Hawaii Food Bank highlights need for Young Brothers' cargo transport services

A public hearing held by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on April 11, 2025, spotlighted the critical role of Young Brothers, LLC in maintaining food security and community services across the Hawaiian Islands. Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the company's importance in the state's supply chain, particularly for organizations like the Hawaii Food Bank and Goodwill Hawaii.

David Washburn, representing the Hawaii Food Bank, emphasized the organization's reliance on Young Brothers for transporting essential food items. "Young Brothers has been a critical partner in our efforts to build food security in our communities," Washburn stated, highlighting that their services enable the distribution of fresh produce to families in need. He noted that nearly one-third of households in Hawaii face food insecurity, making the partnership vital.

Katie Chen, CEO of Goodwill Hawaii, echoed this sentiment, stating that Young Brothers is essential for the efficient operation of their services across multiple islands. "We could not run our operations efficiently without the services of Young Brothers," Chen remarked, praising their reliability in transporting donated goods.

Neli James, co-founder of Mana Up, also voiced strong support for Young Brothers, linking their stability to the growth of local businesses. "We absolutely support Young Brothers and believe that this is important for them to be in a financially stable position," she said, emphasizing the company's role in helping local entrepreneurs access broader markets.

Melissa Pavlicek, representing the Hawaii Harbors Users Group, reinforced the necessity of Young Brothers in the state's cargo transport system. "They are a vital part of our state's supply chain," she asserted, advocating for reasonable rate adjustments to ensure the continuity of services.

The hearing highlighted a collective call for support of Young Brothers as they navigate their 2025 Test Year Rate Case, with stakeholders stressing the broader implications of their operations on community welfare and economic stability in Hawaii. The commission's decision on the rate case will be pivotal in determining the future of inter-island shipping and its impact on local communities.