Easter Seals Hawaii will merge with Arc of Kauai

Easter Seals Hawaii, one of the state’s largest nonprofit organizations, will merge with a small, rural nonprofit group to expand services for people with disabilities. The Arc of Kauai officially becomes part of Easter Seals Hawaii on Sept. 1, the start of the fiscal year.

The merger involves the transfer of The Arc’s $3 million in assets and $10,000 in debt. It will combine both organizations’ health insurance, benefits, audits and other back-office operations.

“Organizations are looking for mergers or consolidation as an absolute need to stay in business,” John Howell, president and CEO of Easter Seals Hawaii, told Pacific Business News. “They need financial support, managerial support and contacts in the community.”