Hawaii
Feb 25th, 2011 1:36 PM UTC
By Field
Last night, Brigham Young University in Hawaii (BYUH) students were able to gather together and learn more about ONE, as well as do some immediate advocacy work. We were lucky enough to have Jonathan Young, the regional field director, along with Kekoa Cambra, the Congressional District leader for ONE, come and educate us on the current issues as well as lead us in writing letters and making phone calls to our senators here in Hawaii. We were able to spend an hour or so learning, eating pizza and writing letters together. I have gotten good feedback from the students who were there, and think that ONE is going to grow a lot over the next few months at BYUH.
It was great to see students showing interest in the ONE organization and I am really stoked to get ONE going at our school. There is so much potential in this student body to make major changes worldwide by participating in ONE. I am hoping that last night was the first of many ONE meetings and letter-writing parties at BYUH!
-Jessica McMaster, ONE member, Hawaii
Oct 7th, 2010 12:31 PM UTC
By Field
ONE Hawaii members Kekoa and Kona, along with new members Shana, Meghan and Analisa rocked out at the Daughtry concert at the Kaka`ako Amphitheater in Honolulu. We got there before the gates opened and connected with the fans in line to raise awareness.
Some fans had been waiting in line since the early morning just to be one of the first to get in and enjoy the opening acts by local rock groups. It rained earlier in the day but when the concert started, the skies cleared and we were able to enjoy a fantastic tropical Hawaiian sunset followed by a starlit sky when Daughtry took the stage.
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Jun 15th, 2010 11:57 AM UTC
By Field
When I heard ONE members met with Senator Inouye’s staff in April to discuss modest investments to poverty eradication programs, I was determined to help show what we already knew –support exists among Hawaii residents! Last week that support was evident during our ONE Poverty Awareness Concert at BYU Hawaii in Laie. Student performing artists joined local ONE advocates around the message of eradicating extreme poverty through smart investments originating from the international affairs budget. With the help of many others, this event was a way I could do my part by encouraging my peers to use their voice as ONE.
Malaria deaths have been cut in half in some parts of the world and 34 million children are now receiving a primary education in other parts. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supports AIDS elimination projects in 10 countries in Southeast Asia, and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) has extended vaccinations to over 10% of the Southeast Asian population. These results and many more are in part because of American’s leadership in smart investments to proven life-saving solutions. We are fortunate that our voices in numbers can be heard.
Our event is just one example of how Hawaii residents take action when hearing the facts on extreme poverty. ONE by ONE attendees signed the declaration to encourage Senator Inouye to support $56.65 billion in the state foreign operations bill. I was inspired to see so many students demonstrate their support in the fight against extreme poverty. A special thanks to all those who helped – Sue, Tim, performing artists, and all of the wonderful BYUH students. Hawaii residents can join us now by signing this petition to Senator Inouye today. I’m looking forward to advocating with ONE, both on and off campus, to amplify our voices and reach more of our neighbors and elected leaders.
-Jess McMaster, ONE Member Hawaii
This came in from Hawaii volunteer Kekoa Cambra!
Last weekend, I attended a conference where I had the opportunity to help bring more Hawaiians to the fight to end extreme poverty. There I also had the extra privilege to be able to meet with Senator Inouye personally and express my concern with budget committee leaders decision to cut $4 billion from the International Affairs Budget for 2011. Talking to Senator Inouye, I was humbled to realize the gravity our senator’s decision holds for our own country as well as for the developing world.
I was at the conference with fellow Hawaiian ONE members Alicia, Joe, Sue, Kekoa and Falisha and we all talked to and encouraged the attendees to join ONE and add their name to our petition to Senator Inouye. A large number of them listened to what we had to say, signed the petition and thanked us for advocating for the world’s poorest people.
Since Senator Inouye hold so much sway in the U.S. budget process, every signature on this petition from a Hawaiian resident has extra power. I am honored to be able to work with so many great ONE members and help sign up more names.
Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much)
Kekoa Cambra, Hawaii ONE Member
As you know, ONE members across the country have been contacting their senators in support of full funding for the State-Foreign Operations bill. But there’s a special role that ONE members in Hawaii can play.
Hawaii’s Senator, Daniel Inouye, holds the powerful position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. And right now, his committee is finalizing the allocation of all discretionary funding – of which the International Affairs Budget is part.
We’re asking for 1,000 Hawaii ONE members to sign our petition to Senator Inouye asking him to restore the $4 billion recently slashed from the International Affairs 2011 budget. If you live in Hawaii, please take a second to sign this petition. This funding covers priorities such as debt relief for countries including Haiti; life-saving treatment and prevention measures for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; and programs empowering women, promoting agricultural development, and enrolling millions of children in school.
Thanks for all you do.
On Sunday, Aloha ONE members continued their advocacy efforts at the 19th Annual Honolulu AIDS Walk at Kapiolani Park. Hundreds of citizens gathered together to raise money and share their experiences with HIV/AIDS in their local community; and ONE members continued the conversation about the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS outside our nation’s borders. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 2/3 of those living with HIV in our world. But the continual support of bi-partisan U.S. programs like PEPFAR and multilateral programs like The Global Fund have increased survival rates from 50,000 to over 3 million in less than a decade. This Walk is just one of many events ONE members will participate in Honolulu this year. We know our elected leaders are hearing the voices of their constituents.
At a meeting with Senator Inouye’s staff last week, ONE members shared their experiences advocating on behalf of the world’s poorest people and left confident knowing the senator’s service to our country, knowledge of the issues, and support from his constituents place him in a unique leadership opportunity to make sure these successful life saving-programs are fully supported. Together we are seeing more and more people join us in raising awareness not only their neighbors, but also local community leaders. Mahlo (thank-you) Honolulu!
Apr 12th, 2010 9:56 AM UTC
By Field
Aloha! Last Thursday, Hawai’i ONE members David, Kekoa, Beatrice, Alicia and Sue had an exciting meeting with Senator Dan Inouye’s Veteran Affairs, Military, Foreign Policy, and District Legislative staffers Mary Yoshioka and Barbara Sakamoto in Honolulu. We were very pleased with the warm reception we received from our Senator’s office. Ms. Yoshioka shared how she was familiar with ONE and how exciting it was to see local involvement.
Hawaiians are very proud of our Senator’s extraordinary service as a World War II combat veteran with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the outstanding medals and commendations he has received including the Purple Heart with clusters, 12 other medals and citations, and Medal of Honor. As we discussed issues of extreme poverty, life-saving U.S. investments, and how they affect the security of Hawaiians, it wasn’t surprising how Senator Inouye’s service experience was reflected through the organization, priorities, and knowledge of his staff. A page on his website reads:
Senator Inouye has been able to focus on defense matters that strengthen national security, and enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families. This reflects his hope for a more secure world, and his desire to provide the best possible assistance to the men and women who put their lives at risk to protect the United States.
Investments in health initiatives like child immunizations and vaccinations, as well as economic development solutions through agriculture, provide the means for communities to bring themselves out of extreme poverty, resulting in more secured and stabilized countries our service men and women face around the world. I think both Ms. Yoshioka and Ms. Sakamoto were highly encouraged to see support from constituents on these issues. We discussed the Senator’s strong belief in the solid “return on investments” from programs like The Global Fund – key to millions of lives saved from preventable diseases like Malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS.
We sincerely hope Senator Inouye continues to support these live-saving programs. Our voices grow stronger as we continue our advocacy, as ONE, at our upcoming Honolulu AIDS Walk this weekend. A Hui Hou (until we meet again).
-Alicia and Sue Lowe, ONE Hawaii Members
