In an age of unprecedented access to technology and resources, we like to believe that support is just a click or call away. Countless hotline numbers, shelters, community centers, and mental health or emergency services help those who have fallen victim to the devastating experience of human trafficking. These resources are vital lifelines for many, pulling people from the grasp of a horrible situation. But the truth is, the most impactful support doesn’t come from institutions. Instead, it comes from the people closest to us — our friends, family and loved ones.
The following editorial was originally published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday, September 5, 2021 as part of the "Raise Your Hand" column in the Insights section.
PRO: A PRACTICAL CHANGE TO HAWAII TOURISM
“Not only are hotels understaffed, but Hawai’i is at full visitor occupancy while there is a severe shortage of other resources elsewhere in the islands…This prioritization of tourists’ wants over local residents’ needs caused an uproar within Hawai’i’s communities.”
- Carolei Edra
CON: ADDRESSING FLAWS IN HTA’S NEW PLAN
“If we want to move from accidental to purposeful perpetuation of what makes Hawai’i special, we need a Cabinet position or shared vision between the HTA and the government, or else any well-intentioned actions fall short.”
- Jamie Hirano
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marketed to visitors who want to “live aloha” for a week before flying home. Others say
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they used to. Generosity becomes difficult when you’re working long hours and barely
scraping by. With Hawaii’s high cost of living, continued housing crisis, and economic
uncertainty, people are stretched thin — and when your plate is already full, there’s little
room to consider the needs of others.
A key priority of DOGE is eliminating wasteful government spending. One of its most
controversial initiatives thus far has been scaling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.
While some may view this move as an attack on diversity and inclusion itself, DEI initiatives
have been used to justify policies that are questionable at best. During the Biden administration,
the Department of Education alone spent over $1 billion on DEI programs, raising concerns
about whether this truly serves the nation’s interests. With DOGE’s help and guidance, much-
needed change can be made.
The standard for emergency preparedness according to the American Red Cross is
having shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation that lasts at least 14 days. However, only
about 12% of Hawaii households meet the standard for emergency preparedness.