I originally posted this to my Kiva lending team. Thought it was worthy of a blog post as well:

Yesterday I posted some information about conditions in the outlying pacific islands. Later in the day I happened to pick up the latest copy of Honolulu Weekly (the local liberal "rag") and as it so happens, the cover story was on Micronesian immigrants. It was eye-opening to say the least.

The facts according to Honolulu Weekly:

- there are at least 20,000 Micronesian immigrants (from the Federated States of Micronesia (um... usually abbreviated as FSM)) living on Oahu (the total population of Oahu is just under a million). Most of these people are homeless, and that figure is generally considered a gross undercount

- Micronesians can freely and legally move to the US because the US has a military agreement with the FSM to move freely in their waters. This mutual agreement will be in force until at least 2024. So, they are not illegal immigrants but they are not citizens either and do not have governmental representation in the US.

- I'm sure you know about the Bikini Atoll being destroyed, but 67 atomic bombs were dropped in tests in the vicinity of Micronesia in the 40s and 50s by the US (totally shocking). Micronesians have faced huge lingering health problems from radiation sickness, and this has been a major cause of their economy failing to develop.

- the biggest industry in Micronesia is scuba diving tours (so basically nothing).

- so, Micronesians migrate to Hawaii to get access to health care, put their kids in public school and have a shot at a job.

- most Micronesians don't speak English as a first language, or any English at all. Many are not literate. On top of that, their culture is very traditional and doesn't translate well to western city life (public um, elimination, does not endear them to their new neighbors. Stealing is also a huge issue, because they are used to communal living and freely sharing resources). As a result, it's nearly impossible for them to be employed, find shelter (even public housing is difficult to get into), or obtain an education.

The whole thing is sickeningly bleak, and I think microfinance would be hugely beneficial. I just wonder if there is any way to entice MFI's to the region. The pacific is the most isolated area on the planet, the geography is just daunting. I'm not sure how many islands even have electricity, so not only is travel an expensive barrier, communication is a huge one as well. It'd be nearly impossible to keep in regular touch with each borrower without having an MFI representative on every island.

There has to be a solution to the issue, but I just don't know enough yet. (Sorry if I've been blathering on!)