Blessing held for new Hilo Child and Family Service office
HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Community leaders gathered for a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the new Child and Family Service office in Hilo Thursday, July 30.
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The new permanent location will provide support services for East Hawaii families and individuals.
“This new facility represents more than just a building—it reflects what is possible when government, philanthropy, and our community come together around a shared commitment to strengthen families,” said Amanda Pump, President and CEO of CFS.
Located near CFS’s former temporary office on Kilauea Avenue, the new Hilo facility expands access to critical services, including domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and more.
According to officials, CFS was able to serve 2,291 Hawaii Island families in the 2026 fiscal year, with 48 Hilo-based employees as well as community partners.
CFS workers provide resources, services, and trauma-informed, culturally aware care to families in need.
Some of the work they do includes helping individuals secure Temporary Restraining Orders, create personalized safety plans for victims of domestic abuse, and access employment and food assistance programs.
The new Hilo facility is about 6,000 square feet and cost millions to construct.
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, praised the new Hilo location, saying, “Every person across our state deserves to feel safe and supported in their own community, and this new facility is a key step towards achieving this goal.”
The center was funded through a combination of federal money and charitable donations.
“I was proud to help deliver $2 million in federal funding to make this permanent Hilo facility a reality,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii. “Every family deserves access to safe, compassionate care close to home.”
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