Honolulu AIDS Walk raises over $124K amid funding concerns

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The 35th Annual Walk for Life: Honolulu AIDS Walk took place Saturday morning at Kapiolani Park.

Read more 20 paddlers rescued after canoes overturn off Hanauma Bay

The event was organized by the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, which has supported individuals living with HIV and raised awareness about the disease for decades.

This year’s theme, “Silence is Not an Option,” is inspired by the ACT UP Movement in the 80s and 90s.

Organizers say the message resonates now as federal funding cuts target local organizations.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Summertime trade wind weather, but more showers on the way

“We’re in a climate, nationally and federally that is scary for a lot of people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so to be here at this event, standing up for this issue, you can hear the joy, you can hear the strength in numbers,” said state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto. “So there’s still a lot of people who need the support and that’s why we have to keep showing up.”

The event included live performances and a place to remember loved ones lost to the virus.

This year’s walk raised more than $124,000, surpassing the $100,000 fundrasing goal.

Read more Suspect arrested after Nanakuli stabbing sends 3 to hospital

Donations are still open and can be done online at honoluluaidswalk.org.