We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Maui YMCA, dedicated, family-centered organization that will soon open a resource center in Lahaina. PBC attended a resource fair at the new location, and we will soon be offering westside weekly food boxes through our Farm to Mother program at the Y’s new resource center. Please stay tuned for announcements on our website and through social media.

Farm to Mother

In addition to offering westside food distribution, our Farm to Mother program has been growing through exciting partnerships with local farmers, allowing us to include fresh produce in our weekly offerings. Our Farm to Mother page includes recipe and nutrition information that highlights some of our exciting offerings. Sign up for a box on our website and share a favorite recipe with us by replying to this email!

HB 1194 Update: Passed by Legislature, Headed to Governor

Despite broad opposition, HB 1194—the 2025 midwifery licensure bill—passed Final Reading on April 14 and now heads to Governor Josh Green for signature. Sixteen Representatives voted "no" (including Representatives Alcos, Amato, Belatti, Cochran, Garcia, Grandinetti, Hussey, Iwamoto, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Perruso, Pierick, Poepoe, Reyes Oda, Shimizu, and Souza) following strong testimony and community presence, including Indigenous midwives from 17 nations who later joined a delegation to the Governor’s office to express ongoing opposition.

Governor Green is expected to sign the bill. A community response is planned—stay tuned.

Thanks to tireless advocacy, some of the bill’s most harmful provisions were removed:

A locally accessible PEP licensure pathway was secured.

Native Hawaiian practices are fully exempt, with no oversight from Papa Ola Lōkahi.

Criminal penalties for unlicensed midwifery were removed, though a risk of fines remains

We have been advised that DCCA enforcement of the restrictions on the unlicensed “practices of midwifery” is complicated and even unlikely due to the unclear and complex language of the bill. Traditional birth attendants continue to serve their communities.

However, the bill still overlooks the role of traditional birth workers from other cultures and, in doing so, limits a mother’s autonomy in choosing her preferred birth provider.

What You Can Do:

Call Governor Green at (808) 586-0034 if you’d like to express concerns about the bills shortcomings

Stay informed and be ready to mobilize.

Support traditional birth workers—and call them midwives, as there is no restriction the public’s ability to do so

Continue public education and counter misinformation about midwifery care

HB 1194 may have passed the legislature, but our community has grown stronger—gaining visibility, solidarity, and support from allies including ACLU Hawaiʻi, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. Mahalo to all standing for birthing autonomy for the families of Hawai'i.

Labor Day 2025: Save the Date!

This year marks our 10th anniversary as an organization. To celebrate, we're dreaming up a 3-day event will include a variety of events and opportunities for connection and celebration with our community. Please register now for updates and reminders as we finalize our plans!

PBC Community Events

The community calendar chock-full of of classes and events to serve mothers and families both virtually and in-person. Join our community circles, grief support groups, and Wellness Wednesday and Therapeutic Thursday, and yoga. Please check out our Community Events Calendar, which is full of classes and events to serve mothers and families both virtually and in-person. Our latest offering, Manaful Mondays, begins on May 5th. It will be held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. It is designed for BIPOC families and will feature traditional healing remedies.