IRS 501 C (3) Non Profit Organization
The Truth About Youth & Social Media
The County of Hawai’i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney- Crime Prevention Unit invites you to a presentation on “The Truth About Youth & Social Media”. Officer David Gomez is a renowned law enforcement officer who is at the forefront of educating parents and youth about the many dangers of social media on electronic devices. Please see attachment and registration link for more information. We encourage sharing with those in your networks.
Registration Link: Click Here

Grief Magic Event – April 16, 2024

| Grief Magic With Yemaya Indira Tuesday, April 16 3 pm to 4:30 pmHealing through the many faces of grief. A space to learn, share, move, write, practice and honor the many faces of grief and loss. We will explore the many faces of grief: The Grief BundleTainted Grief vs. Pure Grief Inner Child Grief And our relationship to death, losses of many kinds, change and mourning. Yemaya is an Intuitive Kinesthetic Empath with over 30 years of practice and expertise in the healing arts, somatic therapy, trauma release work, eastern and western spirituality, community development, and the performing arts. Her latest continuing education credentials are with the NARM (Neuro Affective Relational Model) for C-PTSD recovery, as a NARM-informed professional. Join Yemaya on Tuesday, April 16 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at Tutu’s House! With aloha,Your ʻOhana at Tutu’s House |
Here is a link to register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApcemoqjkiH9Jdqm0QevMsiCLcbVC7P5ce
Going Home Hawai’i April 2024 Newsletter
| Going Home Hawai`i Newsletter |
| A Message to the Community: The Power of Second Chances |
| Aloha kākou, We embrace the arrival of April and celebrate a significant milestone in our journey. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium, a testament to our enduring commitment to providing second chances to individuals who are justice-involved in Hawai`i County. Over these two decades, we have witnessed countless stories of resilience, transformation, and hope. From the first steps of reentry to the triumphant milestones of constant growth and self-discovery, our Consortium has been there, continuing in our mission. Our journey is not just about legal processes; it’s about healing. It is about recognizing that justice-involved individuals are not defined solely by their past actions. Like anyone else, they have dreams, fears, and aspirations. Our work extends beyond rehabilitation; it encompasses cultural practices that emphasize restoration, healing, and community well-being. In Hawai`i, our cultural diversity enriches our approach to second chances. We honor the wisdom of our Kūpuna, the resilience of our Keiki, and the interconnectedness of our `Ohana. Our commitment to second chances extends beyond legal entities; it embraces cultural practices that emphasize restoration, healing, and well-being. Together, we built bridges of understanding and work hard to replace stigma with empathy. We see families reunite and children find stability. Our partners—community leaders, local organizations, government, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers, volunteers, and advocates—have been the pillar of this journey. Their commitment has shaped lives and rewritten futures. As we look ahead, let’s continue to champion second chances. Let us recognize that redemption is not a solitary journey—it is a collective effort. When we lift each other up, and have faith in the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit, our community prospers. To our partners, volunteers, and advocates: You are the heartbeat of the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium. I am grateful for your unwavering commitment as we continue to create a community that thrives on compassion, understanding, and second chances. Mahalo nui loa, Les Estrella and the Going Home Hawai`i `Ohana |
| Welina me ke aloha, We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of the Going Home Hawai`i newsletter as we celebrate our Consortium’s 20th anniversary and National Second Chance month. It’s an honor to reflect on two decades of serving our community and providing vital re-entry services to those in need. The overall goal of the Consortium is to reduce recidivism on Hawai`i Island for justice-involved individuals. 20 Years of Impact Since our inception in 2004, The Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium has been at the forefront of re-entry services in our state. Over the past 20 years, some examples include:Collaborated with local businesses to offer job training and placement services, empowering individuals to build sustainable livelihoods.Advocated for policy changes and reforms to create a more equitable and just re-entry system in Hawai’i.Published two 5 Year Strategic Plan BookletsHosted a Faith-Based Re-Entry SummitEstablished the 501(c)3 Non-Profit, Going Home Hawai`iHosted two Meth ConferencesConvened the Returning Home ConferencePublished the Reintegration and The Journey Home BookletHosted our first Re-Entry & Restoration Summit which had over 300 attendeesImplemented the Strategic Road MapExpanded the Consortium to over 800 partnersWe are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made, thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you. We currently look forward to hosting an island-wide Sequential Intercept Map(SIM) Report this August. SIM reports detail how individuals with mental and substance abuse issues come into contact with and move through the criminal justice system. We also are steadily expanding the Consortium to a statewide coalition, allowing partner agencies a positive balance of independence and the impact provided with a united group front. National Second Chance Month April is National Second Chance month, a time to recognize the importance of giving individuals who have been incarcerated the opportunity to rebuild their lives. To read President Joe Bidenʻs proclamation of Second Chance Month here. This month, we will be hosting a series of events and initiatives, including: The Second Chance Sign Waving Event: Friday, April 19th from 4-6 PM at The Kamehameha Statue Going Home Hawai`i’s Monthly Consortium: Tuesday, April 9th, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM via Zoom |
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| Highlights & Updates |
| JLEAG Digital Sign Waving |
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| We are proud to kick-off our Justice Lived Experience Advisory Group (JLEAG) digital sign waving. This ongoing, positive digital messaging will allow community members with real justice-lived experience to share a message with the Hawai’i community. Digital Sign Waving is our way of using the power of social media and digital platforms to amplify voices, spread awareness, and mobilize action. Instead of waving physical signs, we’ll be waving digital flags through posts and shares across various online platforms. Our first round of signs are to celebrate National Second Chance month! Each JLEAG member shown was asked to write a sign for Second Chance month and to explain the meaning of their sign and how second chances benefit the community. Michelle Manalo (Top Left): Perfection does not exist. People make mistakes. Second chances benefit our community by reducing recidivism, encouraging family reunification, and allowing opportunity for a person to become a productive member of society. Michelle Kobayashi (Top Right): You have to go through the worst to get to the best. I believe I’m worth that second chance to live and build a beautiful and healthy life. With God All Things Are Possible! Zinah Loeb (Bottom Left): With each new day? Iʻm blessed with the opportunity to make a change for the better. It allows for an individual to reach their fullest potential turn, becoming a better community player. Ili Tolentino-Dunkin (Bottom Right): Learn to ask for help. Know who you are, what you are and be accountable to yourself. Courage to break the generational curse. |
| GHH Holds Domestic Violence Awareness Sign Waving |
On Friday, March 1st, Going Home Hawai’i joined hands with partner agencies for the Domestic Violence Awareness Sign Waving & Vigil. As an organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted persons, we annually recognize the critical intersection between domestic violence and justice involvement. By raising awareness and offering support, we aim to break the cycle of violence and provide a path towards healing and empowerment for survivors. Our involvement underscores our commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for all individuals, including those impacted by domestic violence. Together, we stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for a future free from domestic violence. |
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| HIFUSE and Justice- Involved Homeless Project |
| On March 4th and 6th, we held our HIFUSE Virtual Kick-off to introduce the HIFUSE program design! With the guidance and collaboration of the community and, in particular, critical partners in the housing, homelessness, and health sectors, as well as justice system and law enforcement partners, the HIFUSE project design and data matching will bring the knowledge and resources of multiple sectors to best allocate public resources available. With generous support from the Hawai`i Community Foundation(HCF) and the County of Hawai’i Office of Housing and Community Development(OHCD), Going Home Hawai`i is launching an all-new program to connect people who are experiencing homelessness and are justice-involved to much-needed resources.HIFUSE will work with housing and justice partners countywide and statewide to connect and aggregate data to provide HIFUSE better insight into frequent use, establish new avenues of in-reach and outreach, and rely on the expertise and leadership of people with lived experience to launch this groundbreaking program in our community. |
| Consortium Meeting Updates |
| Each month, the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium holds a virtual meeting which includes a half hour Executive Committee meeting prior to the main Consortium meeting, committee breakout sessions and a guest speaker to share on an aspect of reentry and restoration, followed by a Q&A session. All videos are posted on our YouTube channel. Meetings are held via Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 9th from 11:30 AM-1:00PM HST https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87034448225?pwd=NklDZkJBcFQrcTA5Z2NLOHp5cERJZz09 Meeting ID: 870 3444 8225 Passcode: 764825 |
| A Special Mahalo… |
| To our Board of Directors for their dedication, guidance, and support. Les Estrella, President & CEO; Chair, Denise Pacheco, Vice Chair; Dr. Jamee Mahealani Miller, Secretary; Lilinoe Kauahikaua, Treasurer; Dr. C. Kimo Alameda; Director; Dr. Marilyn Brown |
| Copyright © 2019, Going Home Hawaii, All rights reserved. Our contact information is: 80 Pauahi Street, Suite 207 Hilo, Hawai’i 96720 Office: (808) 491-2437 Fax: (808) 498-0315 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
Now On Zoom: Arthritis Foundation Fitness

Arthritis Foundation Fitness
With Victoria Mendez
Mondays and Wednesdays
9:30 am to 10:30 am
NOW also on Zoom
Are you living with arthritis? The Arthritis Foundation Fitness Program focuses on helping individuals maintain their strength and flexibility with exercises to help balance, coordination and strength training. The class consists of stretching, low impact, the use of weights or theraband, and dancing.
Victoria Mendez is a certified leader of Arthritis Foundation/Aquatic Exercise (AEA) classes. She has been leading the Arthritis Foundation Program since 1998. She hopes to contribute to the community by leading this class at Tutu’s Hosue.
Join Victoria on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Tutu’s House or on Zoom!
With aloha,
Your ʻOhana at Tutu’s House
Hawaii Part-Time Jobs available with the U.S. Census Bureau
Thank you for your support of the 2020 Census, the next Census is in 2030. In addition to conducting a census every 10 years, we conduct surveys on virtually every aspect of life in the United States. For additional information on what we do everyday, please check out our “We’re the Census Bureau YouTube Video“
The Census Bureau’s mission is to serve as the nation’s leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. Field Representatives and Field Supervisors are hired to complete the mission of the agency. They connect with diverse members of their local communities and collect data that represents the voice of the nation.
The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring Field Representatives in Hawaii $17.67 per hour plus COLA.
https://www.census.gov/about/regions/los-angeles/jobs/hawaii.html
Please feel free to share the the following link to your listserv.
We need your help to get the word out.
How you can help:
Share Official Census Bureau Social Media:
Social Media Took kit for partners: “Census Bureau Jobs in Your Community Social Media Toolkit“
Circulate Flyers and/or host recruitment events.
If you have any questions, please contact recruiting at 800-992-3529.
Respectfully,
Yolanda Lazcano, Talent Outreach Specialist
Los Angeles Regional Office
U.S. Census Bureau
O: 818-267-1744| M: 818-397-5875
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video We’re the Census Bureau


Amended Draft EID for Pahala Large Capacity Cesspool Closure Project, Public Comment Period, & Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 10
Aloha,
In compliance with the Administrative Order on Consent between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the County of Hawai‘i that requires the closure of the Pāhala Large Capacity Cesspools, the Amended Draft Pāhala Environmental Information Document (EID) is available for download today via the links below. It will be available at the Pāhala Public Library by March 15.
The County also announces that the public comment period on the Amended Draft EID will conclude April 15, 2024. All substantive comments on the Amended Draft EID will receive a response and will be incorporated into the Final EID, which is due to be submitted to EPA by July 30, 2024.
The Amended Draft EID tentatively identifies the County’s preferred option to be a package wastewater treatment plant with new collection system (Alternative 1) and among other things provides a draft basis for the tentative selection.
The public meeting to gather community input on the Amended Draft Environmental Information Document is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani Street.
To attend virtually via Zoom or phone, click the link or call the number below during the meeting.
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16031058165
Phone: +1 669 254 5252; Meeting ID: 160 3105 8165
To request reasonable accommodations for this meeting, please call (808) 961-8099. If you wish to update or correct your mailing information or request notices via email, write to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov or call the number above.
If you are unable to attend this April 10 meeting and wish to provide a comment or have a question, please write to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov with the subject line “Pāhala EID” or address a letter to Mark Grant, c/o COH Environmental Management, 345 Kekuanaoa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, HI 96720 before April 15, 2024.










On Friday, March 1st, Going Home Hawai’i joined hands with partner agencies for the Domestic Violence Awareness Sign Waving & Vigil. As an organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted persons, we annually recognize the critical intersection between domestic violence and justice involvement. By raising awareness and offering support, we aim to break the cycle of violence and provide a path towards healing and empowerment for survivors. Our involvement underscores our commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for all individuals, including those impacted by domestic violence. Together, we stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for a future free from domestic violence.




