Laulima
Kupa ʻAina would like to start bringing the community together to support food systems in Hawaiʻi and to reach out to, and make connections within our community.

What to bring:

• Filled water bottle/flask
• Comfortable and covered shoes
• Hat & gloves
• Sunscreen & bug spray

If you are interested in volunteering, please email kupaaina@pidfoundation.org . 

The wooden skirts at the base of the walls and the walls themselves were replaced, wall insulation was added, and glass windows were installed.

“One of the main reasons we installed the glass windows was that all the zippers of the old zippered screen windows had torn over time and were just flapping in the wind,” said Ka Paʻalana Program Manager Terry Nakamura. “The glass windows will not present this problem and will last much longer.”

Ke Kama Pono’s Project Director, Mike Kahue, oversaw the renovations. Young men and staff from our Ke Kama Pono Safehouse program also assisted.

Ronnee Stewart, a Parent Educator with Ka Paʻalana, led some of the preschool parents in sewing curtains for the windows and will be installed soon.

Mahalo nui to our staff and program ʻohana for their kōkua in carrying out the renovations!

The ASB volunteers and their families helped to lay pipe in the diversified crops area, cut lau in one of the nurseries, amd paint the foundation for a new farm mural, to be painted by 808 Urban.

Located on the Windward side of Oʻahu, Kupa ʻAina seeks to help develop sustainable food production models for Hawaiʻi nei.

The project utilizes a combination of Korean Natural Farming techniques and indigenous Hawaiian methods to create a practice that is uniquely Hawaiian and respectful of the land.

We mahalo ASB for their spirit of volunteerism and for continuing to be a valued partner to our efforts serving Hawaiʻi’s families and communities!

“Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on July 18, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.

It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now.”

It is more than a celebration of Mandela’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better.”

Source: Mandeladay.com

One such student was Rachel Radona, who took time away from her spring break to volunteer at the preschool. At such a young age, Rachel has a huge heart and maturity beyond her years. The keiki and ‘ohana at the Pai‘olu Kaiāulu shelter and Kau‘iokalani Public Housing enjoyed having Rachel at the preschool; she spent her time reading to the children and interacting with them at different learning centers. She also donated gently used books and healthy snacks. When asked if she would come back to volunteer, she held her 2 thumbs up and replied “Yes!” Mahalo nui loa Rachel for spending your spring break with us! A hui hou.

American Savings Bank considers community service an essential part of its corporate culture. Each year, ASB commits time and effort to various schools and community organizations through their Seeds of Service program.

Jan Dill, PIDF President and Chairman of the Board said, “We are truly grateful to know that American Savings Bank sees the value in encouraging its employees to be part of the solution.”

Volunteers helped with landscaping, light remodeling and painting of Hope Shelter residence rooms, and food preparation.

Aaron Mahi, PIDF Hawaiian Cultural Specialist Assistant, spoke about wahi pana (the significance of this place) within the larger ahupua‘a of Honouliuli. “We like to capitalize on every opportunity, by expanding the community’s understanding and knowledge of the culture and history that is significant about each place” said Mahi.

“There is no doubt that the needs in our state are many, but the generous and overwhelming support of the ASB ‘Ohana makes it possible for our programs to continue their mission.” said Dill.