[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 78 (Wednesday, June 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        J. WALTER CAMERON CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TULSI GABBARD

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2013

  Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on April 23, 1973, the J. Walter Cameron 
Center opened its doors in Wailuku, Hawai`i, with a mission to assist 
people with special needs by providing a home for Maui's social service 
agencies. Since then, more than 120,000 Mauians, and their families, 
have found hope, help, and healing.
  The Cameron Center is the vision of two remarkable men, J. Walter 
Cameron and Douglas Sodetani, who saw that an innovative public-private 
partnership could serve Maui's people with one of the nation's first 
multi-tenant social service centers. A designated 501(c)(3) non-profit 
organization, the center is governed by a volunteer, community-based 
Board of Directors and operated by a dedicated and hard-working staff.
  The Cameron Center is the home to sixteen Resident Social Service 
Agencies including: American Cancer Society; ARC of Maui County; Best 
Buddies International; Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii; 
Fun Day Foundation; Heritage Hall, Inc.; Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc.; Imua 
Family Services; Ka Lima O Maui; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Maui 
Community Mental Health; Maui County Office on Aging, Mediation 
Services of Maui; Mental Health Association of America; MEO K`hi 
Kamali`i; and the Pacific Cancer Foundation. Together, these agencies--
through meetings, workshops, training sessions and other community 
events--serve more than 40,000 people annually.
  The Cameron Center has also kept pace with changing times with its 
``Going Green'' Program. Through the installation of a photovoltaic 
electricity system and energy efficient mechanical systems, appliances 
and lighting, it has been able to save $42,000 in energy costs each 
year while significantly reducing environmental impacts
  Congratulations to the J. Walter Cameron Center, its board, staff and 
volunteers for a job well done in serving those in need for two 
generations. The Center will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on 
Saturday, June, 8, 2013, at the Yokouchi estate in Wailuku.

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