A healthy community is typically defined as one where residents have access to resources and opportunities to live fulfilling, equitable, and sustainable lives.

Indicators of community wellness include health factors, such as

• smoking, drinking, and other substance use
• nutrition and food security
• physical activity and recreational exercise
• access to internet connection
• access to medical care and social services
• access to education and career opportunities and career advancements
• employment status and insurance status
• household income and cost-of-living
• children in poverty and children in single-parent households
• teen pregnancies
• juvenile arrest rate
• motor vehicle crash deaths
• homicide and firearm fatality rate

Of these health factors, Hawaii County often ranks lowest in the state.

We see the effect of these health factors reflected in the health outcomes of our community: Hawaii County ranks poorest in the state on health outcomes such as physical distress and frequency of mental distress. Facing unique and complex challenges that significantly impact well-being, Hawaii County residents often struggle to meet basic needs. These challenges include

• Limited access to equitable educational resources, resulting in limited interest in pursuing higher education and professional trades.
• Limited access to medical and social services, resulting in gaps in care, preventable progression of disease, and avoidable disease burden.
• Limited opportunity for career growth due to tourism and hospitality sector dominance, economic stagnation, and lack of job diversity, resulting in poor economic and environmental sustainability.

These challenges result in resident outmigration, impacting community support systems, cultural preservation, and community cohesion.

Disparities in health, education, and economic stability in Hawaii County emphasize the urgent need for community-driven solutions to foster equity and resilience.

By employing initiatives that are data-driven and grounded with evidence-based approaches, we aim to create sustainable solutions for our deserving community.

To foster enrichment, equity, and resilience, the Community Enrichment Project of Hawaii aims to:

1. Increase access to STEAM education and cultural learning resources
2. Strengthen community connections and social capital
3. Empower individuals with career-ready skills and confidence
4. Promote a sustainable and prosperous future for Hawaii County