Na Mea Pono: Pastor Kevin Kondo
A Palolo pastor provides spiritual leadership to his parishioners and he is also a leader in educating others about COVID-19. Pastor Kevin Kondo is KITV's Na Mea Pono this month, for going above and beyond to give back to his community.
When Kondo is not thinking about his next Sermon, he's canvassing the streets of Palolo at least three times per week with volunteers.
"It wasn't a lot of thought that went into it, you just do it," he said.
The message last May was telling people where and when food drives are happening. When COVID-19 cases hit record-high that summer, the message became get tested.
Walking the neighborhood never stopped. Now with vaccines, he's telling people about the shots. His partner in service is Darrah Kauhane, executive director of non-profit Project Vision Hawaii, who supplied Coronavirus test kits and vaccines.
"It's been inspirational to see how much time and sweat, literally sweat, going up and down these hills, he's put into this effort since last year," Kauhane said. "There are people who care, people who are willing to put in the time and effort."
When fewer people showed up to vaccine clinics, Kondo wanted to reward the people who did. The expression of support started with a few thousand dollars of his own cash.
64 gift cards, ranging between $25 and $30 dollars per shot, to spend at local grocery stores or eateries.
"With the kids and the teenagers, Zippy's works better," Kondo said.
His endeavor worked. Kondo says the fully vaccinated rate among residents at Palolo Valley Homes went from 43 percent, up to 75 percent. Because of the success, his idea grew into a community effort.
Donors and non-profits such as Project Vision pitched in their own funds to keep Kondo's project alive. Now at each vaccination event, there are more than 100 cards ready to give out. The 71-year-old pastor says the Bible is where he learned about sharing and giving.
"It's compassion we learned," he said.
His work is not done. Kondo wants to continue spreading the word in other hard to reach communities.
"We just want to bring hope and comfort instead of pain and suffering," he said.
In a world full of darkness. To some people, Kondo is a shining light of hope.
By Nicole Tam, KITV4
https://www.kitv.com/story/44634357/na-mea-pono-pastor-kevin-kondo