After more than four decades of calling Mānoa Valley Church home, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels (HMoW) celebrated a major milestone this month with the blessing of its new headquarters located on the campus of Community Church of Honolulu in Nuʻuanu. The blessing, held on Friday, November 14, was officiated by Puluke Pascua and attended by board members, community supporters, and key partners who helped make the transition possible.
HMoW officially relocated its administrative, outreach, and meal delivery operations to the property at 2345 Nuʻuanu Avenue this summer, marking the first move in the organization’s 45-year history. The relocation included leasing a cottage and an additional office to better accommodate its growing team and operations.
Originally built in the 1960s, the cottage required significant repairs, including replacing plumbing, windows, doors, and garage doors, removing old linoleum flooring, and updating electrical systems. HMoW finalized these repairs earlier this month.
To help offset unplanned expenses associated with the move, HMoW launched a fundraising campaign earlier this year. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of supporters, the organization exceeded its $6,500 goal ahead of schedule, enabling the move to go forward with confidence.
“This was more than just a move. It was a major step forward in our ability to serve the community with compassion, dignity, and care,” said Michelle Cordero-Lee, CEO of Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels. “We are so grateful for the incredible support that helped make this transition possible. It was a true community effort.”
That effort was powered by dozens of dedicated volunteers and partners:
- Volunteers from Aloha United Way’s Day of Action helped sort and pack storage areas, easing the workload for staff in preparation for the move.
- Boy Scouts Troop 42 rolled up their sleeves to prime and paint the interior, tackle yard work, and power wash the exterior — bringing new life and brightness to the space.
- Brad Akamu, HMoW’s Volunteer and Outreach Director, and his father Peter Akamu, former President of IBEW Local 1186, spent weeks fixing up the home in preparation for air conditioning installation.
- Carrier Hawaii generously donated a new AC unit and Cool Living Hawaii installed the unit.
“Our new home is a symbol of growth – not just for our team, but for the kūpuna and individuals with disabilities we serve,” said Cordero-Lee. “It’s a tangible reminder that we are part of a caring community dedicated to making sure no one is forgotten.”
As Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels settles into its new space, the organization is calling on the community to join in its mission — especially as the holidays approach. Many kūpuna experience deep loneliness this time of year, and volunteers play a vital role in bringing comfort, connection, and care through meal delivery and friendly visits.
To make a difference this holiday season, sign up to volunteer at hmow.org/volunteer.
