Our History
Fred and Fran Hill at Judd Hillside for our 25th anniversary.
It all started in 1982, when a group of concerned citizens began work to open a Ronald McDonald House in Hawaii. The group was composed of parents of previously hospitalized children, medical personnel, business people, representatives of the Junior League of Honolulu and the March of Dimes. Based on their personal experiences and the testimony of nurses and social workers, there was an overwhelming need in Hawaii for an affordable, temporary “home-away-from-home” for the families of children hospitalized with serious life-threatening illnesses. Based on this need, the capital campaign for the project was hugely successful.
The idea of a home for families of hospitalized children originated in 1973 in Pennsylvania when Fred Hill, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles football team, learned that his young daughter, Kim, had Leukemia. Through his and his teams efforts, and working together with many members of the community and local McDonald’s Restaurants, funds were raised and a House was opened in Philadelphia. The tremendous value and success of this first House sparked interest throughout the entire country and abroad, and the McDonald’s Corporation continued to be a major sponsor, helping support both the construction of new Houses and their ongoing expenses. It is to recognize this contribution that these Houses have taken the name of Ronald McDonald for the positive, helpful and fun-loving feeling that he inspires in children.
RMHC-HI President & CEO Ed Nishioka with Fred and Fran at the 50th Anniversary International Conference in Chicago.
Timeline: “The House That Love Built”
1982 – Steering Committee formed to establish a Ronald McDonald House in Hawaii.
1984 – Judd Hillside property found and lobbying for permits begin. Maurice “Sully” Sullivan leads $1.8 million Capital Campaign efforts.
1986 – Groundbreaking for major renovation and construction begins at Judd Hillside.
1987 – Hawaii’s first Ronald McDonald House opens on March 27, 1987.
1997 – “The House that Love Built” celebrates 10th anniversary; more than 11,000 guests served.
2003 – RMH Family Room opens at Kapiolani Hospital to provide support for families of hospitalized children.
2004 – $4 million capital campaign launched to purchase 2nd House on Oahu Avenue and renovate and upgrade Judd Hillside House property.
- 2005 – Judd Hillside House closes for major renovations; RMHC-HI continues to serve families through hotel partnerships and use of a temporary facility.
2006 – RMHC-HI’s second facility, the Oahu Avenue House, opens in January and the newly renovated Judd Hillside House reopens in March.
2007 – RMHC-HI celebrates 20th anniversary in 2007; total number of guests welcomed since opening reach 21,000.
- 2009 – Michelle Wie partnership creates outdoor children’s playground area.
- 2011 – SpeediShuttle launches transportation fleet for RMHC family shuttle service.
- 2012 – RMHC-HI celebrates 25th anniversary; the House that Love Built marks almost 25,000 guests served and more than 100,000 nights of lodging provided.
- 2013 – RMH Family Room celebrates 10th anniversary and serves nearly 9,000 visitors annually.
- 2015 – Launch of “Cooling Down, Greening Up” conservation program; 75% energy savings realized.
2017 – RMH Family Room is turned over to KMCWC after 14 years and more than 130,000 visitors served.
2018 – “Kidz For A Cause” peer-to-peer youth fundraising campaign raises $350,000 for House programs.
2019 – RMHC-HI launches expansion plans to create a Family Recreation Center at Judd Hillside House.
- 2024 – RMHC-HI expands Hospitality Cart service to Kapi’olani Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
