HONOLULU (KHON2) — A fundraiser effort is underway to help farmers recover from last month’s brushfires that scorched more than 800 acres of farmland in Kunia.
Authorities have said they believe some of the fires were intentionally set.
The event, called “Kōkua Kunia,” is bringing together neighbors, businesses, and supporters to rebuild what many call Hawaiʻi’s agricultural heartland.
At Kō Hana Distillery, the damage was overwhelming. Once-vibrant sugarcane fields are now blackened, irrigation lines are destroyed, and crops could take years to regrow.
“This is all that’s left of the drip line here that can cost thousands of dollars to replace across 15 acres—and all of these crops could take years to regrow,” said Tiffany Tubon, Kō Hana’s brand manager.
The fire came within feet of reaching distillery structures, wiping out aquaponics systems, fresh lettuce, and one of their most popular tours. What makes Kō Hana’s rum unique—the use of fresh juice from 34 heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane varietals instead of molasses—was also wiped out in the fire. Only about 3% of the world’s rum is made this way.
“It was a huge loss,” Tubon said. “Not something that just happens overnight. It takes a long time to get everything tilled and ready and planted and growing—not just something we can replant overnight.”
The flames also destroyed bamboo, eucalyptus, mango trees, papaya, and banana crops. Neighbors lost an entire mango harvest. While grateful to firefighters and first responders for saving structures and keeping residents safe, many farmers say it could take up to five years before their lands are fully restored.
Fundraiser details
Kōkua Kunia will be held Saturday, Sept. 20. First responders get in free.
- 70% of funds raised will go directly to affected farms.
- 30% will support fire mitigation efforts for the Kunia Village area.
Tickets include admission and an exclusive three-part tasting of Kō Hana’s special release Kōkua Reserve Rum, plus food for purchase from local favorites including Barrio Cafe, This Lil Piggy, and Sage Creamery. Proceeds from food and beverages will also go toward the relief fund.
“Our goal of $100,000 is just a starting point, but every dollar helps,” said Stephanie Whalen, president of the Kunia Village Development Corporation. “This is about more than just a fundraiser; it’s a testament to the strength and resilience of our community.”
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Donations can also be made by check to the Kunia Village Development Corporation, with “Kōkua Kunia” in the memo line. Contribution letters are available for tax purposes.
For more information, or to buy tickets, click here.