Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) is working with the Department of Health (DOH) after a fire gutted state offices that house the Wahiawa Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program early Tuesday morning.
The fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages to the wooden structure and $100,000 to its contents.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the Senator said that“these offices helped the WIC serve nearly 3,000 of our pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum mothers and their children under the age of 5 with food, nutritional education, and health and social service referrals.
“I am deeply disappointed that such a critical service has been disrupted,” he said. “My office and I are working with the DOH to assess the situation. According to the department, the WIC staff will individually update their clients on the plan to ensure services.
“The main goal is to keep dollar benefits flowing, especially during a time like now,” Senator Dela Cruz said.
He said that the DOH is relying on the Department of Accounting and General Services to help find a new office space for the clinic. The Senator said updates will be provided.
Because of the suspicious nature of the blaze, the Honolulu Police Department has launched an arson investigation. Senator Dela Cruz is asking that if anyone has information about this case to please contact Crimestoppers at 955-8300.
The public can also submit anonymous tips to [honolulucrimestoppers.org]honolulucrimestoppers.org or use the P3 Tips mobile app.