The Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center is raising money for its mission of “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.”
The Hilo-based nonprofit organization works to bring peaceful resolutions to conflicts through mediation, facilitation and training programs for free or at a low cost.
“Our goal is to improve the community by helping people learn how to communicate more effectively while being civil, courteous and curious,” said Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “We live in a polarized world where many people ice each other out and stop communicating all together. We need more tools for difficult conversations, not less.”
Ku‘ikahi offers mediation services, which are informal and confidential and involve a third party to help people talk through their differences, negotiate options and craft agreements. Services are voluntary and can be useful for a variety of issues, such as domestic disagreements, landlord and tenant conflicts, and disputes between a business and an individual.
“Mediation gives people the chance to be heard while also giving the other side a chance to share their perspective with a completely unbiased third party,” Mitchell said.
Whether the mediation is mandatory due to an order from a judge, or the first choice in a dispute, the control is in the hands of the two parties, and they must be the ones to come up with creative solutions.
Ku‘ikahi also offers facilitation services, which is better for groups solving problems, making decisions and completing tasks. Facilitators create a cooperative climate for problem solving and help groups reach goals effectively.
Mediations and facilitations are all done by volunteers who have completed professional training and an apprenticeship.
Along with basic mediation training, Ku‘ikahi offers free, one-hour talk-story sessions over Zoom with experts in conflict resolution every month through its Brown Bag Lunch Series as well as custom training sessions and workshops for businesses.
“Our programs won’t prevent and solve every conflict, but they help people learn to manage conflict. Everyone needs these skills, or can improve them,” Mitchell said.
To help keep its services free or low-cost, Ku‘ikahi each year hosts its Hilo Orchid Show Gala Preview Party to kick off the annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.
This year, the gala is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, a day before the show opens to the general public on Friday. Attendees will get the first look at the hundreds of orchids at the show and can purchase those that are offered for sale.
Each attendee receives a souvenir wine or beer glass to use for a wide variety of hard and soft beverages, including beers on tap from Kona Brewing and seltzers from Ola Brew.
Pupus, dinner and desserts will be provided by White Guava Café and friends.
“The funds raised will support the free programs and trainings that help improve people’s ability to solve their complex issues through effective communication,” Mitchell said.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased in advance from The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo, 256 Kamehameha Ave., and Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, 101 Aupuni St., Suite PH 1014 B-2.
To purchase tickets, tables or sponsorships, visit hawaiimediation.org/event/previewparty2024/ or email shelby@hawaiimediation.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.