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Farmers like Dave Burlew, pictured with his wife Tara and their son Kainoa, are cultivating organic vegetables and fruits on KS land in Punalu'u as part of the Farm Fresh Produce community-supported agriculture program.

Farm Fresh Produce available in Punalu'u

Apr. 21, 2017

Contributed by Kyle Galdeira

The Farm Fresh Produce program in Punalu‘u exemplifies Kamehameha Schools’ dedication to managing Pauahi’s lands and resources in accordance with Hawaiian cultural and regional principles.

Kamehameha Schools and the independently run O‘ahu Fresh network of local farmers have collaborated to launch a new community-supported agriculture (CSA) program: Farm Fresh Produce at Punalu‘u Ahupua‘a Farms.

Every Saturday, subscribers will receive an array of hand-picked fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown, harvested and packed by farmers in Punalu‘u. Each week’s selection will vary based on the season, harvest yield and availability. A link to register as well as a description of the week’s produce will be posted here so those utilizing the CSA will know what to expect in the week’s assortment.

The Punaluʻu CSA launches on Saturday, April 22. Oʻahu Fresh has registered over 50 subscribers who can expect a combination of beets, carrots, zucchini, apple bananas, tomatoes, turmeric and fresh herbs in their produce bags.

“As our communities thrive, so does the lāhui,” said KS Ko‘olau Regional Director Dr. Jamee Miller. “This is an exciting and transformational time for KS as we respond in practical ways that support Vision 2040.” 

Subscribers pick up their produce bags at Keneke’s Grill in Punalu‘u on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The produce will be packed in a re-usable, insulated tote bag and stored in Keneke’s refrigerator until it’s picked up. Keneke’s Grill is located at 53-138 Kamehameha Highway in Punalu‘u (Click here for map and directions).

Subscribers pay Oʻahu Fresh $20 per week plus a one-time registration fee of $15 (plus general excise tax) for the setup and administration of their account.

“CSAs are a healthy, delicious way for families to connect with the land where their food is grown, and with the farmers who grow it,” said KS Land Asset Manager Joey Char.

For more information about Farm Fresh Produce, and to learn about the history of the ahupua‘a and other activities in Punalu‘u, log on to www.ksbe.edu/punaluu.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

The Farm Fresh Produce program supports Goal 3 of SP2020, which call for KS to: contribute to communities’ collective efforts to improve education systems for Native Hawaiians; and cultivate a strong Native Hawaiian identity in learners for the betterment of the lāhui. The Board & Stone Classes align with Action 6 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2017, in which KS serves as a Native Hawaiian organization whose plan to manage Pauahi’s lands and resources is consistent with Hawaiian cultural and regional principles.

Pū Pa‘akai highlights programs and activities in Ko‘olau community

KS employees learned more about the programs and activities within the Ko‘olau community in the latest edition of Pū Pa‘akai held recently in the Kaiona Cultural Room.

The conversation about KS’ efforts in the Ko‘olau Region featured Dr. Jamee Miller, regional director for both the Ko‘olau and Waialua communities, who shared some of the ways that the organization is participating in collective efforts to improve education systems and cultivate a strong Native Hawaiian identity among learners.

KS Land Asset Manager Joey Char is spearheading efforts at Punalu‘u Ahupua‘a Farms, and shared information about the new community-supported agriculture effort known as Farm Fresh Produce.

To conclude the presentation, KS Hawaiian Resource Specialist Kumu Earl Kawa‘a – a revered cultural practitioner from Moloka‘i – shared first-hand experiences from the Board & Stone Class that he leads in Punalu‘u. It is the first time that the popular multi-session class is being held at Punalu‘u Ahupua‘a Farms in conjunction with Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Centers.



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