A Step Toward Food Security

A new certified ʻimu at Kapanaiʻa Farm is laying the foundation for food sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity in Kohala. Made possible through a $10,000 grant from the Running Strong Foundation, awarded to Kahua Paʻa Mua mentee and Fuertes ʻohana, Aukea Kai Kaʻaekuahiwi, who was chosen as one of ten Dreamstarters in Entrepreneurship. His vision and leadership helped secure the funding that led to the creation of this certified ʻimu, a resource that will serve the community for years to come. Aukea’s journey as a young agricultural leader has been featured in West Hawaiʻi Today’s article, "Hog Heaven," .

A Certified ʻImu: More Than Just Cooking

Unlike traditional backyard ʻimu, this certified ʻimu ensures that food prepared here meets health and safety standards, allowing it to be used for community events, cultural education, and fundraising efforts. This means local groups can legally prepare and sell food, supporting programs and initiatives that strengthen the community.

At the ʻimu blessing ceremony, Tim Richards, former Hawaiʻi County Council Member and current Hawaiʻi State Senator for District 4, highlighted the importance of food security:

"The comments that were made about Kohala in striving, in seeking food self-reliance and food security—it starts with us trying to take care of ourselves first. And these are the steps that Kahua Paʻa Mua are taking to develop programs like this. We teach the young, but we also need to have the facilities to embrace what we are teaching to go forward. And through that, we'll have the success that we need to do."

This milestone, which was featured in West Hawaiʻi Today, underscores KPM's commitment to long-term food security and self-sufficiency.

Mahalo nui to Billy and Pat Mills of Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Running Strong Foundation’s $10,000 grant, this initiative is already making progress. The funds have been used to build a sow pen, a cooker, and the certified ʻimu.

Expanding the Vision: Agricultural Processing & Gathering Spaces

The certified ʻimu is just the beginning. Looking ahead, plans are in place to develop an agricultural processing area at Kapanaiʻa Farm, including:

1. A certified kitchen for food preparation and value-added product development

2. A vegetable processing area to clean and package locally grown produce

3. An open-air gathering space for farmers markets, educational classes, and community events

This vision aims to support local farmers, create economic opportunities, and provide a space for learning and connection.