KUNIA, Hawaii (KHON2) — With recent brush fires in the Kunia area burning hundreds of acres of farmland, there is a way for you to help.
Local businesses have launched “Kokua Kunia”, a month-long community fundraiser aimed at helping the Kunia farming community.
The campaign aims to raise $100,000 for the Kunia Village Development Corporation to provide direct support for the affected farmers to help them recover from crop losses and restore farmland.
Funds will also help support fire mitigation efforts, including safeguarding farmer housing.
“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.”
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There will be a fundraising event on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kō Hana Distillery, which will feature a three-part tasting of Kō Hanaʻs special rum, as well as food from Barrio Cafe, This Lil Piggy, and Sage Creamery.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting the cause.
“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.
Online donations and event tickets can be made here.