Hoʻokuaʻāina Explained

Founder:Dean and Michele Wilhelm
Type:Nonprofit organization
Location City2:Maunawili, Hawaii
Coordinates:21.3731°N -157.7649°W

Hoʻokuaʻāina is a nonprofit organization that maintains approximately 3 acres of loʻi kalo in Maunawili, Hawaii. Founded by Dean and Michele Wilhelm, who purchased the nonprofit's 7.6-acre site in 2007 for the purpose of growing kalo.[1] Hoʻokuaʻāina cultivates several varieties, selling them raw, cooked, and as poi.[2] The nonprofit steams and cleans more than 400 pounds of kalo per month.

Hoʻokuaʻāina runs programs focused on mentorship for at-risk youth and hosts community workdays at the loʻi, offering internships.[3]

References

  1. Web site: Fox. Catherine Toth. December 19, 2017. The Essential Guide to Taro: How to Volunteer at a Lo'i. June 1, 2021. Honolulu Magazine. en-US.
  2. Web site: Ching. Shawn. July 20, 2017. Cultivation of kalo helps at-risk youth learn life skills — and Hawaiian values. June 1, 2021. Hawaii News Now. en.
  3. News: Botkin-Kowacki. Eva. July 13, 2017. Using a taro patch in Hawaii, this couple teaches the islands' values to youths. Christian Science Monitor. June 1, 2021. 0882-7729.