Mission

Harm Reduction Hawaii (HRH) evolved from the 1994 and 1995 harm reduction conferences. During the planning for these events individuals came together representing a wide range of organizations.  Through these efforts the need for an ongoing organization was perceived.  Harm Reduction Hawaii was formed and incorporated in 1999. It received its 501c 3 recognition from the IRS in May of 2000. 

HRH is a community based organization with representation from social service organizations throughout Hawaii. It is governed by a board of directors that meets to set goals and plans of action.  The coalition it represents seeks to implement effective and respectful methods to improve the health and well-being of drug addicted persons, sex workers, the homeless, and other marginalized groups.  

HRH has used several approaches to forward this agenda.  The largest efforts have been in the organization of a series of large conferences.  See conferences tab.  These bring together social workers, addiction counselors, government agencies, and others for lectures, breakout sessions, and discussions on many aspects of harm reduction that can be used in their work. Continuing education credits are offered to qualified persons.

In addition HRH has sponsored meetings of an interagency outreach worker coalition with a goal of allowing different agencies to sit down together and look at underserved areas, share resources, and avoid un-useful duplication of efforts.   Annual appreciation luncheons for staff of the various agencies that do street outreach work has also been provided.  

A separate program called Arresting Prostitutes is Legal Exploitation (APLE) See sex work tab, has been sponsored by HRH.