This year, the U.S. Navy turns 250, celebrating years of “protecting America at sea, defending freedom and preserving economic prosperity,” its mission statement reads.
Culminating on Oct.13, Navy Region Hawaiʻi’s Laulima Navy initiative will have spotlighted 250 acts of community service from Navy personnel on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Navy Region Hawai’i, which coordinates all shore-based naval personnel and activities in Hawai’i, aims “to support the readiness of the fleet and warfighters.”
“We’re doing pretty good at about 200 projects so far ranging from volunteer events with a few volunteers to hundreds,” according to Jordan Garrett, director of Fleet and Family Readiness. “It shows the concept of 'laulima,' or many hands working together, to spotlight acts of community service that are already occurring in our region.”
The initiative, which launched in October 2024, aims to highlight 250 community service projects from Navy personnel on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. “The initiative showcases the breadth and depth of the Navy's long-standing support of engagement within the [local] community,” a Navy Region Hawaiʻi spokesperson told Aloha State Daily by email. “It’s worth noting that giving back is core to the Navy mission; we’re highlighting acts of service this year because of our birthday milestone.”
Service projects have ranged from beach and park cleanups to genki ball making and other restoration efforts, as well as mentoring high school students who competed in the Hawai’i Regional FIRST Robotics competition, organizing canned food and toy drives, among others.
Born and raised in Mākaha, Garrett said he has personally enjoys taking part in coastal cleanups, helping to remove invasive plants and working closely with nonprofit Waiʻanae Moku Kupuna Council.
“It’s been rewarding because even though it started small with 10 people at the cleanups, now there’s students involved who are taking pride in the land. And for me, it’s neat to be able to bring community together that way, to find common ground and just connecting.”
“I think that’s been a big part of it is just connecting people. There are infinite needs out there and we’re finding that there’s almost infinite willingness to jump into that need.”
Besides creating internal and external buzz, this campaign has also been good for forging partnerships in the community with nonprofits, government agencies and more, Garrett said.
Planning for the upcoming 250th celebration in Hawai’i is still underway, as are thoughts for incorporating Laulima Navy. “We’re just excited to spotlight a few volunteers or key events. It stays true to giving back to the community and showing at least a glipse at the Navy’s long-term commitment to Hawai’i, and we really expect that this will continue well beyond 2025.”
In his role, Garrett leads community support programs and strategic engagement, while also taking care of the health and wellness of military members and their families, helping to provide housing and childcare solutions. “We’re always looking for local partners,” he said, naming Hunt Cos. as one on the housing front.
“Laulima Navy thrives on collaboration. We are proud to partner with local nonprofits, community groups, and Native Hawaiian organizations to achieve shared goals,” Navy Region Hawaiʻi said. “This collaborative approach strengthens our bonds and amplifies our impact throughout the Islands.
For more information visit greatlifehawaii.com/laulima or follow @LaulimaNavy across social media platforms.
Other stories of impact can be found online here:
- https://www.dvidshub.net/video/959159/laulima-navy-spotlight-absolute-necessity
- https://www.dvidshub.net/video/956741/laulima-navy-spotlight-helping-out-with-grateful-heart
- https://www.dvidshub.net/video/956124/laulima-navy-spotlight-stewarding-environment
- https://www.dvidshub.net/video/955077/laulima-navy-spotlight-coming-together-one
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
