Kuikahi Mediation Center Receives Support for Conflict Resolution Programs in East Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council meeting on August 6, 2025, featured significant discussions on community support initiatives and resolutions aimed at promoting peace and conflict resolution.

Julie Mitchell, executive director of the Kuikahi Mediation Center, expressed gratitude for the council's support of two resolutions, 255 and 259, which fund educational programs focused on conflict prevention and resolution. The Kuikahi Mediation Center, one of two nonprofit mediation centers on the island, aims to empower individuals to resolve interpersonal conflicts through mediation, facilitation, and training. Mitchell highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that many mediations are conducted by trained volunteers who dedicate their time to assist others with issues ranging from landlord-tenant disputes to family matters.

Resolution 255 specifically supports the center's basic mediation training, which is set to expand from one to two sessions annually due to county funding. Meanwhile, Resolution 259 backs the center's Brown Bag Lunch Series, which transitioned to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has allowed the program to reach over 500 participants monthly, significantly increasing community engagement.

Following Mitchell's testimony, Jim Albertini, president of the Malawaina Community Organization, spoke in support of Resolution 235. This resolution acknowledges the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, emphasizing a commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament. Albertini urged the council to reaffirm its dedication to resolving conflicts through diplomacy and mutual respect, reflecting on the tragic consequences of the bombings that resulted in over 200,000 deaths.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the council's ongoing efforts to foster community resilience and promote peaceful conflict resolution, highlighting the importance of local organizations in these initiatives.