Kauaʽi’s vital community services face devastating impact from federal funding uncertainty

Community-based organizations are crucial lifelines for Kauaʽi’s most vulnerable residents.

They provide services such as domestic violence support, food assistance for kūpuna and resources for those in need.

However, these essential services are now at serious risk because of federal funding cuts and ongoing uncertainty.

Executive Director Emerita of YWCA Kauaʽi Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh expressed the critical impact these cuts would have on these vital organizations.

“It would limit and possibly eliminate programs we provide such as in-person crisis response services and prevention education services, affecting over 200 victims and their families as well as thousands of students,” said Hamilton-Cambeilh.

Domestic violence and sexual assault victims would be without immediate in-person support and have to travel to Līhuʽe for services.

Students around the island would lose important education regarding body safety, respectful communication and where to turn to for help.

Emergency services such as Kauaʽi Police Department would face an increased burden, affecting their ability to focus on investigations and provide emotional support.

Hamilton-Cambeilh further highlighted additional challenges the uncertainty would cause.

“This has made recruiting for open positions more difficult, and we’ve had to divert staff time away from direct service delivery to discuss possible program reductions and staff shortages if funding continues to decline,” she said.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Kauaʽi Planning and Action Alliance Alice Luck added that the funding cuts only exacerbate the long-standing issue of chronic underfunding.

“The threat of federal funding cuts compounds the problem of government contracts, many of which have not been increased in over a decade,” said Luck. “With contracts failing to adjust for inflation and the rising costs of living in Hawaiʽi, many [community-based organizations] are struggling to attract and retain staff, which compromises their ability to fulfill their missions and meet contract goals.”

Luck said hers and other community-based organizations love their communities and are here to serve, “but we must begin again to invest in people and rebuild the frayed safety net.”

Melissa Pavlicek, executive director of Hawaiʽi True Cost Coalition, shared the dire situation facing many community-based organizations.

She said a 2022 sector survey produced by the alliance of 70-plus community-based organizations that serves more than 500,000 residents statewide revealed that in addition to seeking private donations:

• 79% of respondents have cut administrative costs.
• 56% have reduced staff salaries.
• Nearly a quarter have taken out loans and paid interest just to continue serving the most vulnerable in the community.

“However, this is no longer sustainable — we are at a tipping point,” said Pavlicek.

While the situation remains critical, Pavlicek noted that there is some hope as Hawaiʽi lawmakers are considering measures to support the state’s community-based organizations.

“The [Hawaiʽi] Legislature has been proactive in discussing funding increases for the Department of Human Services and Judiciary contracts with [community-based organizations], as well as emergency funding in case federal support is cut,” she said. “We will continue working with legislators to address these challenges.”