeting. On Friday the board lacked a quorum—the minimum number of board members to legally conduct public business on the city rail project—and therefore could not vote on the condemnation or any other items on the meeting's agenda. Although it could not vote, board Chair Colleen Hanabusa explained the panel could receive testimony and that board members could ask questions. To that, board member Roger Morton asked Fukunaga whether Servco 'recommended alternatives that you would like us to consider.' 'Yes, ' Fukunaga replied, adding his company wanted to set up a future meeting with HART to discuss options. 'But certainly, if there's a way that the amount of property to be taken permanently could be much smaller … and maybe some of the property could be leased for the build process.' Hanabusa asked about Servco's business operations on that Keawe Street site. 'For service, that's our only Toyota location in the area, ' Fukunaga replied. 'And you said (the planned taking ) changed, about triple the size ?' she queried. Fukunaga replied, 'It was supposed to be about 5, 000 square feet, and … I think it's up to about 19, 000 (square feet ) at this point.' Board member Anthony Aalto asked whether Servco would 'temporarily move and then, after HART's done its business, move back in … (to ) that huge site you have there.' Fukunaga said, 'To your point, if there's a way that much less can be permanently taken, and during the build … if a portion is leased or borrowed for a period of time … that would certainly be a step in the right direction.' 'I can't speak to the details of that, ' Aalto replied, 'but obviously, looking forward long-term, we want to see that site fully integrated into the station, and potentially see your business there on a permanent basis but in an integrated fashion with the station.' Later, Lunzer said the request for the Servco property's condemnation will return to the board for a formal vote, likely at its next meeting in June. In April the HART board voted for rail-related condemnations on three other Kakaako properties. Those include :—560 Halekauwila St., owned by architecture firm Design Partners Properties No. 5 LLC.—609 Keawe St., owned by Bank of Hawaii, trustee for the Katherine McGrew Cooper Trust.—576 Halekauwila St., owned by Goodwill Kaka ako Center LLC and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Properties LLC. At the same April 25 meeting, the board also voted to condemn a fourth property in Kalihi—at 1956 Dillingham Blvd., owned by Gerald Je Chul Kang and Kloe Sookhee Kang—to allow easement access for placement of Hawaiian Electric equipment.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Road rage suspect issued a no-bail warrant
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Road rage suspect Nathaniel Radimak is back at the Halawa Correctional Facility after being hospitalized for injuries he received from being assaulted while behind bars. The Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority has issued a no-bail warrant against Radimak for allegedly violating parole conditions tied to a previous conviction he received back in California. Hawaii elected officials won't be above illegal fireworks crackdown Due to an interstate agreement, Radimak was required to follow both California's and Hawaiʻi's parole rules. The new no-bail warrant will ensure that he remains behind bars without bail. Radimak is currently facing charges for unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and assault for an attack on a mother and daughter last week in Kakaʻako. If convicted in Hawaiʻi, Radimak will first serve time in the islands before being sent back to California to complete his original sentence, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
