May 2020 marked the beginning of the Mālama Ke Ola program, a care package distribution program designed by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi.
The Mālama Ke Ola program was designed to meet the needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These care packages promote upliftment of the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of Hawai‘i island’s kūpuna (elders), mākua (parents), and kamali‘i (children).
The first packages distributed to clients in need was the Olakino package. This package focused on the physical well-being and safety of the entire ‘ohana. Through the Olakino package, clients in need received paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, gloves, and more! With the help of donations from the community, clients also received canned goods and face masks that were much needed during this time.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) of Hui Mālama were tasked to distribute hundreds of bags to clients in their designated ‘āpana (district). Hilo clients were the first clients of Hui Mālama to receive their Olakino package from their CHW of Hilo and Puna, Kirra Tomori, along with other Hui Mālama staff and additional volunteers. The Mālama Ke Ola program was honored to collaborate with Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science (HAAS) for their Puna distribution pick-up where another 100 packages were distributed to Puna residents. The Mālama Ke Ola program then hit the road and traveled to North Hawai‘i where CHW of North Hawai‘i, Chauncey Hatico, and his team distributed packages at the Salvation Army located in Honoka‘a. When all North Hawai‘i packages were accounted for, vans were packed and headed to beautiful Nāʻālehu to distribute to the residents of Kaʻū. Keamalu Waltjen, CHW of Kaʻū, distributed and delivered another 100 care packages to the Kaʻū ‘ohana at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council. Lastly, the Hui Mālama team traveled to South Kona where CHW of Kona, Jovena Moses, helped to distribute more packages to the community. The Mālama Ke Ola program was again honored to collaborate with Lanakila Congregational Church to distribute packages safely to those in need.
On behalf of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, its Interim Executive Director Noe Scott extends her mahalo to all community members, businesses, and other organizations that provided assistance and/or donations to the Mālama Ke Ola program:
- Alison Herzig
- Callie Villanueva
- Debbie Kenui
- Discount Fabric Warehouse, Hilo
- Gail Wung
- Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science, Pāhoa
- Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council, Nāʻālehu
- Lanakila Congregational Church, Kealakekua
- Mālama Ka Pili Pa‘a
- Noe Scott
- Papa Ola Lōkahi
- Renee “Keala” Namahoe
- Salvation Army, Honoka‘a: Gary and Ann Todd
- Sara
- Sweetie Osorio
- Tadeo Adult Residential Care Home
- Taylor Martin
- Tiffany Hatico
- Mapuana Kure
- Melvin and U‘ilani Soares
- Vibrant Hawai‘i
Donations are still being accepted and those interested can contact Natasha at (808) 969-9220 to donate.
What’s next? The Mālama Ke Ola program will soon be distributing their next care package: No‘ono‘o Olakino package. This package is focused on the mental well-being of the ‘ohana.
In need of this next care package but are not a client with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi? No problem! Contact the Community Health Worker in your area to find out how to can receive the No‘ono‘o Olakino care package during the next distribution dates. Click here for our CHWs’ contact information.
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi would like to say mahalo to Hawai‘i island for their continued support throughout the years! Continue to stay safe and healthy during these times and don’t forget to visit our Services Sign-up or Calendar to learn more ways we can live longer and feel better, together!