HONOLULU (KHON2) — “You have to start small, fail fast and keep moving,” said Olin Lagon who is the founder of Purple Maiʻa.
That was 10 years ago, and Purple Maiʻa has flourished since its founding.
This is why everyone is invited to celebrate their 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 25.
Partnering with Donavan Kealoha, and Kelsey Amos in 2013, Lagon’s initial concept was to establish a nonprofit focused on teaching coding to Native Hawaiian keiki.
However, the vision quickly expanded as the aspirations for the local keiki and the broader Native Hawaiian community grew beyond just technical skills.
The aim was to endow ʻōpio — the youth — with not only the coding skills but also the mindsets and mālama (care and stewardship) necessary for personal achievement and to effectively tackle community issues in the modern world.
A significant part of the mission became about altering existing perceptions and challenging the notion that kānaka maoli and other residents of Hawaiʻi might be out of place in excelling in fields like technology and entrepreneurship.
The goal was to demonstrate that these communities could indeed lead and innovate in these sectors, thereby reshaping societal views and expectations.
The organization’s ambitions continue to reflect a commitment that is both empowering individual success and fostering a capacity for communal problem-solving, all while transforming the narrative around technological and entrepreneurial proficiency amongst kānaka maoli.
So, let’s get to the deets of the big celebration: An Elevated Backyard Pāʻina to Celebrate.
It’s taking place this Saturday, May 25 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation which is located in Waimānalo.
This is a fundraising event to help fund the many projects and programs that Purple Maiʻa consistently brings to our community.
“As we look back on 10 years of Purple Maiʻa, we revisit the many currents we’ve ridden and what kept us grounded along the way,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Then, we get charged and fired up for the next 10 years. There may be sparks, even explosions. Grab some ʻawa with us and get swept along in this as we invite you to join us and celebrate over Anchors & Currents.”
You can click here to purchase your tickets and become a part of this organization’s legacy in our community. You can also access information at that link on becoming an event sponsor.
Some of the fun festivities planned include a silent auction, door prizes, activities for keiki and entertainment.