By: Contributor – Hawaii News HOKU

The recent outcry over the Trump administration’s decision to block nearly $30 million in federal funding for the East-West Center (EWC) has made headlines across the islands. Predictably, the narrative is one of doom and gloom—jobs lost, international relations strained, and a beloved institution under siege.But let’s take a breath and look at the bigger picture.The East-West Center, nestled comfortably on the University of Hawaii at Mānoa campus, has been the recipient of tens of millions in federal funds annually, with over 52% of its budget coming directly from taxpayers. Yet ask the average working-class family in Kalihi, Waianae, or Hilo what the EWC has done for them, and you’re likely to get a blank stare.That’s because, for decades, the EWC has operated more like a diplomatic clubhouse than a boots-on-the-ground community organization. Its lofty mission—“promoting better relations between the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific”—is admirable on paper. But it’s hard to argue that an under-the-radar think tank with ten staffers in D.C. and the rest in academic ivory towers is more vital than Hawaii’s crumbling infrastructure, sky-high cost of living, and lack of affordable housing.Instead of mourning lost federal subsidies for an opaque institution, perhaps it’s time to ask tougher questions: Why are we pouring $30 million into a research hub with little public accountability while our schools struggle with mold, our kupuna face rising medical costs, and our veterans battle homelessness?The voluntary separation program EWC rolled out is not a tragedy—it’s a mercy. These are educated, highly capable individuals who will likely land on their feet, many of them already connected to academia or government sectors. And frankly, it’s more than most mom-and-pop businesses got when pandemic restrictions crushed their livelihoods with no buyout package in sight.We’ve been spoon-fed a narrative that federal funding equals prosperity. But for Hawaii, it’s too often meant dependency, not empowerment. This shift in policy is a wake-up call. It’s an opportunity to redirect attention—and dollars—to homegrown innovation, to schools that teach our keiki how to thrive, to small farms that feed us, and to local businesses that deserve a fair shot.Let the East-West Center survive on its own merits. If its mission truly matters, private donors, educational institutions, and international partners will step up. But Hawaii shouldn’t carry the weight of maintaining a symbol of international diplomacy when our own people are struggling to get by.In short, the EWC funding cut isn’t an attack—it’s a realignment. And for once, it puts Hawaii first.

Hawaii News HOKU

Title: Taxpayer Funded Fantasy: The East-West Center is a Wasteful Relic

By Contributor, HawaiiNews Hoku

Let’s call it what it is—the East-West Center is a taxpayer-funded luxury retreat for academics and bureaucrats who couldn’t survive a day running a real business or dealing with the struggles of everyday working families in Hawaii.While local residents are rationing groceries, skipping medical appointments, and living three generations deep in one-bedroom apartments, this institution is sucking up over $22 million in federal tax dollars every year to host climate chats and cultural dialogues with diplomats and grad students.Ask a teacher in Waipahu, a single mom in Waimanalo, or a veteran in Kapolei what the EWC has done for them—you’ll get a blank stare. This isn’t community outreach. It’s policy cosplay. A globalist think tank hiding under palm trees, doing absolutely nothing to make Hawaii safer, cleaner, or more affordable.They claim to promote “understanding” between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific. Newsflash: you don’t need a $42 million annual budget and a government-funded dormitory to build understanding. Try walking through Chinatown without stepping over someone in crisis. Try getting through UH Manoa’s admin bureaucracy without losing your sanity.It’s no accident that over 80% of their staff were offered buyouts this year. That’s not innovation—it’s bloat being lanced. Finally.The East-West Center is a Cold War relic that lost its relevance decades ago. Let private donors or foreign governments fund it if they care. U.S. taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for elite cocktail diplomacy while Americans at home can’t afford rent.If we want real progress for Hawaii, we need less East-West hand-holding and more boots-on-the-ground reform. Pull the plug. Let them compete in the real world like everyone else.—Counter-Argument: Why the East-West Center Still MattersSure, it’s easy to bash anything with “federal funding” in the title. But dismantling the East-West Center would be shortsighted and self-defeating for Hawaii and the U.S.The EWC isn’t about tourists or professors—it’s about geopolitical presence. At a time when China is rapidly expanding its influence in the Pacific, the EWC is one of the few U.S.-based institutions fostering regional trust, intellectual exchange, and diplomatic ties with Pacific island nations. It’s soft power at work—and Hawaii is the host.Locally, the EWC brings in millions in external funding, supports scholarships, and provides academic and cultural access for local students who otherwise couldn’t afford international engagement. Many of its programs directly benefit residents through housing, education, and global networking that lifts Hawaiians into leadership positions.You can’t measure the EWC’s value in potholes. You measure it in alliances, influence, and global positioning—all of which keep Hawaii economically and diplomatically essential to the world.

The East-West Center—A Misallocation of Taxpayer FundsThe East-West Center, established in 1960, has long been a recipient of substantial federal funding. In fiscal year 2024, it received a federal appropriation of $22 million, accounting for approximately 52% of its total revenue. An additional 16% came from competitive federal grants and contracts, with the remaining 32% sourced from institutional partners and private donors .Critics argue that the EWC’s programs, while diplomatically oriented, offer minimal tangible benefits to the local Hawaiian community. The center’s focus on international relations and policy dialogues may seem disconnected from the pressing issues faced by residents, such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the recent offer of voluntary separation to over 80% of its 137 employees raises concerns about the center’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency . This move suggests potential mismanagement and questions the justification for continued substantial federal investment.

Counter-Argument: The East-West Center’s Strategic ImportanceProponents of the EWC highlight its role in fostering diplomatic relations and cultural exchange between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. The center has facilitated numerous programs aimed at promoting mutual understanding, leadership development, and collaborative research on critical regional issues. The EWC’s alumni network includes over 71,000 individuals, among them heads of state, diplomats, and leaders in various sectors, indicating its influence and reach . These connections are instrumental in advancing U.S. interests and maintaining strategic partnerships in a geopolitically significant region. Locally, the center contributes to Hawaii’s economy through employment, hosting international conferences, and attracting scholars and professionals worldwide. These activities not only enhance Hawaii’s global profile but also provide economic and educational opportunities for residents.

Conclusion:The debate over the East-West Center’s funding and relevance encapsulates broader discussions about federal spending priorities and the balance between domestic needs and international engagement. While concerns about fiscal responsibility are valid, the center’s role in diplomacy and regional cooperation presents arguments for its continued suppor…

References

Hawaii News Now. (2025, May 2). Trump administration blocks $30M in funding to the East-West Center. Hawaii News Now. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/05/02/trump-administration-blocks-30m-funding-east-west-center/Honolulu Star-Advertiser. (2025, May 2).

East-West Center offers buyouts to 80% of employees. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/05/02/hawaii-news/east-west-center-offers-buyouts-to-80-of-employees/Civil Beat. (2022, October 17).

Hawaii’s East-West Center is undergoing a renaissance with more eyes on Pacific affairs. https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/10/hawaiis-east-west-center-is-undergoing-a-renaissance-with-more-eyes-on-pacific-affairs/East-West Center. (n.d.). About the East-West Center. https://www.eastwestcenter.org/East-West Center. (2023). Strategic plan 2023–2027.

University of Hawai‘i ScholarSpace. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/80e1646a-325e-434a-9909-f490339544b6U.S.

U.S. Department of State. (2024). Fiscal Year 2025 Congressional Budget Justification: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-Congressional-Budget-Justification-FINAL_03052024.pdf

Yahoo News. (2025). East-West Center offers buyouts amid funding freeze. https://www.yahoo.com/news/east-west-center-offers-buyouts-120100907.html