AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Hawai`i Communities

AARP announced that four organizations on Oahu, Maui and Kaua`i will receive $70,000 in 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded 31 grants in Hawai`i totaling $413,836 since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities.

“AARP Hawai`i is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Keali`i Lopez, AARP Hawai`i State Director “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for kupuna.”

Here in Hawai`i projects funded are:

·         $15,000 to Grow Some Good to expand the Nā Māla Kaiāulu urban agroforestry initiative on Maui by planting 30 fruit trees and Native Hawaiian plants, creating a shaded area for kupuna. The project also includes workshops on sustainable farming practices.

· $15,000 to the Kaua`i Senior Citizens Softball Association to repair softball fields, build storage facilities and improve restrooms.

· $15,000 to the Maui Academy of Performing Arts to transform a public space in Wailuku into a comfortable and accessible gathering area with new chairs and tables to support intergenerational activities and build a sense of community.

· $10,000 to U.S. VETS to expand the U.S. VETS Career Center satellite office on the Waianae Coast. Upgrades include new computers, transportation vouchers and partnerships with local employers.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.