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SUMMER 2026 UPDATES |
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Aloha,
Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of Pacific Gateway Center's (PGC) newsletter.
The past several months have been marked by both significant milestones and unexpected challenges, underscoring the resilience and strength of the communities we serve across Hawaiʻi.
This spring, we celebrated an important milestone with the blessing of PGC Farms Haleʻiwa, our new 80-acre agricultural hub on Oʻahu's North Shore. Developed in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools, the farm represents a long-term investment in immigrant and refugee farmer entrepreneurship, local food production, and Hawaiʻi's food security. We were honored to welcome community leaders, partners, donors, and supporters to bless the land and celebrate this exciting new chapter. The blessing represented more than the opening of a new farm—it reflected our shared commitment to cultivating opportunity, strengthening local food systems, and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for generations to come.
At the same time, Pacific Gateway Center continued to respond to urgent community needs. Following the recent Kona Low floods, our Disaster Case Management team mobilized to support impacted families as they begin the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. We remain committed to standing alongside our communities in times of both crisis and opportunity.
We are also excited to share the launch of the new Hawai'i Language Bank online platform, expanding access to interpretation and translation services and helping ensure that individuals and families across Hawaiʻi can access critical services in their preferred language.
None of this work would be possible without the generosity of our donors, partners, volunteers, and community supporters. Your investment in Pacific Gateway Center creates pathways to economic opportunity, strengthens families, and builds more resilient communities throughout our state.
We're excited to resume sharing updates from Pacific Gateway Center and hope you'll continue to stay connected with our work.
Mahalo for being part of this journey.
With gratitude, Matthew Johnson |
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Pacific Gateway Center Opens Haleʻiwa Farm to Strengthen Local Food Systems and Expand Opportunity for Immigrant Farmers |
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In collaboration with Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha (Kamehameha Schools), PGC Farms Hale‘iwa, was launched on June 12, 2026. The new 80-acre agricultural hub on the North Shore of O‘ahu was designed to create equitable access to farmland, strengthen Hawai‘i’s local food systems, and create economic pathways for immigrant and refugee farmers. The North Shore initiative advances immigrant farmer entrepreneurship, food security and long-term resilience.
PGC Farms Hale‘iwa continues the organization’s long standing commitment to supporting farmers and their families. Through trusted legal and social services, access to farmland, and hands-on business development support, PGC works to remove barriers and create pathways for families to build stable, dignified livelihoods. As Hawaiʻi imports nearly 90% of its food, communities remain vulnerable to disruptions in global supply.
“PGC Farms Hale‘iwa is the next chapter of our collective effort, grounded in a long-term collaboration with our land owner Kamehameha and shaped by the voices and strengths of the farmers themselves,” said Matt Johnson, executive director of Pacific Gateway Center. “Our hope is to raise awareness and support for future farm infrastructure, along with training and mentorship for immigrant and refugee farmers, as well as creating business development opportunities.”
Many immigrant and refugee families possess generations of agricultural knowledge but lack access to affordable farmland, tools, and support. PGC Farm Hale‘iwa addresses both challenges by creating a space for immigrant farmers to cultivate crops, start small agribusinesses, and contribute to Hawaiʻi’s local food resilience. “As stewards of approximately 9,470 acres in Moku ‘o Waialua, we have a responsibility to care for these agricultural lands in ways that support the well-being of our communities today and for generations to come,” said Keith Chang, assets manager at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha. “PGC Farms Haleʻiwa reflects the importance of keeping agricultural lands productive, strengthening local food systems and creating opportunities through agriculture that contribute to Hawaiʻi’s long-term resilience.”
Together, PGC and Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha nurture crops and futures, fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience across generations.
To learn more, visit: www.pacificgatewaycenter.org/pgcfarms. |
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PGC Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) |
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Pacific Gateway Center's Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) recently launched a new website highlighting its interpretation and translation services to the community in more than 300 languages to ensure language access.
Hawai'i has one of the highest relative proportions of non-English speakers in the nation. One in four or 26.5% of Hawai'i residents five years and older, speak a language other than English at home, ranking it ninth among all states. Pacific Gateway Center's Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) offers interpretation and translation services to the community in more than 300 languages to ensure language access, helping with issues related to health, education, social services, legal, and government documents.
Through the new HLB website, clients are provided with access to over 300 languages via phone or video, with no setup fees and transparent per-minute pricing. The service aims to reduce scheduling delays and improve compliance with language access regulations, while maintaining the cultural and contextual nuance that distinguishes HLB’s offerings.
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Disaster Recovery: Storm Damage Update Kona Low System's Impact on PGC Farms |
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Recent Kona Low storms brought heavy rain and strong winds to the North Shore of Oʻahu causing widespread damage across our Haleʻiwa farms. Flooding and saturated fields led to the loss of crops including cucumbers, tomatoes, chili peppers, and peanuts, with some areas completely washed out. Strong winds also damaged windbreaks, while farm roads were flooded or eroded and temporary structures impacted, limiting access and slowing operations for our immigrant and underserved farmers, many of whom are already navigating financial and resource limitations.
These impacts have reduced farmers’ income, and delayed planting and harvesting cycles. Our team is working closely with our farmers to clear debris, repair infrastructure, and prepare fields for replanting so production can resume as quickly as possible for them.
PGC is thankful for the many donations received to help with recovery efforts. The donations helped PGC to immediately address the most urgent needs, including assisting farmers with replanting crops and rebuilding essential infrastructure damaged by the storms. The funds received will also help with strengthening and expanding PGC's agricultural program with increasing long-term farm capacity and resilience for the immigrant and refugee farmers we serve.
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Recovering from the Lahaina Fire PGC Continues to Support Maui Families |
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Shortly after the Lahaina fire, Pacific Gateway Center joined forces with immigrant-serving organizations to address the urgent needs of Lahaina's foreign-born population. Our early response focused on overcoming language barriers, connecting families to critical resources, and ensuring that immigrant and migrant residents could access available assistance.
As recovery efforts continue, PGC has shifted its focus from immediate relief to long-term recovery. Through intensive case management services, our team is working closely with affected households to help secure stable, permanent housing and connect families with the resources needed to rebuild their lives. By providing culturally and linguistically responsive support, PGC remains committed to helping wildfire survivors navigate the complex recovery process and achieve lasting stability.
Pacific Gateway Center's ongoing recovery efforts are made possible through support from FEMA, Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). Their support allows us to continue providing culturally and linguistically responsive services to families as they work toward securing permanent housing and rebuilding their lives.
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Bringing Legal Education to Neighbor Island Communities |
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Pacific Gateway Center's Legal Services team recently traveled to Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi to conduct "Know Your Rights" workshops, providing community members with important information on immigration and legal rights.
The workshops offered participants an opportunity to learn about available legal resources, understand their rights, and ask questions in a safe and supportive environment. Topics included immigration updates, family preparedness, access to legal assistance, and community resources.
By bringing legal education directly to neighbor island communities, PGC continues its commitment to expanding access to trusted legal information and services for immigrant and underserved populations throughout Hawaiʻi.
These outreach efforts help ensure that individuals and families—regardless of where they live—have access to the information and support they need to make informed decisions and navigate complex legal systems with confidence. |
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PGC BY THE NUMBERS |
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Trees of Support Mahalo to PGC Donors |
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During the June PGC Farm Blessing, the "Trees of Support" Recognition Program was presented, showcasing ʻUlu trees that will be planted to serve as a symbolic recognition of generous charitable support to Pacific Gateway Center Programs. Trees will be planted on the PGC Farm in honor of Kamehameha Schools, The Freeman Foundation, Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, Bodaiji Mission, Hawaii Justice Foundation, and Donna R. Ching & H.C. “Skip” Bittenbender. Each ʻulu tree planted will stand as a lasting expression of gratitude for their charitable support.
The Trees of Support program honors the individuals, foundations, and organizations whose generosity helps Pacific Gateway Center empower immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities through economic opportunity, agriculture, and pathways to self-sufficiency.
To support the Trees for Support program or to learn more about supporting PGC, contact Luella Costales at luella@pacificgatewaycenter.org. |
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PGC DIRECTORY |
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General Inquiries: info@pacificgatewaycenter.org Maui Office: mirc@pacificgatewaycenter.org Hawaii Language Bank: hlb@pacificgatewaycenter.org Donations & Charitable Support: development@pacificgatewaycenter.org |
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We're excited to resume sharing updates from Pacific Gateway Center and hope you'll continue to stay connected with our work. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, you may unsubscribe at any time using the link below. |
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