THE NINETIES

New decades build on preceding years, and the Nineties were no exception.

Strategic Changes 

League members held key AJLI roles, including Director and Secretary positions. The League earned recognition for its membership development program and community edition of Halawai. The League implemented a new Strategic Plan, introducing a definition of “Community Impact,” restructuring committees, revising the Provisional course, and replacing Position Papers with seven Position Statements. A Community Consultant Group was formed for planning and marketing, and the Executive Committee expanded to include Fundraising and Communications VPs. Headquarters moved twice, first to Ward Warehouse (1997), then to Beretania Street (1999).

Focus Area & Projects 

In 1991, The League adopted “Family” as its focus, later refining it to Domestic Violence and Positive Parenting, and in 1998 to Family Strengthening. Projects included partnerships with the YWCA, Hawaii State Foster Parents Association, and Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center. The AIDS Education Comic Book gained international recognition, and long-standing programs like Action Line and Christmas in April continued. For its 75th Anniversary, The League launched the Community Investment Fund, allocating $75,000 to past, current, and new projects, including Adoption Connection.

Fundraising 

The decade saw creative fundraising efforts. Christmas Tree Sales ran from 1991–1998, and Stargazing remained a major event, with the final gala in 1999 raising $66,000. Cookbooks were a highlight: A Taste of Aloha entered Southern Living’s Hall of Fame, and Another Taste of Aloha debuted in 1993, later featured on QVC, selling out in minutes and generating $25,000. Other fundraisers included Gifts that Give, fashion shows, and one-time events like the Great Aloha Run Pasta Dinner.

2000s

In 2000, The League launched a five-year Strategic Plan to strengthen voluntarism and community impact. A new website and Kahiau email broadcasts improved member communication.

Community Programs & Signature Projects

The HerStory Women’s Conference debuted in 2000, offering sessions on health, finance, and lifestyle; it later evolved into the Wahine Forum under Hawaii Business Magazine. From 2001–2004, The League ran A Time to Read, a literacy program for preschoolers, and in 2006 introduced Kids in the Kitchen to promote childhood nutrition.

In 2005, The League launched its first Signature Project, My Story, to build confidence and self-esteem in adolescent girls. Impact Honolulu continued as Done-in-a-Day volunteer events.

From 2009 – 2013, JLH launched The Bella Project. This project continues to thrive independently. Annually they provide, at no-cost, donated prom dresses and accessories to low-income high school girls. 

Fundraising

Fundraising remained strong with innovative events and programs. The Training and Education Fund and Planned Giving Program supported leadership development and long-term growth. The League celebrated its 80th Anniversary Gala in 2004, raising over $114,000, and introduced Sacs in the City (2005–2013) and the third cookbook, Aloha Days Hula Nights (2006).