FAQ
Q. What is Pacific Gateway Center?
A. Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, conceived in 1973 in response to a wave of immigrant and refugee migration which was a result of war and economic, political, and civil strife in Southeast Asia at the time. Founded by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawaii, PGC was initially called the “Kalihi-Palama Immigrant Service Center” and later changed its name to the “Immigrant Center.” In 1999, the organization officially was named Pacific Gateway Center.
As a community-based organization, PGC’s mission is to empower low-income, immigrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations to gain access to opportunities and services through the building of skills that lead to self-sufficiency. Inherent in our mission is a deep respect for the integrity of diverse cultures represented by our targeted population and the communities we serve.
PGC is driven by its organizational values of aloha, creativity, diversity, humor, integrity, mutual respect, teamwork and food.
Q. Where is Pacific Gateway Center located?
A. Our main offices are located in Kalihi in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our main office address is 723-C Umi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819. Our Culinary Business Incubator (CBI) is a large commercial kitchen space that houses 11 baking, prep, and full cooking kitchens available for rent by the hour. CBI is located at 723-C Umi Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819. Our translation and interpretation services, the Hawaii Language Bank (HLB), is at 653 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Our Paradise Business Enterprise building is a historical building in Chinatown at 83 N. King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817. The Paradise Business Enterprise houses The Pig & The Lady Restaurant - and provides business incubation to help foster business growth and development. Our kūpuna (senior) community center, Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center, is located in the historic Kaka’ako pump station at 653 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. PGC Farms, 206 acres of farmland in Kunia provide opportunities to support those who wish to start micro-farms and engage in ag-businesses. PGC engages in education in good farming practices and business opportunities. Many of the farmers at PGC Farms are immigrants and refugee survivors of human trafficking.
Q. I have questions and need assistance regarding immigration status , citizenship/naturalization, family Center help?
A. Yes, contact Mrs. Terrina Wong, accredited representative with the Department of Justice to provide these immigrant services. She can be reached at (808) 762-5952 or terrina@pacificgatewaycenter.org.
Q. I need assistance. I am a refugee. Who can help me?
A. Yes, contact our Case Manager for Refugees, Than Htut Aye (Mr. Than) at (808) 851-7005 or than@pacificgatewaycenter.org.
Q. What are the fees for immigration services?
A. There are fees related to immigration and refugee services that are published here. Pacific Gateway Center does not turn a client away for inability to pay.
Q. I do not speak English well or we are a business, government agency, or other organization needing a translator or interpreter. How do I contact Pacific Gateway Center’s Hawaii Language Bank for interpretation and translation services?
A. The Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) is at 653 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Contact Program Coordinator at (808) 773-7051 or at hlb@pacificgatewaycenter.org. If you are multilingual and interested in seeking more information about becoming an interpreter or translator, please contact HLB.
Q. I am interested in becoming a volunteer? Where can I get more information?
A. Pacific Gateway Center is deeply grateful for the time and energy donated by volunteers. Please see our webpage on to join our PGC team as a volunteer and you will hear from us!
Q. I have second-hand, gently-used items (e.g., clothing, furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, etc.) that I would like to donate to Pacific Gateway Center for its vulnerable populations. How may I donate them?
A. Pacific Gateway Center is deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors. If you have in-kind donations please contact us at info@pacificgatewaycenter.org.