Chelstine “Kauʻi” Tavares, a University of Â鶹´«Ã½–West Oʻahu sophomore, and Norinna-Lynne Ili, a part-time student and full-time secretary, used to go hungry. Ili was accustomed to surviving busy days on “nothing but cough drops and free coffee.”
Both initially hesitated to ask for support. However, today they rely on the campus¡¯ , to stock up on necessities on food distribution days, or from the Pueo Pantry. The growing need in the campus community is evident. About halfway through the current academic year (August 2025 to February 2026), the campus had distributed 7,915 pounds of food to 900 students.
“Having access to the pantry and the clothing closet means everything to me and my family,” said Ili. “With our rent going up, our budget is already stretched thin. So, it really makes a difference and it helps relieve a lot of stress.”
More than food
Kumu Ola also provides essential hygiene/menstrual products, loaner laptops/Wi-Fi hotspots, and free attire through the Pueo Closet.
Tavares, who now works as a student assistant for Kumu Ola, has empathy for distressed students.
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“Many students initially feel a sense of shame when admitting they need help,” Tavares said. “But over time, they realize this food is for them, and they open up about their struggles. Seeing their gratitude when they realize they can feed their families is amazing.”
Helping students succeed
Kumu Ola addresses rising student food insecurity and financial instability, while also supporting the development and sustainment of a campus-wide basic needs support system so no member of the UH West Oʻahu campus community has to choose between opportunity and stability.
“Drawing from my own experience as a student, there is tremendous satisfaction in helping our students remain on campus and achieve success,” said Kumu Ola Chair Loea Akiona. “We believe no student should have to choose between their education and their well-being.”
Donor support for the this ensures these resources remain available, allowing our community to thrive. .