The Challenges Latino Migrants Face in Accessing Resources in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi

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2024-12-13

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9

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1

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This research study explores the challenges Latino migrants who work in the agriculture coffee fields of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, face in accessing resources (e.g., affordable health care, housing, etc). In-person interviews in Kailua-Kona were conducted with nine Latino migrants—clients of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa William S. Richardson Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic—to understand their challenges in establishing their new life in Hawai‘i. Additional interviews were conducted with four community members and seven organizations to determine community efforts to assist migrants. This research discovered an established resource system in Kailua-Kona with beneficial community efforts in place. However, the Latino community still faces language barriers and uncertainty with accessing non-profit agencies, making the adjustment to Hawai‘i difficult. Language barriers exist for migrants when they need to access resources to help them situate themselves in their new home. Resources become inaccessible to the Latino community when organizations do not have materials in Spanish, personnel assisting in filling forms, or outreach information to the community. Taking all of this into consideration, this study has found that it is beneficial for organizations to hold in-person outreach events to build trust with the community. Equally important, this study highlights the need to hire Spanish interpreters and translate materials such as brochures, forms, and flyers. The findings in the study suggest that these efforts will continue improving the existing support for Latino communities. Furthermore, acquiring more state funding for non-profit organizations responsible for supporting the migrant community will expand the accessibility of these resources. 

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