The nonprofit organizations marked the milestone with a private ceremony featuring Governor Josh Green
Honolulu, Hawaii – Goodwill Hawaii and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii officially marked the opening of its new Opportunity Center in Kakaako with a private Hawaiian blessing ceremony attended by Governor Josh Green, First Lady Jaime Green, members of their board of directors and other invited guests. During his remarks, Governor Green congratulated the two organizations on the one-of-a-kind partnership and milestone and reconfirmed his commitment to supporting the work they do in the community.
The two nonprofit organizations co-purchased the property located at 571 Quinn Lane as well as the parking lot at 576 Halekauwila Street in December 2024 and recently completed upgrades to the interior and exterior of the property with new paint and flooring and reconfigured office and classroom spaces that are accessible, functional, and welcoming. Combined, the two properties provide ample parking and 14,000 sq. ft. of interior space for offices, classrooms and large multi-purpose rooms that are shared by Goodwill Hawaii’s at-risk youth and adults with intellectual disabilities programs and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii’s youth mentoring programs.
“We are excited to mark this next chapter for Goodwill Hawaii with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Hawaii and grateful for all of the companies and community members who helped to make it possible,” said Bob Fricke, Goodwill Hawaii board chair. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that’s continuously growing and evolving to better serve the local community and look forward to developing more partnerships like this going forward.”
“This new campus further strengthens our commitment to uplifting the community thru the power of work,” said Katy Chen, Goodwill Hawaii President & CEO. “When people think of Goodwill, we want them to know that not only are we a thrift store and donation center, but that we’re also helping some of our most vulnerable residents to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient,” said Katy Chen, President & CEO
“This new space is more than just a brick and mortar; it symbolizes the culmination of our efforts and unwavering commitment to better serve our keiki and their families,” said Jared Kashiwabara, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii board chair. Community and connection are woven into the fabric of our mission and as we open the doors to this beautiful facility, we are so excited to now be able to enhance our services and expand our reach.”
“This blessing marks the beginning of a new chapter rooted in shared purpose and community impact,” said Tyler Kurashige, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii. “We’re proud to create a space that reflects the heart of our mission.”
Both organizations are actively supporting programs and services in the months ahead, continuing their work to empower local individuals and families across the state. The joint project underscores a long-term investment in collaboration, innovation, and care — a space not only built for today’s needs, but for the future of Hawai‘i.
BBBSH is sought out by families looking for additional support for themselves and their keiki. This continues to be the case, with 80% of our families being single parents; 70% are income eligible for free or reduced lunch, although neither is a requirement for our free programs. Through our programs we connect youth with a caring mentor, helping to build confidence, skills, and new pathways for their future. These real-world experiences are transformative. In addition to resources for youth, families receive wrap around support from our team, and the special connections formed through mentoring often create an extended `ohana for those we serve.
Goodwill Hawaii relocated its Honolulu programs for adults with disabilities and at-risk youth as well as its executive and admin teams to the new Kakaako location. Its workforce development and employment programs serving low-income families, reintegrating individuals and immigrants will continue to serve the community from its flagship Honolulu Career & Learning Center on Beretania Street. Goodwill’s educational, employment and training programs serve more than 7,000 individuals statewide each year with program offices on Oahu (Honolulu and Kapolei), Hawaii Island (Kona and Hilo), Maui (Kahului) and Kauai (Lihue). Programs and services are supported by the revenue generated through its retail operations and other financial endeavors.
About Goodwill Hawaii
Goodwill Hawaii’s mission is to help people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient. Supported by its retail operations and financial endeavors, its educational, employment and training programs have provided skills training, employment counseling, job placement and support services since 1959. To learn more about Goodwill Hawaii, visit www.goodwillhawaii.org.
Reach us at 836-WORK (9675), info@higoodwill.org, or follow Goodwill Hawaii on Facebook or Instagram.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Inc.
Since 1963, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi (BBBSH) has helped children facing adversity reach their fullest potential by matching them with caring volunteers in a one-to-one mentoring friendship. Every match is supported by highly skilled case managers each step of the way – assessing, coaching, advising, and guiding – to ensure a fun, safe, meaningful, and long-term friendship. BBBSH is a statewide organization consisting of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kauaʻi, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui. Each year, the organization serves hundreds of keiki and mentors through meaningful matches. Join us to make a positive difference by volunteering as a mentor, enrolling your keiki, becoming a community partner, or making a donation at bbbshawaii.org.
Media Contact: Kelley Cho, Sr. Director of PR & Communications (Goodwill Hawaii)
792-8556 office/620-0555 mobile
