Thanksgiving: Pitching In to Help Feed Those in Need

OAHU - Senator Hirono started her Thanksgiving morning volunteering at Lanakila Pacific, helping to prepare some 600 meals for kupuna and those with special needs around Oahu. Lanakila Pacific is a non-profit organization made up of programs and social enterprises that help build independence for thousands of people living challenged lives across the state. 

Senator Hirono helps pack and ship some 600 Thanksgiving meals as part of Lanakila Pacific’s annual tradition.

Senator Hirono visited with veterans at the Oahu Veterans Center’s “Koa Ohana Thanksgiving.” Mo’s Heroes teamed up with the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals to host the annual event. The Oahu Veterans Center is a gathering place for veterans and stages the Thanksgiving luncheon as a way to say “mahalo” to veterans and their families for their service.

It’s all smiles for veterans enjoying the annual “Koa Ohana Thanksgiving” program.

More than a thousand athletes and coaches from around the state participated in the exciting two-day competition. Sporting venues included Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. Events included a basketball tournament, to bowling competitions, to Bocce matches. 

Senator Hirono talked with athletes and volunteers and presented medals to participants at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, where she helped reinforce the Special Olympic athlete oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.