Grant name: Hoʻoulu ʻĀina Community Project
Local partner: Keaukaha Panaʻewa Farmers Association (KPFA)
Country: Hawaiʻi (Panaʻewa)
Background and objective
Hawaii’s remote location in the pacific highlights its need for more individuals to farm and the importance of food security. The preservation and cultivation of traditional Hawaiian food and medicinal plants are a way to address the importance of health wellness and food security. Continuing farmer education and information is needed for Native Hawaiian farmers to improve their farming techniques and keep current farming practices.
The Hoʻoulu [causing to grow] ʻĀina [land or that which sustains] Community Project aims to provide engagement opportunities and informational resources to the Native Hawaiian farming community in East Hawaii. The project seeks to establish new channels of communication for the Native Hawaiian farming community, to create a space for community fellowship, and to share traditional Hawaiian farming perspectives and practices. By providing these opportunities, the project can help increase interest in farming and improve the overall health and well-being of the community.
Local partner information
The Keaukaha Panaʻewa Farmers Association (KPFA) was formed by native Hawaiian farmers from the Hawaiian homes land residences of Keaukaha that received agricultural award lots in Panaʻewa. Its mission is to support, motivate and educate Keaukaha Panaʻewa agricultural lessees to establish a viable sustainable farm community; preserve Hawaiian culture; achieve self-sufficiency pono management and respect for the ʻāina (land). General membership is extended to all 238 lessees.
