Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Hawaii
PJKK Federal Building (808) 541-2850
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100 FAX (808) 541-2958
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
For Immediate Release
May 20, 2008
United States Attorney Announces Creation of Hawaii's
Wounded Warrior Community Support Program
HONOLULU, HAWAII - United States Attorney for Hawaii, Ed Kubo, announced today that he has created the Hawaii Wounded Warrior Community Support Program, "Malama na Koa." The announcement was made during a joint press conference at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) with the hospital’s Commanding Officer. Community dignitaries, including Flag Officers, were in attendance at the event.
The mission of the program is to promote the morale, welfare, and quality of life of those United States Armed Forces service members who have been wounded or injured, and who are in the State of Hawaii recuperating. The mission also includes assisting the families of these service members as well.
Kubo said, "Our program will make Hawaii’s communities and businesses aware of the challenges facing our wounded or injured service members and their families, — and, it will bring donors in direct contact with our Wounded Warrior Units. This will promote Hawaii’s support and assistance to them and facilitate their recovery. Our intent is simply to give these wounded warriors activities, items, and information to help them, and to ease their families' burdens, — to aid in the recovery process, — and, to give them a smoother transition back to either military life or into civilian life."
Because of a deep cultural heritage in Hawaii, the program is officially named "Malama na Koa" which means "Caring for our Warriors."
Hawaii's Wounded Warrior and Their Population:
This program is designed after the Department of Defense's definition of what a "Wounded Warrior" is. Thus, any military member who is being treated for: (1) Post 9-11 Combat Wounds, or (2) any injuries needing recuperation while employed, are beneficiaries of this outreach program. Of course, the program will also benefit their families as well.
As of April 22, 2008, Hawaii's Wounded Warriors were located at two military installations. There are approximately 242 of our wounded Army Soldiers located at the Warrior Transition Unit in Schofield Barracks Hawaii.
Additionally, there are approximately 12 recovering Marines located at the Wounded Warrior Regiment in Kaneohe Marine Corp Base Hawaii.
Finally, these service members are being treated at Tripler Army Medical Center, and are in various programs and receiving medical attention on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
National Networking and Support:
Because of the need to stay in-tune with the military's priorities in this program, U.S. Attorney Kubo has met with the National Wounded Warrior Program Commanders for the Army and Marine Corps in Alexandria, Virginia (Army), and in Quantico, Virginia (Marines). He has kept them informed of the Hawaii program and its direction. Additionally, suggestions by these Commanders have been very important to the direction and growth of the program.
Finally, because he is a senior member on the U.S. Department of Justice, Military Affairs Subcommittee, U.S. Attorney Kubo has taken the lead in bringing this program to the attention of other U.S. Attorneys across the Nation. He is advocating that the Department of Justice adopt this program nationwide to assist the Department of Defense.
Program Activities and Community Contributions:
Since the beginning of this program, community reaction and response has been very positive for this U.S. Attorney’s outreach initiative. Thanks to this program and its contributors, recovering service members and their families have been able to enjoy:
- University of Hawaii vs Fresno State Football Game;
- Wii Playstations, Accessories and Games;
- Rainbow College Basketball Tournament Classic Games;
- University of Hawaii Men's Volleyball Tournament Games;
- University of Hawaii Women's Basketball Games;
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Additionally, many other outings and events are being planned. Our contributions have come from respected organizations like the State Aloha Stadium Authority, the University of Hawaii Athletic Department, Outrigger Hotels, Sony Hawaii, Warner Brothers, and a Honolulu Apartment Condominium Association. State of Hawaii and City and County of Honolulu government agencies are also very supportive and are offering their assistance.
Presentations Made at the Press Conference:
During the Press Conference today, U.S. Attorney Kubo presented Hawaii’s Wounded Warrior Units with gifts, including $1,000 from Kubo and his wife; 100 contemporary DVD Movies donated by Warner Brothers; four Professional Footballs donated by the National Football League with the assistance of a Honolulu Police Department Officer. In addition, several Blue Ray DVD Players are being donated by the Sony Hawaii Company. The USO Hawaii has agreed to be a non-profit pass-through for some of the gifts.
"Our culture in Hawaii is one of aloha, and our people have always shown the spirit of caring for others and by helping. These wounded and injured service members are our sons and daughters, who have been hurt while wearing our Nation’s uniform. We are proud of their service to our country, and we will assist them during their recuperation as best as we can," said U.S. Attorney Kubo.
Contact Information:
Anyone seeking more information on Hawaii’s Wounded Warrior Community Support Program “Malama na Koa” should call Mr. Gervin Miyamoto at the United States Attorney’s Office, at (808) 541-2850.
Background Information on U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo:
Mr. Kubo was nominated by President George Bush to be the U.S. Attorney for Hawaii on September 4, 2001, and his nomination was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Kubo is the son of CSM (Ret) Ed Kubo, who is a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. His son is an Army Reservist with an Infantry MOS, and assigned to Delta Company, 442nd Battalion, in Hawaii, and he is being deployed to the war zone this year.
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