Kipahulu 'Ohana awarded grant from Office of Hawaiian Affairs

The Kipahulu 'Ohana has been awarded a grant of $45,455 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Kipahulu Ohana is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the practice and promotion of Hawaiian culture, the conservation and restoration of natural resources, and the development of culturally based economic opportunities in the remote East Maui area of Kipahulu.

The Kipahulu 'Ohana has had a Cooperative Agreement with Haleakala National Park since 1995 which provides the mechanism for the organization to work with the Park Service "to preserve, maintain, restore, and interpret the Kipahulu Ahupua'a for public use and enjoyment."

The funds from OHA will support the organization's Kapahu Living Farm project. Through its Cooperative Agreement, Kipahulu 'Ohana has established this living history project within the National Park where over an acre of ancient taro patches have been cleared, restored and returned to traditional organic production; numerous other Polynesian introduced crops are being grown; and a traditional hale serves as a space for educational activities.

Since its founding, the Kipahulu `Ohana has hosted educational tours, interpretive hikes, workdays and other activities at Kapahu Living Farm. Thousands of locals and visitors have been exposed to the indigenous Hawaiian culture and its resource management practices. Numerous schools and other groups have participated in the farm's development over the years, from Maui, other islands, and internationally as well. Kapahu Living Farm also provides kalo and poi for the East Maui Taro Festival and Hana Aloha Week each year, as well as for various family luaus and other events.

Tweetie Lind, co-founder and Secretary/Treasurer of the organization, said: "We're very excited about the opportunity this grant provides, and grateful to OHA for the support of our work. With OHA's support we will continue to open new lo'i and expand our educational programs. We look forward to providing more of Maui's youth and people of all ages with hands-on Hawaiian cultural experiences, and providing healthy traditional foods for our local community."

Among the items funded through OHA's grant award are staffing, equipment and supplies related to the farm's activities over a one-year period.

Kapahu Living Farm is one of several of the organization's projects, which as part of an overall 'ahupua'a management approach include a traditional hale near the park visitor center for the demonstration and sales of traditional craft and agricultural items, and the protection of endangered Hawaiian species in the native forest of upper Kipahulu Valley.

For more information call 808-248-8673 visit Kipahulu 'Ohana's website at: www.kipahulu.org.

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