CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / 2022
A person swims at YWCA Laniakea in downtown Honolulu.
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Should the YWCA on Richards Street keep its tax-exempt status?
The YWCA’s purpose is to empower women, but profits are being prioritized over people. The location, which has a long history of offering physical fitness and swimming facilities in downtown Honolulu, recently announced the closure of fitness programs and its pool.
It reduced member space to increase usage by a for-profit restaurant. Space is also rented to a for-profit charter school and child care programs. The basketball court is no longer used by members and teams — it’s covered with donated clothing that is sold monthly.
Philip Thorp
Downtown Honolulu
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