Imagine PACIFIC ORIGINAL ARTICLES





Published Imagine Pacific Pulse
July 13, 2023



IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children.





🌟 IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children


🌏 This Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis focuses on improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children by addressing the high cost of childcare and preschool, introducing the concept of Baby Bonds, recognizing economic disparities within the AAPI community, and working towards ending childhood poverty.


💭 Imagine... A Brighter Future for Pacific Island Children's Economic Well-being


🔹1️⃣ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where Pacific Island children have improved economic opportunities, broke the cycle of poverty and paving the way for their long-term success and prosperity.


🔹2️⃣ Links:

· Hawaii's ranking in child economic well-being

· Learn more about Baby Bonds and their potential impact

· Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community

· IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation

· IMSPARK: Imagine Ending Childhood Poverty

· IMSPARK: Imagine Baby Bonds


🔹3️⃣ Sources:

· Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2023).

· Prosperity Now. (n.d.). Baby Bonds.

· Banerjee, A. (2022, June 7). Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community.

· Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, July 6). IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation.

· Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 29). IMSPARK Ending Childhood Poverty!

· Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 28). IMSPARK: Baby Bonds.

· Mishel, L., & Gould, E. (2021). Broad for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Population Don't Tell the Whole Economic Story. Economic Policy Institute.


🔹4️⃣ Consider This:


Pacific Island children face economic challenges that impact their well-being and future opportunities. The high cost of childcare and preschool in Hawaii has led to a decline in economic well-being, placing financial strain on families and limiting access to quality care. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Hawaii ranks 44th in the nation for child economic well-being. To address this issue, the Ready Keiki preschool initiative aims to provide affordable preschool options for all 3- and 4-year-olds, reducing the burden on families and promoting equal access to early education.


Additionally, the concept of Baby Bonds, as highlighted by Prosperity Now, offers a transformative approach to address wealth inequality and provide equal opportunities for all children. By providing each child with an initial endowment at birth, Baby Bonds aim to create a more equitable society, enable asset accumulation, and remove barriers that hinder economic mobility. This innovative idea has the potential to break the cycle of generational poverty, particularly in areas with high rates of child poverty like the Pacific region.


Understanding economic disparities within the Asian-American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is crucial for developing effective solutions. Banerjee's research highlights the importance of disaggregating data and recognizing regional variations to tailor policy solutions that bridge the economic gap and promote prosperity and inclusion. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the specific economic circumstances and needs of each AAPI subgroup, policymakers can develop targeted strategies that address their unique challenges and promote greater economic well-being.


Moreover, ending childhood poverty is a paramount goal. The Economic Policy Institute's study, conducted by Mishel and Gould, emphasizes the need to address child poverty within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population. By ensuring access to basic needs, educational opportunities, and fair chances for every child to thrive, we can create a society that uplifts and supports the well-being of all children.


🌍 Impact on Pacific:

Improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children has far-reaching benefits for the entire region. It promotes social justice, empowers families to thrive economically, and creates a stronger foundation for future generations. Affordable childcare and preschool options ensure that children have access to quality early education, setting them on a path to success. Implementing initiatives like Baby Bonds addresses wealth inequality and promotes asset accumulation, enabling children to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability. By addressing economic disparities within the AAPI community, we create a more inclusive society where all subgroups have equal opportunities for economic growth and well-being.


The economic well-being of Pacific Island children holds the key to unlocking the region's prosperous future. Their health, safety, and overall development are not only fundamental rights but also the building blocks of a thriving Pacific community. By ensuring equitable access to quality education, affordable child care, and opportunities for economic growth, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.


The fate of the Pacific is intrinsically tied to the well-being of its children. They are the torchbearers of cultural heritage, the seeds of innovation, and the embodiment of resilience. Investing in their future is an investment in the future of the entire region. When we nurture their talents, provide them with the tools to succeed, and create an environment that fosters their growth, we sow the seeds of a prosperous Pacific.


📊 QR Reader Survey:


We invite readers to participate in our QR Reader Survey to share their insights and experiences related to the economic well-being of Pacific Island children. Your valuable input will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and help shape actionable solutions.


📢 Call to Action:


1. Leave a Comment: Feel free to leave a comment on the Imagine Pacific Pulse blog to share your thoughts, ideas, and support for improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children.


2. Write a Letter: Consider writing a letter to your local newspaper, such as the Star Advertiser in Hawaii, expressing your concerns and raising awareness about the importance of addressing economic disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for children in the Pacific.


3. Participate in the QR Survey: Your valuable insights and experiences are crucial in shaping our understanding of children's economic welfare in the Pacific. Please take a few minutes to answer the QR survey included in the IMEA. Your responses will contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.


4. Explore Imagine Pacific's YouTube Channel: Tune into the Imagine Pacific YouTube channel for more in-depth discussions, interviews, and videos on the issue of economic well-being for Pacific Island children. Gain further insights, learn about inspiring initiatives, and join the conversation to drive positive change


🤝 Conclusion:


Opportunity besieges the fortune of healthy, safe, and empowered children. Their potential knows no bounds, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture their dreams, unlock their potential, and remove any barriers that stand in their way. The Pacific's progress and resilience rest upon their shoulders.


The journey towards a prosperous Pacific begins with our children. Let us work hand in hand, across nations, cultures, and backgrounds, to provide them with the foundation they deserve. As we nurture their potential, we ensure the enduring success of the Pacific and leave a legacy of hope, resilience, and shared prosperity for generations to come. Together, let us forge a future where the destiny of the Pacific is interwoven with the dreams and aspirations of its children.



#BabyBonds,#BridgingTheGap,#BuildingAssets,#Economics,#EndChildhoodPoverty,

#GenerationalPoverty,#IMEA,#PacificIslands,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,





Published: IMAGINE PACIFIC PULSE
June 30, 2023



IMEA: Imagine Pacific Envision Analysis - Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans


🌟 Honoring Sacrifices: Ensuring Equitable Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans 💭


I. Imagine... Honoring Sacrifices: Ensuring Equitable Healthcare for Micronesian Veterans 🌍


II. Imagined End State Imagine a future where Micronesian veterans receive equal access to essential healthcare services, with a healthcare system that recognizes and respects their sacrifices. Unfortunately, the current reality for these veterans is fraught with challenges, including limited access to U.S. military hospitals in Hawaii and barriers to obtaining necessary medications and treatments. In addition, Micronesia as a nation faces a multitude of security, resilience, and health concerns, exacerbated by the increasing presence of diplomatic competition in the region. 🔎


III. Consider This: 💡 Challenges Faced by Micronesian Veterans: Micronesian veterans encounter numerous obstacles in accessing healthcare despite their dedicated service. Limited capacity in U.S. military hospitals in Hawaii often leaves many veterans without the necessary medical attention. Additionally, the high cost of healthcare and complexities surrounding health insurance further hinder their access to essential medications and treatments. 💪 Efforts Towards Equitable Healthcare: Recognizing the urgency of the situation, bipartisan efforts are underway in Congress to address the disparities faced by Micronesian veterans. Lawmakers are advocating for legislation that would extend the services of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans living abroad. 📚


IV. Research This:


1. Micronesian veterans struggle to get care. (May 28, 2023). The New York Times.

2. Blair, C. (March 1, 2017). Lawmakers Urge Medical Help For Micronesian Veterans. Civil Beat. 🌍


V. Impact on Pacific: Achieving equal access to healthcare for Micronesian veterans in the Pacific region is crucial for social justice, honoring their sacrifices, promoting equitable healthcare for all veterans, and contributing to the overall well-being of the region. It is an opportunity to rectify inequalities, set a precedent for fair treatment, and ensure the well-being of an essential ally by addressing:


1. Social Justice: The current disparities in healthcare access for Micronesian veterans create an unjust situation. By rectifying these inequalities and ensuring equal access to healthcare, we contribute to social justice. It is essential to recognize and address the injustices faced by these veterans and their communities, who have made sacrifices in service to the United States.


2. Honoring Sacrifices: Micronesian veterans have selflessly served as foreign citizens in the U.S. military. They have made significant sacrifices for the well-being and security of their nation. By providing equitable healthcare, we honor their sacrifices and acknowledge the debt of gratitude owed to them.


3. Setting a Precedent: Achieving equitable healthcare for Micronesian veterans sets a precedent for fair treatment of all veterans. It establishes a framework that promotes equal access to healthcare services based on the principle of merit and the sacrifices made in service to the United States.


4. Regional Well-being: The Pacific region faces numerous challenges, including theater security, climate resilience, and public health concerns. The increasing influence of regional near-peer competitors adds complexity to these challenges. Ensuring equitable healthcare for Micronesian veterans contributes to the overall well-being of the Pacific region. 📊


VI. QR Reader Survey: To better understand the challenges faced by Micronesian veterans and work towards viable solutions, we invite readers to participate in our QR Reader Survey. Your valuable insights and experiences will help us gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Please note that participation in the survey is voluntary and for the purpose of gaining a general assessment of the issue. It is not intended for scientific purposes. We kindly request participants to avoid providing any identifying information to ensure anonymity and confidentiality. 📢







VII. Call to Action: Imagine Pacific is in support of the COFA Veterans and asks that readers who feel the same consider joining us in advocating for justice and equal access to healthcare for Micronesian veterans. You can support this cause by:

• Leaving a comment on the Imagine Pacific Pule (www.imagine-pacific.blogspot.com)

• Sending a letter to the Editor: https://www.staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter/ • Reaching out to your local representatives and urging them to support legislation

• Raising awareness about this issue within your social circles and utilizing the provided QR codes to share this IMEA. 🤝

Conclusion: Micronesian veterans' sacrifices should never be forgotten, and their well-being should always be a top priority. By ensuring equitable healthcare for Micronesian veterans, we foster social justice and set the stage for fair treatment of all veterans, regardless of their nationality or citizenship. Key Words: #HealthEquity #COFA #Veterans #Micronesian #IMEA



June 06, 2023(Star Advertiser)
By James E. Faumuina
Title: "Increase Affordable Housing Options for Hawaiians"



The high cost of living in Hawaii, particularly in housing, significantly exceeds the national average. Despite a median household income of $88,005(1), many residents struggle to afford housing within their budget. Over 48% of people in Hawaii live below the threshold of a household income exceeding $72,000, making housing(2) affordability a pressing issue. This leads to residents sharing housing to manage the financial burden, exacerbating overcrowding and affordability challenges. To address these housing challenges, efforts must be made to increase affordable housing options, improve income levels, and promote economic opportunities for all residents. The proposed rules on Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), supported by Prosperity Now (www.prosperitynow.org), offer a significant step towards tackling housing issues and establishing an equitable housing ecosystem for low-income families and marginalized communities in Hawaii.



March 01, 2023(Star Advertiser)
By James E. Faumuina
Title: "Poverty Impact of Cash Bail"



In Hawaii, like the rest of America, Cash Bail is BIG BUSINESS! Bond premiums cost families in Maryland more than $250 million. New Orleans 2015, nearly 4,900 families paid $4.7 million. In 2012-2016, people arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department paid out an estimated $193.8 million. Nearly 1.4 billion to 2.4 billion is projected annually from Cash Bail. Unfortunately, tonight there are innocent people in jail because they can't afford bail. Cash Bail also targets low-income families, and exacerbates poverty in marginalized communities. Predatory lending practices cause further expansion of the wealth gap for families that cannot afford to repay. The compound effect of inflation, high cost of shelter, and a low-paying wage all help to perpetuate generational poverty. Hawaii bills, SB350 and HB1279 aim to reform the cash bail system. Contact your representative and encourage them to pass these bills. Ref: Unger, K. (2017). SELLING OFF OUR FREEDOM: How insurance corporations have taken over our bail system. Washington D.C.: American Civil Liberties Union.