Looking Back - Memories of KKV
My Memories of the Beginning of Kokua Kalihi Valley
Henry Webb, Kalihi Baptist Church Pastor, 1968-1977
Neither I nor the others meeting around tables in the children’s building of Kalihi Baptist Church in November 1971 could have imagined what Kokua Kalihi Valley has become fifty years later. The four churches—Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, and Samoan Methodist—had a burden for the incredible needs throughout the Kalihi area.
Our federal government had a project to address many of those needs. However, due to population guidelines, that project was limited to the Kalihi area makai of School Street. Our churches had a burden for Kalihi Valley mauka of School Street, but we recognized we did not have the resources to meet those broad needs. Therefore, we asked others in our community and beyond to join a planning team that worked for four months to identify needs that could be addressed. The result was creating Kokua Kalihi Valley in March 1972 by forming a board to guide it into the unknown future. I saw it as a privilege to serve as chairman of the planning team and of the KKV board for its first two years.
The churches were the roots and foundation of this new agency. By choosing a catalyst role with participation on the board, the churches could continue their primary role of sharing the good news of Jesus as Lord and Savior. They provided their facilities and leaders to facilitate the launch of this valuable organization. Kokua Kalihi Valley has always belonged to the community.
From the beginning, I have been convinced that starting with community aides was the genius and uniqueness of KKV. With their unique backgrounds, experiences, creativity, and connections in the community, the ministry of KKV was multiplied even before the medical and dental clinics were renovated and ready for use. The following year, the medical and dental services to the community gave KKV instant visibility and credibility. That has grown exponentially through the years. I am grateful for having a part in the beginning days of KKV, and I rejoice in what God has done through KKV through the years and will do in the future.
Four of KKV’s community aides and Super Aunties in front on one of KKV’s first facilities.
