Shining Bright: Recapping the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Harm Reduction Conference

The 2025 Hawaiʻi State Harm Reduction Conference brought together over 400 attendees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, creating a powerful space to explore how we can reduce harm and amplify resilience for Hawaiʻi’s Māhū, QTPI, LGBQIA+, and Transgender communities. This year’s theme, “Rainbow Resilience,” guided conversations on the intersections of health, wellness, advocacy, empowerment, and resilience, with a focus on addressing the systemic barriers that impact marginalized communities. Through workshops, panels, and networking opportunities, the conference fostered a collective commitment to ensuring equity, dignity, and access for all.

One of the most impactful sessions, “Māhū & Aikāne: Understanding Sex and Gender Through a Native Hawaiian Lens,” was led by Kumu Hina, a celebrated cultural practitioner and advocate. Her presentation provided a deep and historical perspective on Indigenous Hawaiian understandings of gender and sexuality, challenging colonial narratives and reinforcing the importance of culturally grounded approaches to harm reduction. Rep. Adrian Tam shared legislative efforts aimed at protecting and serving Hawaiʻi’s LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the ongoing fight for policies that ensure healthcare, housing, and civil rights protections. Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, spoke on the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities across the state, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform in areas such as housing, economic justice, and access to services.

The conference was a testament to the strength and perseverance of Hawai‘i’s harm reduction and LGBTQIA+ advocacy movements. As attendees reflected on the knowledge shared and connections made, a clear message emerged: resilience is built through community, culture, and collective action. Mahalo to all who participated in this year’s event—your voices, passion, and dedication continue to drive meaningful change in Hawaiʻi. We look forward to carrying this momentum forward in the years to come!