Mediation Center Receives Challenge Grant from Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Damon

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center has been awarded a $25,000 challenge grant from the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF).

Kuikahi Mediation Center

“We are so grateful to the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund and HCF for this opportunity. The Fund will match contributions 2 to 1, up to $25,000.  That means we need to raise $12,500 in order to receive the full match,” said Executive Director Julie Mitchell.

She added, “Every $1 donated will be matched by $2 from the Fund, totaling $3 of support.”

Ku’ikahi Mediation Center is the sole non-profit mediation center serving East Hawai‘i and one of only five in the state.  The agency helps individuals, families, organizations, businesses, schools, and others to find creative solutions to challenging situations.  Mediation resolutions tend to be long lasting and help to improve relationships, promote understanding, and ultimately strengthen the community.

“Our mediation services are provided on a sliding scale fee schedule, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.  Over 50% of our clients have annual household incomes of under $20,000,” stated Mitchell.  “In this difficult economy of high unemployment, debt defaults, and home foreclosures, our community mediation services are often the only option for those with low or no incomes to resolve conflicts and move on with their lives.”

All funds raised will be earmarked to support community mediation services and promote peaceful solutions in East Hawai‘i.  Since Ku‘ikahi is a 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

To make a contribution, contact Executive Director Julie Mitchell at (808) 935-7844 x 116 or julie@hawaiimediation.org.  Donations may also be mailed to Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014- B-2, Hilo, HI 96720.

 

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Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center says ‘Mahalo’

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Damon

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s Seventh Annual Recognition Dinner and Auction was a “rousing success,” according to Executive Director Julie Mitchell.  The November 11 benefit raised much-needed funds for the non-profit human services agency.

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s mission is to provide a safe environment, an impartial process, and skilled, trained personnel for the delivery of affordable dispute prevention and resolution services to the East Hawai‘i community.

“On behalf of our community mediation center, I want to give a big ‘Mahalo’ to everyone who made this fundraiser possible, from our auction donors to the various folks who donated their time and money to contribute to its success,” said Mitchell.  “Thanks are also in order to the Hawai’i County Bar Association and the approximately 150 ticket buyers and attendees.  What a great crowd!”

Andrew P. Wilson, Esq. (left), Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Y. Iboshi (center), and Judge Greg K. Nakamura (left) were honored Nov. 11 at Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s Seventh Annual Recognition Dinner and Auction. Mr. Wilson was recognized by the Hawai‘i County Bar Association for 40 years of service. Judge Nakamura and Prosecutor Iboshi received ‘Peacemaker Awards’ from Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center for their support of alternate dispute resolution. The benefit raised over $14,000 for the non-profit human services agency.

At the event, Judge Greg K. Nakamura and Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Y. Iboshi were honored with ‘Peacemaker Awards’ for their support of alternate dispute resolution.  Andrew P. Wilson, Esq. was recognized by the Hawai‘i County Bar Association for 40 years of service.

Newton Chu, Esq. did a bang-up job of emceeing the event and conducting the live auction.  Floral Resources, Geraldine Hasegawa, and Sandra Song provided beautiful flowers that decorated the tables and were used as door prizes.  Unzan T.H. Pfennig donated his solo guitar music; Hawai’i Printing Corporation donated ticket printing; and Cunningham Gallery donated artwork clean-up for the auction.

Businesses that contributed auction items include AcupunctureWorks, Alawaena Orchids, Aloha Crater Lodge & Lava Tube, Big Island Candies, Body Glove Cruises, Boy & Debra’s Place, Café 100, Captain Zodiac Raft Adventures, Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Cynthia Rubinstein Real Estate, Inc., Discount Fabric Warehouse, Dolphin Quest Hawai‘i, Fair Wind Cruises, Frances H. I‘i Brown Golf Courses, Hana Hou Restaurant, Hawaii National Bank, Hilo Coffee Mill, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hualalai Resort, Huggo’s, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, Island Naturals, Jack’s Diving Locker, Kailua Bay Charter Co., Kenneth Paul Hair Design, Kilauea Kreations & Volcano’s Lava Rock Café, Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant, Kona Brewing Co., KTA Super Stores, Kui & I Florist, & Lava Lava Beach Club, Local Hawai‘i Real Estate, Lyman Museum, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, Ocean Sports, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Papa‘a Palaoa Bakery, Sig Zane Designs, Teshima Restaurant, 2400 Fahrenheit, Volcano Rainforest Retreat, and Yoga Centered.

In addition to mediation services, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center also facilitates meetings for boards, associations, and other types of groups, plus offers trainings, workshops, and educational programs.  Their office is located in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014 B-2.  For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.

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Hilo Orchid Society Preview Party Raises $5,360 for Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Damon

The Hilo Orchid Society’s benefit Preview Party, which kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale, raised $5,360 for Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center (KMC).  Held on August 2 at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, the benefit featured wine and beer tasting, catered food, live music, and orchid pre-sales.

Hilo Orchid Society president Julie Goettsch and show chair Sandra Song present a donation to Julie Mitchell, executive director of Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center (KMC). The $5,360 check represents a portion of ticket sales from the August 2 Preview Party, which KMC helped organize. The benefit party kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium.

“We were so grateful to be the beneficiary of this event for the second year in a row,” said KMC Executive Director Julie Mitchell.  “In these difficult economic times, partnerships between organizations are essential.  These funds will truly make a difference in helping us provide much-needed human services.”

KMC offers a big mahalo to the Hilo Orchid Society, especially president Julie Goettsch and show chair Sandra Song.  Mahalos to Kona Brewing Co., AJ & Sons Catering, Island Naturals, Hilo Coffee Mill, Sustainable Island Products, Kui & I Florist, and Hawai‘i Printing Corporation.  Thanks also to James McCully, Rene Ahu, Boni Norito, Leafy Hao, Danny Robinson, and all the volunteers who helped make the Preview Party possible.

Since 1983, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center has helped to bring about peaceful resolutions to conflicts in our community–first as a program of the Hawai‘i Island YMCA, and from 2005 as an independent non-profit organization.  Ku‘ikahi is the sole non-profit mediation center serving East Hawai‘i, and one of only five in the state.

“Our agency provides a vital service to the community, especially in the areas of domestic and foreclosure mediations,” Mitchell stated.  “Over 50% of our clients have annual household incomes of under $20,000.  Our services are provided on a sliding scale fee schedule, and no one is turned for lack of funds.”

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center is offering a 28-hour “Basic Mediation Training” starting Saturday, September 29.  For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.kmchilo.com.  KMC is located in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014 B-2.

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