YWCA O‘ahu Awarded $72K by Minami Community Foundation to Transform Commercial Kitchen at Kokokahi Campus

Kāneʻohe, HI – September 30, 2025 - YWCA O‘ahu has been honored to receive a generous $72,300 grant from the Minami Community Foundation to support the creation of a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen at the YWCA Kokokahi Windward Campus, an initiative rooted in culture, wellness, and community connection.

“This gift will allow us to update and enhance our commercial kitchen to accommodate the needs of today’s cooks and users,” says Noriko Namiki, CEO of YWCA O‘ahu. “The newly renovated kitchen will be a gathering place for people across the island, the state and beyond. The Minami Community Foundation has a solid record of supporting the Kāneʻohe community, and we are grateful to have a partner who values what Kokokahi offers.”

In 1927, Dr. Theodore Richards, former Principal of Kamehameha Schools, envisioned a community center where people of all races could come together. His vision became a reality, and he named it “Kokokahi,” Hawaiian for “of one blood.” YWCA O‘ahu has been a proud steward of the 10.5 acre waterfront property for more than 50 years.

This gift marks a significant step in revitalizing the historic Kokokahi campus, which has proudly served the Kāneʻohe community for nearly 100 years. Kokokahi has long been a wellness sanctuary for women, families, and neighbors seeking growth, healing, and connection.

The envisioned Kokokahi Commercial Kitchen will be more than just a cooking space. It will serve as a dynamic, multi-functional hub designed to support workforce development through culinary training, while fostering cultural learning and community engagement. Through this space, YWCA Oʻahu aims to bridge traditional wisdom and modern wellness through the universal language of food.

From business development and aquatic classes to women’s leadership programs, YWCA Kokokahi continues to offer enriching opportunities that celebrate the unique fabric of the Windward side.

“We are grateful how the Minami Community Foundation understands and appreciates Dr. Richards’ original vision of Kokokahi,” Namiki says. “Its generosity will perpetuate the tradition of Kokokahi as a place for people to gather and share experiences. The gift will help us build a more vibrant and resilient community together.”