Waiʻanae Community Resilience Hub Project
Returning Leeward Oʻahu from a food desert back to a food basket.
We are building a $20.2 Waiʻanae Community Resilience Hub to strengthen food security, enhance disaster preparedness, and build long-term community health across the Waiʻanae Coast.
The Need
Food Security
The Waiʻanae Coast faces some of the highest rates of food insecurity and diet-related health challenges in Hawaiʻi.
Infrastructure
Since 2021, ʻElepaio has distributed more than 14 million pounds of food. Our current 3,500-sq-ft warehouse does not adequately meet our food storage needs.
Emergency response
With only one main roadway in and out, our community is uniquely vulnerable to natural disasters and emergencies. There is currently only one, state-sanctioned, hurricane refuge for the entire coast—its maximum capacity is 1,394 people. .
From response to readiness
The Waiʻanae Community Resilience Hub will serve as a major milestone in returning the Leeward Coast to self-reliance, wellness, and resilience. The 15-acre campus will sit on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands next to the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. The project includes:
A 10,500-sq-ft food warehouse – With the capacity to store 200% more food, this hub will stage daily food distribution and emergency disaster relief directly within the community.
Emergency shelter – The shelter will provide a safe place if residents are left isolated by road closures, natural disasters, or power outages.
Classroom kitchen and dining room – A dedicated space for nutrition and cooking education through our Food is Education Program.
Food growing fields – Community members can grow and harvest their own food.
ʻElepaio office space
Project Timeline
Phase one is expected to break ground in early 2027.
Project funding
Total funding for the Resilience Hub is estimated at $20.2 million.
Through a mix of state, federal and philanthropic grants, $7.2 million has been raised for phase one of the hub. An additional $13 million is needed to complete phase two.
Ways to help
Building community resilience is a collective effort. We need your help to secure $13 million.
Your monetary donation supports site development, land preparation, and other construction costs.
By sharing our vision for the Resilience Hub, you help us build awareness and support for vital infrastructure.
We are always looking for potential funders, capitol project investors, philanthropic foundations, and more across Hawaiʻi and beyond.