From Kahuku to Waimānalo, Violette Ishikawa has set up quite the food distribution operation with the help of partner organizations, businesses and volunteers.
“I thank the Lord,” she told Aloha State Daily. “He put me here for a reason. To see the community thrive and come together is my biggest joy.”
Born and raised in the Islands, Ishikawa comes from a military family of eight kids, she said. “We learned to make things work.”
While on the Mainland, she served at church in small and big ways. As an adult, she lived in California for more than 30 years before returning home to O‘ahu two years ago. Through family connections, she met Jerry Romano, COO of Jerry V’s Auto Group and founder of Giving Hope Hawaiʻi, a local nonprofit with a national network.
Romano said in a statement, “Our mission is not just about delivering food — it’s about delivering hope, dignity and a sense of community. Together, we can make a real difference.”
Ishikawa added, “This work is a labor of love, and every contribution — whether time, resources, or financial support — directly changes lives.”
Last year, Giving Hope Hawaiʻi distributed over 742,000 pounds of food to more than 60,000 families, according to the nonprofit. Approximately 5,500 families are served each month, Ishikawa said. Community partners include Anchor Church, Kailua High School, Kualoa-Heʻeia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project, Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE), Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) and more.
ARK President Jean Tangaro said in a statement, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Giving Hope Hawaiʻi for their unwavering support and generosity. As our main supplier and a guiding force, you have been a true big sister to ARK, empowering us to provide food and assistance to our community. Your partnership has been invaluable in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Ishikawa told ASD that the organization’s biggest needs for 2025 are continued donations and volunteers.
“I also pray for more company sponsors that can help out with toy drives and turkey distributions over the holidays. Monetary donations provide essential food and support, which could allow us to hire a part-time staff person and/or purchase a van.” She currently uses her own vehicle to bring resources to monthly food distributions.
“What I enjoy the most is having this pantry and Jerry’s support to give back. … I enjoy working with Hawai‘i Foodbank, shopping with them, learning from them, and having the support of my twin sister, Arnette, and Lulu, a volunteer. They have been by my side since I started,” Ishikawa said. “I also love seeing the children smile. What we’re doing here is huge for us and Hawai‘i.”
Giving Hope Hawaiʻi is sending items to those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. “Together, we can be a beacon of hope in these challenging times,” its website notes.
Contact
Giving Hope Hawaiʻi
Violette Ishikawa, COO
Facebook: facebook.com/GivingHopeHawaii/
Website: givinghopehawaii.org
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
