A Timeline of Pacific Gateway Center’s History
1970s – The Beginnings
1980s – Growing Infrastructure for Serving Refugees and Immigrants
1990s – The Transition to Pacific Gateway Center
2000s – Culinary Business Incubator and Property Acquisitions
2010s – Agriculture, Legal Services, and Elder Support
2020s – Resilience and Growth Amid Challenges
2024 and Beyond – Continuing to Support Communities
● 1973: As the Vietnam War ended, Hawaii saw an influx of Vietnamese refugees. Three churches — Kaumakapili Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church — responded by establishing the Kalihi-Palama Immigrant Service Center (KPISC). Their mission was to support refugees and their families with resettlement services.
● KPISC was initially part of the Model Cities Program, a federal initiative from the Lyndon Johnson administration designed to tackle poverty through localized projects. Leaders like Bettye Jo Harris and Dr. Dorothy Douthit played key roles in these efforts.
● Mary Lee Ho became a key figure, guiding the center’s efforts to help refugees settle and thrive. She is fondly remembered by the community for her compassion.
● 1984: KPISC reorganized as a nonprofit and became a member of Aloha United Way. That same year, it became an affiliate of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), launching federal programs such as the Matching Grant Program, Reception and Placement, and Trafficking Victims Assistance Program.
● The State of Hawaii created a Refugee Resettlement Office under the Office of Community Services (OCS), strengthening the network for refugee support.
● 1988: Dr. Tin Myaing Thein was appointed Executive Director, further expanding KPISC's services to a wider immigrant community. Programs like the Citizenship Assistance Program helped thousands become U.S. citizens. KPISC was also recognized by the Department of Justice as a Model Citizenship Center.
● Mid-1990s: KPISC established the Hawaii Language Bank, providing interpretation and translation services. This marked its first social venture, beginning a long commitment to language access and exploration of financial diversification for PGC.
● 1994: KPISC rebranded as the Immigrant Center to increase accessibility and broaden its appeal.
● 1999: The Immigrant Center changed its name to the Pacific Gateway Center (PGC), symbolizing its mission to open new pathways for immigrants and refugees.
● 2000: PGC launched its Culinary Business Incubator on Umi Street, offering commercial kitchens to help food entrepreneurs start their businesses. This program grew into PGC's second major social venture.
● PGC acquired a historic building on North King Street and leased space to small businesses like The Pig & the Lady, which has since become a celebrated restaurant in Hawaii.
● 2003: PGC became deeply involved in a human trafficking case involving over 100 Vietnamese victims, helping them secure legal residency and safety in the U.S.
● By the end of the decade, PGC had expanded its services to include housing projects and business programs, further supporting immigrants.
● 2012: PGC launched its Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program, supporting socially disadvantaged farmers from diverse backgrounds including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines.
● 2016: PGC transformed the old pump station into Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center, a community center for the elderly.
● 2018: PGC expanded its offerings to include Immigration Legal Services, gaining accreditation from the Department of Justice to provide legal services without an attorney.
● 2019: PGC initiated a Social Enterprise Program aimed at promoting social entrepreneurship and job creation for immigrants and refugees.
● 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, PGC was a vital resource for health equity and food security, especially for Hawaii’s limited-English proficient communities.
● 2023: PGC was designated as the Immigrant Resource Center for Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. The organization opened an office at the Cameron Center in Maui to assist survivors of the Lahaina wildfire, providing services to limited-English-speaking populations.
● In the same year, PGC strengthened its commitment to local food production through a collaboration with the Farm Service Agency called the “Increased Access to Land, Capital, and Market” project, benefiting socially disadvantaged farmers.
● 2024: PGC continues its efforts in social entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses and expanding its immigration legal services statewide. The organization has now added an immigration attorney to its team and secured Department of Justice accreditation for both the Oahu and Maui offices. This expansion allows PGC to provide universal legal representation, including for unaccompanied children in Hawaii.
● Today, PGC remains a pioneering force, advocating for immigrants, refugees, and socially disadvantaged populations across Hawaii. The legacy of its founders and leaders continues to shape its work in serving those most in need.