The agricultural community in Kunia, Oahu, is rallying together after devastating brushfires last month, and business owners are stepping up to support the recovery efforts. In response to the destruction, a collaborative month-long fundraiser, "Kōkua Kunia," has been initiated. This campaign brings together Kunia Village Development Corporation, the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation, Kō Hana Distillers, and Nalo Farms to aid the agricultural community affected by the fires.
According to Aloha State Daily, the campaign's goal is to raise $100,000 for the Kunia Village Development Corp to provide direct support to farmers facing crop losses and to aid in the restoration of farmland. The recent fires destroyed approximately 800 acres, impacting several farms and businesses in the area, including a sugarcane field utilized by Ko Hana Distillers and a main lettuce production field of Nalo Farms.
Spectrum News reports that the funds raised will also contribute to fire mitigation efforts within Kunia Village, including safeguarding farmer housing and implementing protective measures. The campaign will culminate in a community fundraiser that will be held at Ko Hana Distillers, located at 92-1770 Kunia Road, on September 20th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Direct donations can also be made.
This initiative underscores the close-knit nature of the agricultural sector in Hawaii and the willingness of businesses to support each other during times of crisis. The campaign demonstrates the importance of resilience within the local business community, especially for small businesses and farms that are critical to Oahu's economy.
