By Ryan Kusumoto As CEO of a local nonprofit that has served Hawaii for more than 55 years, I am deeply proud of our staff’s unwavering commitment to supporting the individuals, families and communities we serve. Last Sunday, I visited one of our domestic violence shelters — a place that provides safety for families escaping unimaginable hardship. It’s a sanctuary, offering not just refuge but the resources and support these individuals and families need to rebuild their lives.
Whenever I’m at the shelter, I am moved by what I witness. While many spend their Sundays enjoying time with loved ones at parks or beaches, I saw a young girl sitting up in her bed at the shelter. My heart and thoughts went out to her and her mother.
Sundays weren’t filled with carefree joy, but with the heavy reality of her situation. This young girl, and the countless others who walk through our doors seeking safety, deserve more than just a shelter. They deserve hope, stability and a future free from fear.
For her — for all who come to us when there is nowhere else to turn — we cannot falter. We must fight harder and give everything we have to ensure that no one has to endure what she has. Her story isn’t just hers to deal with; it’s a call to action, and we must answer it.
The statistics are staggering: 18% of adults in Hawaii report experiencing domestic violence. That’s nearly 200,000 residents — our friends, neighbors and members of our community. Recent headlines have bro.
