WE Are Kalihi, Celebrating US

What started as an idea to bring Kalihi together, has birthed a beloved annual event offering resources, cultural crafts, food, companionship, support and much more to our community.  

“WE Are Kalihi, Celebrating US” was held on Saturday, August 24th at the Kapālama Elementary School Cafeteria. Lively music brought smiles to attendees’ faces, and various vendors offered their knowledge and proudly displayed their handmade products to those who strolled by. “The event really highlights the unity of the community,” says KKV’s EA (Economic Agency) Coordinator Lalo Ishiki-Kalāhele. “It’s really telling how well Kalihi is doing.” Alongside Hui Hoaka, KKV’s community research department, both teams played a big role in planning and organizing the annual event.  

“WE Are Kalihi” came to be in 2023 after many organizations in the community noticed a need for unity. The goal was to provide a safe space for everyone to come together and show their love for Kalihi, as well as provide resources and support people might need. 

This year’s theme was “celebrating US”, highlighting the many cultures that make up Kalihi. One of the biggest achievements of the event was allowing community members to sell their handmade products to a bigger audience. “This was something we really wanted to make happen this year,” says Lalo. “We listened to our community, and this is something they needed.” One of EA’s recent focuses is “women empowerment in the workforce”. Team members have come across so many talented crafters and seamstresses in our community, wanting to support their families. EA helped them to achieve this goal by creating a safe space for them to sell their cultural products.  

EA Project Assistant Christian Marquez and Community Health Workers Aunty Evelyn Sowas and Aunty Today Madison worked closely with the women who planned to sell. “We worked with them through the entire process,” says Christian. “They have such a passion for their crafts. It was great seeing them so proud of their work.” From inventory to pricing to product displays, EA offered support each step of the way. “This is also creating community wealth,” added Lalo. “We are helping the ladies and their families to thrive while also supplying the community with cultural goods.”  

KKV is proud to have been involved in the creation and planning process of the event, both years it’s been held. This year, Family Planning, Human Resources, Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, Roots and Medical all provided resource booths. The youth of Pacific Voices performed opening protocol for the event, and the Nutrition team performed hula. The Gulick Elder Center sold plants that they grew themselves. Pharmacy staff members lent their time as volunteers. It was a KKV-wide effort, and we couldn't be prouder of our team for being there for the community.  

But the event would not have been possible without the help of many other organizations. We wanted to say a big mahalo to the Kalihi Connection Coalition, Parents and Children Together (PACT), Weed and Seed Hawaii, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Center, Catholic Charities, We Are Oceania, HI High Intensity Drug Trafficking, United Health, Project Vision, Hawaii Department of Health, YMCA Kalihi, Queen’s Health Systems, WIC Culture Hawaii, Councilmember Radiant Cordeiro, Honolulu Police Department, Kalihi Community of Christ Church, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Malama Kidney Center, C & C American Job Center, University of Hawaii Community Education, Domestic Violence Action Center and Planned Parenthood. We are ALL Kalihi! 

All photos courtesy of Lalo Ishiki-Kalāhele.