Project summaries are provided by project coordinators for ongoing projects sponsored by NKCRC.
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Affordable Housing Group
This group seeks donations of land to establish individual housing units as well as small affordable housing communities in North Kohala to encourage diversity, which is our community’s strength.
Jack Hoyt, 808-889-0349, jackhoyt46@gmail.com.
Aikido of Kohala
Aikido of Kohala was formed to foster respectful and peaceful relationships in the North Hawaii community through the teaching of aikido.
Rikko Varjan 505-449-7160.
Art In Sight
Master art teacher Peter Kowalke offers pottery, sculpture and drawing lessons for adults and children. His hands-on curriculum for homeschooled children provides an art-based learning platform for science, art history and English.
Peter Kowalke, 808-937-7556, peterantrim@gmail.com. Website: peterantrimkowalke.com
Bond Library Restoration
The Bond Library Restoration project is underway! After many years of waiting and working with the State to secure the title, the work has begun. Please consider supporting this effort to reach completion in the summer of 2023 and begin the next phase, housing the Kohala Heritage Center in this beautifully restored building. Sharon Hayden, 808-889-0169, and Christine Richardson.
Camp Lokahi
Camp Lokahi is sponsored by Island Breeze Ministries at the Makapala Retreat Center. Camp Lokahi was founded in 2006 with a mission to create a fun and loving atmosphere where the youth of Kohala and the Big Island can feel safe and welcome through our camps held during school breaks.
For more information contact edlis30@yahoo.com.
Camp Mana
Camp Mana offers a weekend day camp each spring, inviting youth to cultivate their innate wisdom, creativity, and awareness. The project fosters authentic expression, healing, growth, connection, respect and love. Heather Brovsky, 808-896-7748, campmanaohana@gmail.com
E Ulu Pu Ana Educational Resources
A cooperative program created to provide grades 1-8 homeschool and blended learning families with academic support, ha’awina Hawai’i focused programs/services projects, and opportunities for increased connection and collaboration with our local community.
Lilinoe McDonough, 315-572-3805. lilinoe.mcdonough@gmail.com
Friends of Kohala Pool
This group was formed in March of 2022 to help finance and facilitate improvement projects at the Kohala Pool, located in Kamehameha Park in Kapaʻau, Hawaiʻi.
The pool is in need of new pumps and filters simply to resume operation while the county undertakes a major facility redesign/renovation/reconstruction that most likely will take years. The pool is a wonderful resource for the community, providing recreational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for people across all spectrums of the community. Its absence has been a hardship for many.
All swim teams are currently on indeterminate hiatus. Without reopening, summer programs will miss out on both valuable instructional Learn to Swim programs and recreational pool time, including the popular Summer Fun program. We need to pool to reopen as soon as possible and then to stay open until the county begins the major renovations.
Friends of the Park – Kohala Tennis Courts
This group maintains the tennis courts at King Kamehameha Park. The courts need to be bleached and cleaned at least once a month and resurfaced every five years.
Melissa Virtue, 808-936-8206.
Give and Grow Discovery School
Designed for the children of North Kohala, we provide an outdoor educational program that offers children opportunities to discover their unique gifts through nature based practices, community service, and skill building. Established in July 2020 in order to meet the changing climate of schooling during COVID-19 by offering children outdoor learning opportunities and safe socialization. Our outdoor curriculum is based in social and emotional learning through hands-on activities.
Devin Longfellow 808-895-4257.
Hawaii Music and Arts Conservatory
This project’s mission is to provide a creative and inspiring place from which to teach, coordinate, facilitate, experience and perform music and art for the children and adults of North Hawaii.
Adrienne Cherry, 808-889-1595, choirmama@hawaiiantel.net.
Health as Priority – Kohala
Making health as a priority by providing in-home and online home visitations to assess health concerns, launch a fully mobile tele-health platform to connect people to medical and community providers, provide regular individualized case management and care oversight and train and certify high school students as medical and certified nurse assistants.
Ho’ola Honey Bee Relocation
This group’s mission is to save honey bees and support North Kohala’s natural environment and agricultural community by providing live bee removal and relocation services.
Kailin Kim, 808-386-9886, savehealthrive@gmail.com ; savehealthrive.com/honey-bee-relocation-project.
Hula Halau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala
This school of hula was established to educate and connect people with the earth and share ancient stories and ways of life with classes for keiki and adults. It is a sister halau to Hula Halau Mana`olana O Kohala.
Leia Lawrence, 808-889-5155, leialawrence@gmail.com.
Hula Halau O Mana’olana O Kohala
The halau offers classes for all ages in Hula and Hawaiian culture, providing a bridge between the generations and many cultures, and connecting the community to its rich Hawaiian heritage.
Hope Keawe, 808-889-5535.
Kākoʻo
Engaging Kohala youth along with their families in hands-on skill building and host to experiential learning opportunities for veterans and their families.
Fred Figueroa. 808-769-2755
Kamehameha Day Celebration
Since early last century, a Kamehameha Day celebration has occurred at the original statue located here in North Kohala. With great pride and as the birth place of the king, Kohala has become the only celebration to occur on June 11, the date designated as his birthday. Kohala’s celebration is the premier event to honor Hawaiian history and to acknowledge our host culture. The event is organized to celebrate, honor, preserve and share Kohala’s cultural heritage. Check out the website if you need more information.
http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/
Kamehameha Statue Maintenance
Twice a year the group performs general maintenance tasks which include looking for bronze rust or any other problems that might arise with a statue of this type. Your continued support to help care for the Kamehameha Statue in Kapa’au is much appreciated.
Sharon Hayden, 808-889-0169.
Keiki Yoga Kohala – Yoga Ed
Combining yoga poses, games, art, and breathing techniques, this program helps Kohala Elementary School students develop physical fitness, self-care strategies, and greater focus and attention.
Jamie Eversweet Belmarez, 808-756-3919, jeversweet@gmail.com, KeikiYogaKohala.com.
KES Tennis Program
Kohala Elementary School Tennis Program provides in-school tennis lessons for elementary and middle school students to train and engage youth as a feeder program for the high school tennis team.
Melissa Virtue, 808-936-8206
KHS Project Grad
This annual party for new Kohala High graduates is a fun, alcohol-free event held after the graduation ceremony until the next morning, allowing graduates to celebrate together safely.
808-889-5523
KHS Track Restoration
KHS Track Restoration Initiative is working to resurface the existing track at Kohala High School. Contact the center for updated contact information. 808-889-5523.
KHS Washington DC-New York Trip
Kohala High School students and their chaperone will travel to Washington, D.C. and New York City to visit a variety of cultural and historical sites during spring break.
Hinano Lewis, 808-747-4301, mhinano.lewis5@gmail.com.
Kindy Sproat: A Gift to the Heart
This documentary depicts the life journey of Kindy Sproat, an internationally recognized musician and one of Hawai`i’s Living Treasures, whose life perpetuates Hawaiian culture through stories and songs.
Keith Nealy, 808-987-8093, keithn@aloha.net / www.keithnealy.com
Kohala Community Plan
The Kohala community has persevered and achieved many of the goals set forth in the CDP. Examples are the success we have had at protecting our shorelines, preventing new development, organizing for emergency preparedness, and working with the County of Hawaiʻi on taking care of our parks. But other needs, such as housing and agriculture/food self-sufficiency, are even more critical today. The many community ideas regarding education, health, and drug abuse were not included in the NKCDP as these are not covered in the County General Plan. The 2008 NKCDP no longer offers guidance as a plan for Kohalaʻs future. The County cannot update CDPs until the General Plan update is complete, which is currently forecast for 2024 for the GP and 2028 for the NKCDP.
We plan to create an initial Kohala Community Plan by Summer 2023, written by community with community organizations and stakeholders taking responsibility for action and goals in the KCP. It will be hosted on a website for transparency and ease of update. Beth Robinson – alohabeth@gmail
Kohala Coalition Against Drugs
For the past 18 years KCAD has worked to keep Kohala’s youth safe and drug free by offering education and a variety of fun, drug-free activities for children. Please contact the center for contact information. 808-889-5523
Kohala Community Athletic Association
Since 1980, KCAA has offered free after-school sports programs for Kohala youth ages 5-14 including baseball, softball, basketball, T-ball, volleyball and flag football. Players play for free.
Tom McCue, 808-884-5132, tmccue@hawaii.rr.com.
Kohala Country Fair
The Kohala County Fair is a beloved tradition and community celebration in North Kohala.
Call the Center at 808-889-5523 for more information.
Kohala Engineering Resources
This informational center offers advice for residents on any engineering aspect of their home and community, including hazard mitigation, wastewater treatment and greywater systems.
Jim Pedersen, PE. 808-854-4888.
Kohala Fitness Center
The group established a new exercise center at the Hisaoka Gym where the community can enjoy a free, supportive, and friendly atmosphere to improve health and fitness.
William Ziolkowski, ziolkowskiwillie@gmail.com
Kohala Football Boosters Club
Established in 1992 to support the Varsity football program through fundraising activities and solicitation. This organization was established by parents and guardians of student athletes.
Kohala Oral History Project
The Kohala Oral History Project collects oral histories of the Kohala community. The project engages the community, illuminates history, and promotes the notion that every person makes history. The videos will serve as a living history of Kohala through the lens of the people who live here and can be accessed at www.kohalaoralhistoryproject.com and on the Kohala Kupa’a website.
Jocelyn Manuel, kohalaoralhistoryproject@gmail.com
Kohala Performing Arts
Kohala Performing Arts was established to address the need for more extracurricular activities and programs for Kohala’s youth.Through preforming arts we can help to improve student motivation, focus, discipline, self-confidence, and character development.
Tiana Miyamoto, tiana.miyamoto@gmail.com
Kohala Radio
Kohala Radio operates a low power noncommercial FM radio station for the community. We are committed to broad inclusive participation and diverse programming reflecting the community. Operated by local residents volunteering their time and expertise.
David Ebrahimi, 808-889-0507, bobmartin@knkr.org, www.knkr.org.
Kohala Ride Wild Club
Kohala Ride Wild Club engages children ages 4 and up in the care and riding of horses through a free, ongoing weekly program. They also run an animal rescue program for neglected horses and other large animals in Kohala.
Shay Van Zandt, 808-756-4192.
Kohala Unupa`a – Strong Foundation
Our mission is to provide students grades 2-10 with a foundation in Hawaiian culture through the oral histories of our kupuna, using the Hawaiian language, and hands-on experience with traditional Hawaiian skills in relationship with the land. Johnelle Amoo Kainoa, 808-895-2545, jkching64@yahoo.com.
Lama Kukui Garden Restoration
This unique project holds a commitment to restore old family lands to serve children and adults needing to reconnect to the earth, to spirit, to their culture, and ultimately to themselves.
Nani Svendsen, 808-889-5572, kohalasguesthouse@hotmail.com.
Lavaroots Performing Arts
Lavaroots Performing Arts brings dance, music and culture to Kohala Elementary School through it’s dance and drumming programs serving Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Rhythm of the Soil: Gardens, Dance, Music is offered in the Fall and Hip Hop-Creative Movement offered in the spring. Lavaroots also co-hosts with Kissidugu Foundation an Annual Drum and Dance Conference in Kohala that brings together eight West African Master artists, two North Kohala Kumu Hula as well as Yoga and Salsa instructors. It is an enriching opportunity for all of the Big Island. Lavaroots thanks you for supporting the empowerment of our youth!
Director: Michál Anna Carrillo, 808 987-4243,
lavaroots@gmail.com www.lavaroots.com
Lio Lapa’au
This therapeutic service provides opportunities for horseback riding and interactions with horses that support healthy lifestyles, traditional paniolo values, and increased mental and muscle wellness.
Fern White, 808-896-0316, fernwhite@gmail.com / www.liolapaau.com.
Malama Kohala Kahakai Coastal Preservation
In collaboration with the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and Malama Kohala Wahi Pana, the organizers helped secure another $2 million in grants and match to preserve 34 more acres at Kaiholena south. In the last four years, along with five other North Kohala community groups, nearly 300 coastal acres have been preserved in perpetuity. These include Nu’uanu, Pao’o, Kaiholena north, and Kaiholena south. A capital campaign is being considered as the number of landowners wishing to sell their land for preservation purposes is rapidly increasing.
Gail Byrne 808-938-8880 gailbyrnebaber@gmail.com
Mālama Pono Discovery Garden at Kohala Elementary School
Mālama Pono Garden cultivates young people who love, respect and care for themselves, their community, and the earth, while increasing food security and improving health outcomes in our school and wider community. The program cultivate the relationship between students and the land through experiential education, growing and sharing nourishing food in our four acre farm, orchard and garden. Our work reaches beyond the boundaries of our garden, connecting land stewardship, food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and community health.
Mālama Pono means to care for what sustains us, and in the garden we practice and embody Hawaiian values of Aloha and Hoʻihi as we mālama our ʻāina and ʻohana. The garden is a sanctuary for learning and discovery, where students can explore the natural world, understand their place within it, and learn to care for and provide for their community. Students come to this living classroom to apply key concepts in natural sciences mathematics, language arts, fine arts and social studies, while engaging in Hawaiian cultural practices and protocols. The garden serve as a valuable resource for sustainable food and living knowledge in the school and wider community.
Heather Brovsky
malama.pono.garden@gmail.com
Na Kupuna ‘O Kohala
Na Kupuna ‘O Kohala is a hula halau made up of senior men and women from North Kohala. Under the guidance of Kumu Kaui Nakamura, the halau’s objective is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture while learning the stories and dances of Hawai’i; to share this culture through performances throughout the year in the community; and to encourage excellence through competition at the annual senior hula festival.
Cheryl Sproat and Randee Golden, 808-889-0011.
North Kohala Archery
Providing a safe and encouraging place for youth in the community to be a part of and learn the skill and form of archery. Once established, a Junior Olympic Archery Club is planned with the goal of keiki being afforded the chance to compete in tournaments and have access to more collegiate scholarship opportunities.
Tiana and Jared Miyamoto, northkohalaarchery@gmail.com
North Kohala Community Emergency Response Team
NK-CERT added 19 new members and is now the largest CERTeam on the island. The group continues to train and prepare to respond to emergencies.
John Winter, 808-889-6901.
North Kohala Community Reunion
Established in 2000 by community members, the Reunion has been a beacon for Kohala community members living away from home to come back. The event is filled with many activities including self-guided tours, presentations, music, food and much much more.
North Kohala Eat Locally Grown
The Eat Locally Grown Campaign works to grow a community-based, sustainable food system that addresses the health, environment and economy of North Kohala. Current initiatives include an EBT booth at the Hawi Farmers Market, a fresh produce supplement program at the Food Basket, and Farmers Market promotion.
Leslie Nugent, Lrae.nugent@gmail.com
North Kohala Golf Park
The golf park is a recreation area for children to learn and play golf using the teachings of the First Tee and for adults both young and old to practice their skills. The 9-hole course has a putting green and chipping practice area.
Chelsea LaFrance 808-937-0768
North Kohala National Guard Alumni
Established in 1999 to address the need for recognition of the many veterans who served the nation honorably. Responsibilities include maintaining the community monuments dedicated to fallen veterans. In addition a new Wall of Honor is being planned for the community.
North Kohala Student Cultural Enrichment Program
This program is designed to expose Kohala students to many cultural and educational programs that have previously been prohibitive due to costs.
Dixie Adams, 808-889-5730, dixieja@gmail.com;
Laura Burkhart, 808-884-5833, laura@lauraburkhart.com;
Rose Mae Watterson, 808889-6342, rmmwatterson@gmail.com
`Ohana Niu
‘Ohana Niu currently sponsors a weekly fruit and plant share at St. Augustine’s church on Wednesdays from 12-3pm. If you would like to donate to this project please click here! Mahalo!
Joseph Gamiao joeygamiao@gmail.com
Opio-KUPUNA-Kakou (OKK)
The mission of OKK is to help the families of the Opio (youth) and Kupuna (elders) with monetary support to make it easier for them to participate in activities and programs in Kohala.
Kealoha Sugiyama, 808-889-0171, acallforlove@gmail.com.
Pop Warner – Kohala Chargers
This youth football organization teaches the values of teamwork, self-discipline, respect, self-confidence, and good sportsmanship. They are raising funds to pay for bus transportation to out of town games and to replace or upgrade equipment for quality and safety.
Kamon Kupuka’a, 808-238-6747.
Protect Pololū
This project has been working tirelessly to raise awareness of ʻohana and community kuleana to the valley. The obvious problem is the need to mālama the valley and its surrounding areas from over humanization. The hui focuses on educating visitors and locals on trail hazards, cultural and historical information along with where the public access places are.
Aoloa Patao
protectpololuvalley@gmail.com
Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Pro-biotic Practices Hawaii
This project extends from a 35 year effort to firmly reestablish regenerative organic farming in Hawaii. Their goals are to host in-depth workshops and develop a vocational agriculture training program for at-risk young men.
Clarence and Gail Baber, 808-938-8880.
Remember Thru Music
Remember Thru Music is a no-cost program providing personalized music on iPods and MP3 players to those diagnosed with memory loss, Alzheimer’s & dementia. Contact: rememberthrumusic@gmail.com
Rogue Panda Farm
RPF was created in order to ensure food security for the residents of the North Kohala community. Our main intention is to create a “farm syndicate” to encourage food security in North Kohala, at little to no charge to the residents. RPF’s mission is to bridge the gap in food supply while ensuring that farmers are invested in growing food to meet the needs of their community, not only during these times of crisis but moving forward. Chris Bornstein, ninja@spicyninjasauce.com
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala
RMD Okinawan Taiko has been active in Kohala for over four years with 23 drummers performing at community events and providing free classes in Kohala. Funding is needed for uniforms, drums, and transportation.
Kathy Matsuda, 808-889-5801, kathy@hialoha.net.
Stop LFA Kohala
Our goal is to detect and eradicate Little Fire Ants throughout North Kohala by creating a community funded rapid response team capable of responding quickly and effectively to LFA infestations in North Kohala.
Frank Hustace, frank.hustace@gmail.com www.stoplfakohala.com.
Suits and Seats for Swimmers
The goal of this project is to provide annual funding for warm-up and competition swim suits, goggles and travel for members of the Kohala High School Swim Team.
Rick Cohen, 808-889-0205.
Sustainable Kohala Ohana
This network of Kohala residents promotes local sustainability, emergency readiness, and community resilience through educational programming, grant writing, staff support, free films and more.
Deborah Winter, 808-889-6901. winterd@whitman.edu.
Team NSP Basketball
Team NSP aims to provide school-age children (5-18) in Kohala with year round basketball training. Kohala is historically known as a basketball-oriented community but lacks training outside of the Countyʻs minimal offering. Youth currently travel to Kona, Hilo and Kāʻū for training.
Training includes drills using equipment such as rebounder machine, cones, poles, agility ladders and a resistance machine for improvement of endurance, skill, strength and teamwork.
Keone Emeliano, 808-895-6334.
Ulu Va’a
Ulu Va’a was established in 2020 by North Kohala community members to engage Hawai’i youth and community in wa’a culture and ahupua’a habitat restoration practices. The intention is to build navigational skills that are transferable to life skills.
There are many programs that relate to culture, environment and habitat restoration yet there is a lack of connection among these programs and a lack of opportunities for Kohala youth to engage in these programs. One of the greatest challenges facing our Kohala community and peers is drug use. Looking at this as a lack of connection and sense of purpose we see this as an opportunity to engage the community a meaningful, hands-on culturally based programming. Additionally there are many waʻa programs around the state, having a strong waʻa program here in Kohala will prepare our youth to be active participants in these future opportunities.
Upolu Ag Water Mitigation
To initiate a pilot project working with relevant government agencies, private entities, individuals, and other North Kohala agricultural producer groups to secure agricultural water from alternative sources generally located in the region between Hoea and Kokoiki, but could be extended to other areas. The water will be available to farmers and ranchers. The project will continue to seek and implement alternate water sources for at least the next several years.
Kirk Eubank, gotturf@hotmail.com.
