Kupu

Happy Regular Wednesday bc Earth Day is everyday! 🌎🌱

Check out our interview from earlier this session, where we show how partnerships like Kupu and DOFAW demonstrate what's possible when funding reaches communities already doing the work on the ground. When agencies receive green fee funding, it can flow to partners expanding workforce development and empowering more people in resilience efforts.

This year's bill may have been deferred, but the demand for transparency, accountability, and community leadership hasn't. While the GRID bill didn't move forward this time, our communities still need to advocate for green fee funds to be tracked and publicly reported. It is critical for people to see the impact of funding throughout Hawai'i.

“Passing the fee was an important act of leadership, but it is only the beginning.” – Keone Nakoa, Kupu

Just north of Hilo along the Hāmākua Coast, Onomea Farm Hub is helping grow Hawaiʻi’s next generation of farmers, leaders, and environmental stewards 🌿 As a host site for Kupu ʻĀina Corps, the farm provides paid, hands-on training for young adults in conservation, agriculture, environmental technology, and community resilience.

Led by founder Kalisi Mausio, the farm focuses on regenerative agriculture, ahupuaʻa land management, and healing damaged soils while creating pathways for entrepreneurship in farming. Participants like Sunshine Permito-Kaheaku are gaining real-world experience in floriculture, native plant propagation, and even building their own farm-to-lei experiences 🌺 A powerful look at how land, culture, and opportunity come together on Hawaiʻi Island.

Mahalo Island Life HI for the opportunity to share our story!

For more information about Kupu ʻĀina Corps, visit kupuhawaii.org/kupu-aina-corps
Onomea Food Hub: onomeahub.com