FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  October 14, 2005

Release M-78

PALOLO CHINESE HOME RECEIVES $1.75 MILLION GRANT

            The Palolo Chinese Home has received a $1.75 million Community Development Block Grant for the final phase of a major expansion project that is extending the home’s reach to its senior citizen clientele.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented a check to Leigh-Wai Doo, Palolo Chinese Home’s chief executive officer; Wes Fong, the home’s president and chairman, and Ted Jung, co-chairman of the home’s capital committee, in a ceremony held today at the facility.

The project, which began in early 2003, has included the renovation of the home’s Lani Booth Hall to provide adult day care, short-term respite, and skilled nursing care for seniors and serve as a coordinating point for community outreach activities; acquisition of an adjacent property to provide hospice services and office space for in-home operations and staff; and construct a food service complex to provide meals for residents and home delivery.

            The $1.75 million grant will support the development of the new food service complex, and brings the City’s total CDBG commitment to Palolo Chinese Home to $4.68 million.

            Mayor Hannemann said, “The Community Development Block Grant program has been an invaluable tool in supporting the work and operations of so many organizations on Oahu, from those like Palolo Chinese Home that serve seniors, to groups like the Boys and Girls Club that help young people.  Without CDBG funding, these groups – and the City – would be hard-pressed to find the financial support they need to serve their clients.”

            His sentiments were echoed by Doo, who said, “CDBG funds have been invaluable to our efforts to modernize and expand our facilities, and to enhance the services we provide to our residents as well as seniors in the community.  We are very grateful for the City’s ongoing support of our efforts to serve our community’s growing population of senior citizens.”

            Community Development Block Grant funds are provided to the City by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  CDBG funds may be used to revitalize neighborhoods; promote the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing; for economic development; and to improve community facilities and services.

The City’s program is implemented by the Department of Community Services.  Grants to recipients are included in the annual budget and approved by the administration and City Council.

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Contact:  Debbie Kim Morikawa

                    Director of Community Services, 527-6269

                 Leigh-Wai Doo

                    CEO of Palolo Chinese Home, 739-6052 or 721-0006