Mark Zuckerberg saves Hawaii? How the Facebook mogul and wife Priscilla Chan poured millions into a jobs programme in Kauai where they own a controversial US$100 million compound
- The couple’s US$100 million compound on Kauai’s North Shore – and 1.8 metre wall around the property – has long caused controversy
- But their donation to the Hawaii Community Foundation will support up to 400 workers with temporary jobs, a weekly salary and free health insurance
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are pouring US$4.2 million into a jobs programme for residents of the Hawaiian county where they own a controversial US$100 million compound.
Called the Rise to Work programme, the initiative was created in 2020 for residents of the county of Kauai who lost their jobs amid the pandemic. But the programme was funded by the initial economic stimulus bill last year and the funding expired this past December. Now, the programme is being revived thanks to Zuckerberg and Chan’s donation.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement that he had shared with the Chan-Zuckerberg team how successful the previous iteration of the programme had been, and it eventually led to a donation from the couple.
“Through Priscilla’s and Mark’s generous donation of US$4.2 million to the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Rise to Work programme lives again – offering purpose and hope to people who are struggling,” Kawakami said.
Applications for the programme opened on Monday (March 8). The programme can support up to 400 workers – those who are selected will be placed in temporary jobs and will receive weekly pay and free health insurance. The programme also helps local businesses, the county says, because it allows them to increase capacity without adding to their payroll costs.
“Our family cares deeply about Kauai, and we are pleased to support this valuable programme that has far-reaching positive effects in a community we love,” Chan said in a statement.
