Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 Donates New Items to The Institute for Human Services

HONOLULU – The state Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 (FTZ9), a division within the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) donated a large truckload (31 boxes) full of new and unused items to The Institute for Human Services (IHS) today. (PHOTOS)

FTZ9 has accumulated a significant amount of abandoned or seized merchandise in its public warehouse, which consisted of multiple cartons of slippers, cooler bags (reusable lunch bags, soda coolers, and small duffel bags), and clothing and accessories (t-shirts and hand-bags). FTZ9 determined that these items, which would normally have been disposed of due to their limited market value, could put be put to good use by helping the disadvantaged in Hawaii.

“This arrangement is a prime example of how the state is collaborating with community organizations to address homelessness in Hawaii,” said Gov. David Ige. “This donation from FTZ9, will raise awareness in our communities about the different ways we can all help.”

Inspired by the Food Recovery Network, a program that eliminates food waste, DBEDT’s FTZ9 Division decided they wanted to donate these items to homeless clients, since 100 percent of in-kind donations received by the public are made available to IHS clients at no charge to re-start their lives with new belongings they can claim as their own.

“This is an example of how government can work to creatively support our state in ways that can have a lasting impact on struggling families and individuals,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “This donation will help those who are working to rebuild their lives and actively choosing to end their difficult situation.”

David Sikkink, FTZ9’s Administrator said, “We have been accumulating a significant amount of new and unused clothing and accessories over the past several years when tenants either go out of business or have simply abandoned the goods, leaving them in our custody. Generally, we try to recapture some of the lost storage revenue, however, with these types of items we felt they could be of a greater value to various non-profits / charities. We immediately thought of IHS and how these clothing items could be used help those in need.”

Connie Mitchell, IHS Executive Director, complimented the Ige Administration stating, “We truly appreciate the State’s commitment to make available to our homeless clients, valuable goods that offset the costs of basic necessities as they start over with a new home, employment and life. New clothing, accessories and other personal items are tangible ways to offer a personal boost. It’s a ‘big deal’ in a person’s journey out of homelessness after losing nearly all they’ve owned by the time they enter a shelter.”

IHS ended its fiscal year on June 30, 2016, having assisted 1,561 individuals with permanent housing placements utilizing State, City and Private sector housing options. Mitchell added, “Every sector, industry and private citizen is invited to contribute in their own way. Whether it be financial resources, volunteerism, skills and expertise, simple acts of kindness, or in-kind donations; every bit helps and we ensure public donations have a significant impact and are used in a cost efficient way.”

ABOUT FTZ9 (Foreign-Trade Zone No.9)

Since 1966, Foreign-Trade Zone No.9’s mission has been to encourage value-added and international trading activities that will create new investment and job opportunities in Hawaii by operating a statewide Foreign-Trade Zone program. FTZ9 reduces the barriers and costs associated with international trade through the establishment, maintenance, and administration of general-purpose Foreign-Trade Zones and special-purpose Foreign-Trade Subzones throughout the state. It also provides storage and distribution services to firms engaged in the import/export of merchandise; and leases office, warehouse, and manufacturing space to firms engaged in international trade at its Honolulu facility.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)

DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

About IHS (The Institute for Human Services, Inc.)

IHS, The Institute for Human Services, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) private non-profit organization, is Hawaii’s oldest, largest and most comprehensive human services agency exclusively focused on ending and preventing homelessness on Oahu. Services include emergency shelter, daily meal programs, housing, employment, healthcare, case management, children’s enrichment, and homeless outreach. IHS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).For more information, please visit: www.ihshawaii.org