With a stroke of his pen, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act into law Aug. 20, 1964, and launched the “War on Poverty,” one of the major turning points in American social history.
With a stroke of his pen, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act into law Aug. 20, 1964, and launched the “War on Poverty,” one of the major turning points in American social history.
The Office of Economic Opportunity was created specifically for the anti-poverty initiative and reported directly to the president.
OEO was responsible for nearly all of the War on Poverty’s best-known and controversial programs, including the Community Action Program, Head Start, Job Corps and Legal Services.
On the Big Island, a few individuals realized the opportunity presented by the Economic Opportunity Act to actively work to work to eliminate poverty and established the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council in 1965. It is one of four Community Action Program agencies in the state of Hawaii.
HCEOC was chartered May 27, 1965, and installed the first board of directors. Ralph Kiyosaki was the first board chairman and Tadato Nagasako was appointed executive director. With the initial funding of $268,254, HCEOC implemented a Pre-School Readiness, Health Services and Extension Services program.
HCEOC celebrates its 50th anniversary Sunday and continues its mission to “prevent, alleviate and eliminate poverty from Hawaii.” Programs developed by the organization have been incorporated into the daily fabric of the Big Island community.
Programs in elderly services, transportation, food services, energy assistance, housing, economic development, education of young children and youth services have served thousands of individuals and families.
“HCEOC derives much of its strength from successfully helping the disadvantaged achieve independence,” said Jay Kimura, the council’s executive director. “HCEOC’s philosophy has remained constant — the principle of people helping people to become involved, to learn to speak up, participate and excel beyond their own and others’ expectations.”
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council is a community-driven organization working to improve the lives of those in poverty through education and action.
“HCEOC has given a voice to the poor, given them the victory of change and given them the gift of hope,” Kimura said.
HCEOC’s 50th anniversary “Celebrating the Golden Spirit of HCEOC … 50 Years of People Helping People” is from 5-8 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Luau House, 799 Piilani St. in Hilo.
Dinner will be served by the HCEOC Food Service Department and entertainment will include Lito Arkangel with special numbers from the Alu Like Kupuna Group.
Tickets are $15 for kupuna and keiki, $20 general admission.
Call 961-2681, ext. 400, for more information.