In Honolulu, Lanakila Pacific, a prominent nonprofit for individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges, recently fortified its main facility against the merciless forces of nature, thanks to a considerable FEMA grant. Completed with a $1.6-million investment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is administered by the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), this project aims to equip Lanakila's operations to weather through disasters, as reported by the Governor's office of Hawaii.
Serving seniors since 1971 with its Meals on Wheels program, the largest on O‘ahu, Lanakila Pacific holds the islandwide distinction of its delivery service. "The health and safety of our Lanakila Meals on Wheels seniors are a priority during a major disaster, and the FEMA mitigation grant enables us to minimize the impact on those we serve," Lanakila President and CEO Rona Yagi Fukumoto told the Governor's office of Hawaii in an interview. This resilience initiative ensures the nonprofit can continue prepping and storing up to 5,000 meals a day for distribution in times of crisis.
Detailing the improvements, the facility has been upgraded with impact-resistant glass doors and windows, retrofitting building envelopes, and installing flood barriers to brace itself against unforgiving weather. Although a 20-year-old generator and cooling system signal worries yet to be addressed, Fukumoto remains optimistic.
Moreover, being positioned as a resource during disaster recovery amplifies the organization's role in the community. "Assist in preparing meals for distribution to survivors, first responders, volunteers and other vulnerable communities impacted," Fukumoto envisions for the upgraded Lanakila, as a statement obtained by the Governor's office of Hawaii. Securing funds to replace the aging equipment is penciled in for the next three to five years, according to their long-term strategy.
