In support of the agricultural community impacted by the recent Kunia brushfires, Kunia Village Development Corporation (KVDC), together with the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation (HAF), Kō Hana Distillers and Nalo Farms, is proud to announce a month-long community fundraiser – “Kōkua Kunia” – throughout the month of September.
The campaign aims to raise $100,000 for the Kunia Village Development Corporation (KVDC) to provide direct support for affected area farmers to help recover from crop losses, and restore farmland after acres of crops were destroyed, threatening both livelihoods and food supply. Funds will also support fire mitigation efforts for the village including safeguarding farmer housing and implementing protective measures in Kunia Village.
The recent brushfires that were reportedly arson-related threatened Kunia Village, an isolated community of agricultural workers. The village, which has experienced two other close-call fires in the past three years, sits surrounded by farmland and steep gulches, making it particularly vulnerable.
The most recent fire damaged 800 acres of fields, including one sugarcane field used by Kō Hana Distillers and the main lettuce production field of Nalo Farms in addition to other adjacent farms and businesses that help comprise the commercial section of the village.
"It’s heartbreaking to see my parents’ farm, a place they poured years of love and labor into, destroyed in a single wildfire," said Wannisa Panhaphon, the daughter of one of the farmers whose land was devastated. "The many fruit trees they had been growing for years are gone, along with the crops and farm supplies they worked so hard to maintain. In just one day, everything they built and cared for was reduced to ashes.”
The “Kōkua Kunia” fundraiser also invites local bars and restaurants to partner with Kō Hana Distillers by featuring a special cocktail made with Kō Hana Kea rum. 100% of the proceeds from these featured cocktails will be donated directly to the KVDC, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides support to Kunia Village and its surrounding farms.
To further bolster the fundraising effort, Kō Hana is releasing a new, limited-edition bottle, the Kōkua Reserve. A significant portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold will be added to the fund. This special release provides another opportunity for the community to contribute to the recovery of Kunia’s agricultural heartland.
The campaign will culminate with a community fundraising event on Saturday, September 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kō Hana distillery at 92-1770 Kunia Road. The event will bring together participating partners, community members, and media to celebrate the spirit of aloha and the collective effort to rebuild.
Tickets to this event include admission and an exclusive, three-part tasting of Kō Hanaʻs special release, Kōkua Reserve Rum. The event will also feature food available for separate purchase from Barrio Cafe, This Lil Piggy, and Sage Creamery. All proceeds from food and additional beverages purchased at the event will go directly to supporting the Kōkua Kunia cause.
The party will also be a chance to extend our sincere gratitude to all the firefighters, law enforcement, and all first responders whose swift and coordinated efforts were instrumental in safeguarding lives during the Kunia fire.
“The Kunia fires have had a devastating impact on our local farmers, which are the backbone of our community. We believe that by coming together, we can provide immediate and meaningful support. Our goal of $100,000 is just a starting point, but every dollar helps. This is about more than just a fundraiser; it’s a testament to the strength and resilience of our community,” said Stephanie Whalen, president of KVDC.
If you would like to make a donation, please write a check to the Kunia Village Development Corporation. Be sure to include "Kōkua Kunia" in the memo line. Your contribution will go directly toward the Kunia fire relief and prevention initiatives. A donation letter can also be provided for your records for tax purposes.
Donation checks can be mailed to:
Kunia Village Development Corporation
C/O Kōkua Kunia
P.O. Box 100 Kunia, Hawai’i 96759
Event tickets and online donations can be made on Eventbrite:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669879487499?aff=oddtdtcreator
About Kō Hana Distillers
Kō Hana Distillers, whose name translates as "the work of the sugarcane,” is the premium farm to bottle rum distillery in Hawai’i, and largest grower of sugarcane in the islands.
About Kunia Village Development Corporation
The Kunia Village Development Corporation (KVDC) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being and development of the Kunia Village community and its surrounding agricultural areas.
About Nalo Farms
Nalo Farms is one of the largest leafy green growers in Hawai’i. Utilizing a custom aquaponic farming system, Nalo cultivates high quality local produce at competitive pricing and with little environmental impact.
About Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation
The Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation (HAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Hawai’i's agricultural industry and farming community through various programs and initiatives.