The YMCA of Honolulu is receiving a $3 million donation from the David C. Ai Charitable Trust to redevelop the Nuʻuanu YMCA, which will be renamed The Ai Nuʻuanu YMCA. Steven Ai said, "Over 100 years ago, my grandfather, CK Ai, helped start this YMCA," and, "His vision and commitment laid the foundation for a place where people from across all backgrounds can come together," as reported by KHON2.
The redevelopment plan for the Ai Nuʻuanu YMCA includes modernizing the facilities and adding affordable housing units. Lisa Ontai, Interim President & CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu, said, "This transformational gift is about more than a new facility—it’s about people," and explained that it aims to create a space that supports the wellness of body, mind, and spirit, as stated by KHON2.
According to YMCA of Honolulu on their Instagram account, the David C. Ai Charitable Trust donated $3 million to redevelop the historic Nuʻuanu YMCA, founded in 1917 by Chung Kun Ai as the world’s first racially integrated YMCA. At a press conference, Lisa Ontai, Andrew Rosen, and Steven Ai explained that the project will take place in two phases: first, building a new facility, and later adding affordable housing.
