I am a local resident representing one of hundreds of Oahu citizens who have found empowerment, community, and wellness at the YWCA Laniakea Health and Wellness program in Honolulu. This program is more than just a gym; it's a safe space for residents to connect, grow, heal, and find a community which no other local gym provides in terms of accessibility and affordability. Now, we face the imminent closure of this vital resource as YWCA Board Members unilaterally decide to shut down Health and Wellness operations by end of June - including our beloved swimming pool that has served us for decades - with no say from, and against the wishes of, voting and non-voting YWCA members.  

The imminent closure, which was never announced to members, includes not only the pool - which serves as an essential physical therapy resource for those with handicaps or movement difficulties - but also our gym and 19 different fitness classes both in water and on land. These facilities are not just amenities; they are lifelines for many of us.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 10% of Honolulu's population live with disabilities. The loss of these resources would disproportionately affect them by removing their access to reliable physical therapy options.

We urge our local councillors and government officials, including Governor Green, Mayor Blangiardi, Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Representative Scott Saiki, and Senator Karl Rhoads to consider these impacts before allowing the YWCA Board Members to unilaterally make any decisions about closing down our program. The YWCA Health & Wellness Program is more than just a place to exercise; it’s an integral part of our community fabric that promotes health, inclusivity, empowerment among women.

Take action.

If you do nothing at this juncture, we face a permanent closure of vital Health and Wellness resources affecting the entire public - resources not only just for us, but also for our posterity. Doing nothing means setting a dangerous precedent that 501(c)(3) non-profits and Corporations in Hawaii can govern and pass decisions that do not follow their own Corporation By-Laws. Doing nothing means enabling Board Members at the expense of our YWCA Laniakea Ohana. Doing nothing means we are not doing enough to support and take care of our local community members, both keiki and kupuna.

Please join us in taking a stand against the closure of our program by signing this petition today!