Ea: From Assistance to Agency

When you first meet Lalo Ishiki-Kalāhele, it’s easy to see why she embodies the program she was entrusted to oversee. Lalo is the coordinator of the Economic Agency (Ea) program here at KKV.  Her warm smile and engaging personality serve as an instant point of connection and exemplifies a program that needs an especially high level of care and aloha.  

The Ea program began at the start of the pandemic in 2020 in response to quickly evolving community needs. “There was a big shift at KKV. Everyone needed to do new things so that we could continue to support our community,” says Lalo. As the pandemic started to change the dynamic of KKV, she was brought on to help lead Hui Hoaka, an umbrella program that provides expanded wrap-around services to the community, as well as data and evaluation support to KKV. 

Over time, a range of programs sprang forth from Hui Hoaka, all with the aim of offering comprehensive support to our neighbors.  In the beginning, Ea was synonymous with Economic Assistance and focused on helping people with immediate COVID-related needs, such as applying for rental and utility subsidies.  But as the pandemic began to subside, the community's ongoing need for assistance remained evident. “We asked ourselves, how can Hui Hoaka still support Kalihi?” says Lalo. “That’s when we made the switch from Economic Assistance to Economic Agency, because it’s so much more than just assistance.”  

What started out as just financial assistance is now a space for people to learn, grow, and really hone in on their gifts and talents. “Ea supports the community in a way that can be harder for some of our other programs to do. As staff in all programs know well, health is not just about taking medicine or seeing your doctor. It’s also about your environment and the connections you make,” says Lalo.   

One of the small but mighty ways Ea fosters connections is by holding job readiness classes. Aunty Evelyn and Aunty Today, who are a part of the Hui Hoaka team, gather women from the community who want to find jobs. Class is held each week for four weeks.  Each class focuses on a different topic. Ea team members receive training on a particular topic and then pass on that knowledge to the women. “It’s all about finding their gifts and knowing what they need and want in a job,” says Lalo. Ea also partners with outreach programs to help the women learn new things, gain skills, as well as sharpen the ones they already possess. “At the end of one of the cohorts, some of the women cried. They were sad it was over, but more importantly, were proud that they know what their gifts and talents are. It can take people a long time to find their gifts. This was so powerful and moving to witness,” says Lalo. The classes and resources that Ea provides have helped individuals take greater control of their lives and expanded their array of life choices.   

With some final words of affirmation, Lalo reminds our community that “we are here to expose people to more options. And within these options, we hope they can recognize their culture, their struggles, and how far they’ve come.”  

Economic Sovereignty is important to health. KKV’s EA program can help you find and access financial resources, such as assistance for rent, funeral and child tax credit. Call 808.791.9466 for assistance.