NEWS RELEASE
Kamehameha Schools joins Kaunamano Farms in supporting ‘Iolani Palace
Posted: August 4, 2020
Brandon Lee
HONOLULU (August 4, 2020) – Kamehameha Schools is participating as a matching donor of up to $10,000 in a fundraising project organized by Kaunamano Farm for the benefit of ‘Iolani Palace.
Kaunamano Farm owner Brandon Lee, a past Mahia`i matchup winner, raises organic Royal Berkshire hogs on ‘Āina Pauahi in Umauma on Hawai‘i island. The farm is offering a special promotional fundraising package through the farm’s “Eating with Impact” page on its website. Kaunamano Farm has 1,000 of these fundraiser packages for purchase and will be donating $20 of each purchase to The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace. “Hawaiian agriculture is so much more than feeding people with nourishment. Hawaiian agriculture could really have a huge impact on Hawai‘i and, more specifically right now, ‘Iolani Palace,” Lee said.
KS will match the amount Kaunamano Farm donates to The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, up to $10,000. The proceeds will be donated to support the ongoing operations of the historic landmark that has been severely impacted by the downturn of tourism as a result of COVID-19.
Kaunamano Farm launched the fundraiser on July 31 to coincide with the Hawaiian national holiday known as Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day), linking the fundraiser to the history of Hawai‘i’s ali‘i and the palace.
“Honoring our history and supporting local food production are important ingredients in the well-being and health of Native Hawaiians and all of Hawai‘i,” Vice President of Strategy and Transformation Lauren Nahme said. “Through this investment, we are proud to be part of this collaboration with Kaunamano Farms and ‘Iolani Palace as we work together toward a thriving lāhui and a thriving Hawai‘i.”
KS stewards nearly 364,000 acres of land across the pae ‘āina. Of that amount, more than 181,000 acres are classified as agriculture. KS has more than 800 agricultural leases on about 66,000 acres of actively-managed agricultural leased lands.
“This project achieves blended returns by increasing awareness of locally-grown food, educating the community of the importance of Hawaiian history by ensuring the continued operation of the palace, and promoting the growth of Native Hawaiian identity through the connection to Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea,” said Marissa Harman, KS Director of Asset Management on Hawai‘i Island and a 1996 KS Kapālama alum.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and giving from the community. This generosity will go a long way toward supporting the continued operation of ‘Iolani Palace,” said Paula Akana, executive director of the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace and a 1980 KS Kapālama graduate. “We are also thrilled to be the recipient of an ‘āina-based, agricultural-based collaboration between someone like Brandon Lee with his energy and passion, and Kamehameha Schools, a leader in Hawaiian cultural-based education. We are very appreciative of this effort.”
For more information, visit Kaunamano Farm’s website, Facebook and Instagram sites or call (808) 885-5910.
