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Community Needs Survey
February is the last month to  complete our Community Needs Survey! This helps us better understand our community's perception of issues affecting Hawai‘i Island, which in turn helps us shape future programs.
Will you take a few minutes to share your input with us? The survey closes at the end of Tuesday, February 28. Mahalo!
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Apply for Home Weatherization Assistance
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is still open! This program is for low-income households wanting to reduce utility bills by increasing energy efficiency. Our caseworkers provide home consults to assess your energy output and provide strategies and basic upgrades as needed to help you save energy – and money – in the long-term. Visit our website to learn more and apply.
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Announcing Another Year with Meals on Wheels
HCEOC is proud to partner once more with Meals on Wheels to prepare and deliver health-conscious meals for low-income kupuna facing food insecurity. Last year, we provided over 68,000 meals to kupuna in our county!
To learn more about the program, contact the Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program at (808) 961-8726 or nutritionprogram@hawaiicounty.gov.
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Racking up Rides with Ka Ho'okele
In January, HCEOC joined the County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit as a service operator for their new rural transit system, Ka Ho‘okele (“The Navigator”). The service area for Ka Ho‘okele operates within the County Of Hawaii area outside the primary service areas of Hele-On fixed route, Hele-On Kako‘o paratransit, and Coordinated Services for the Elderly services. Ka Ho‘okele is currently free to the general public and primarily provides service to the nearest Hele-On fixed route bus stop.
In our first month, we made 370 trips from rural locales into Hele-On service areas where riders could access fixed bus and paratransit routes.
Ka Ho‘okele is currently free to the general public and primarily provides service to the nearest Hele-On fixed route bus stop. Call our Transportation Office at (808) 731-7009 option 3 to see if your address is within the Ka Ho‘okele service area, or click here to register and schedule a ride online.
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Supporting Health and Mobility at the Waikōloa Loan Closet
In recognition of Heart Awareness Month this February, we are highlighting the Waikōloa Loan Closet, a project of Mālama Kupuna. After noticing a community need for senior and disabled adults to access medical items and mobility aids, Mālama Kupuna Manager Kami Bolster and her Waikōloa Senior Club colleague Phyllis Klicker opened the Loan Closet at HCEOC’s West Hawai‘i Mālama Kupuna office late last year.
At the Loan Closet, people can borrow or donate a variety of items like wheelchairs, walkers, transfer benches, hygiene supplies, grab bars, and more. The Loan Closet also offers resources on aging, independent living, and staying safe in your home.
We hope the Loan Closet can be a supportive space and resource for seniors and adults with disabilities seeking health and mobility assistance, including those who may be living with higher risk of, or with conditions related to, cardiovascular disease.
To donate or borrow an item, contact Kami at (808) 756-7186 or kbolster@hceoc.net.
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With help from the Spectrum Digital Education Grant, HCEOC donated computer equipment for the new media room at Keonepoko Elementary School's renovated library! Students will use this equipment to learn computer skills and work on academic and creative projects for years to come. Mahalo to Keonepoko faculty Kaulana Hokoana and Keala Martins-Keli‘iho‘omalu, pictured with Resource & Development Coordinator Tara Hasegawa, for welcoming us into your library!
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HCEOC Team Captains Carrie Fernandez, Loke Kuamo'o, and Maelissa Kawaiea at the Team Captains Kickoff Meeting for the American Cancer Society 2023 Relay For Life of the Big Island, happening Saturday, July 15 at Wong Stadium in Hilo. We are excited to support this cause under the leadership of our fabulous captains and event organizers!
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Upcoming Holidays
HCEOC will be closed for the following holidays:
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Monday, February 20
Washington's Birthday
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Monday, March 27
Prince Kūhiō Day
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