Current Project Summaries

Project summaries are provided by project coordinators for ongoing projects sponsored by NKCRC.

Aikido of Kohala

Aikido of Kohala was formed to foster respectful and peaceful relationships in the North Hawaii community through the teaching of aikido. Forrest Arnold, 987-2365.

Angel Fund

The Angel Fund was started by Kapa'au Veterinary Center to help defray expenses for lifesaving veterinary treatment for animals that might otherwise be euthanized because their owners do not have the financial means to pay for treatment. Robin Woodley, 889-5488, office@kapaauvet.com.

Art In Sight

Master art teacher Peter Kowalke offers pottery, sculpture and drawing lessons for adults and children. His hands-on curriculum for homeschooled children provides an art-based learning platform for science, art history and English. Peter Kowalke, 937-7556, peterantrim@gmail.com. Website: peterantrimkowalke.com

Bond Library Restoration

This project is working to restore the historic Bond Memorial Library in Kapa`au. Sharon Hayden, 889-0169, and Rhoady Lee.

Camp Lokahi at Island Breeze Ministries

Camp Lokahi provides multi-day camping experiences for 40-50 local youth through four full camps and 2-3 one-day/overnight events annually. Eruera Kawe, 889-5082, islandbreezemakapala@gmail.com

Camp Mana

Camp Mana offers a weekend day camp each spring, inviting youth to cultivate their innate wisdom, creativity, and awareness. The project fosters authentic expression, healing, growth, connection, respect and love. The two-day camp is focused on ages 4-12; older youth are encouraged to serve as mentors, and toddlers are welcome with a parent. 85% of our youth attend Camp Mana on scholarship. Sponsoring a child for $120 - or a contribution of any amount - helps make this community supported event possible. Heather Brovsky, 896-7748, hbrovsky@gmail.com, Leslie Nugent, 781-454-6573, lrae.nugent@gmail.com, / http://amalafoundation.org/youth-programs/camp-mana/.

Engineering Resources

This informational center offers advice for residents on any engineering aspect of their home and community, including hazard mitigation, wastewater treatment and greywater systems. Jim Pedersen, PE. 854-4888.

Experiential Learning Abroad Project

This project seeks to broaden Kohala High School students' world and educational outlook through experiential learning abroad. Jessica Brown, 808-345-2919. makaijess@hotmail.com.

Friends of Kohala Pool

This group hopes to install a solar water heater for the Kohala pool. Carol Geertsema, (509) 846-5842, travelfilms@gmail.com.

Friends of the Park - Kohala Tennis Courts

This group maintains the tennis courts at King Kamehameha Park. The courts need to be bleached and cleaned at least once a month and resurfaced every five years. Zisa Mondi, 889-0234. devaziza@aol.com.

Full Circle Cooperative

This project aims to assist our community in obtaining affordable, natural and organic food, and build the strength and viability of our local farms by establishing a central distribution hub and CSA for locally grown farm products. Michael McCullough, 756-3616, moondancehawaii@aol.com, www.fullcirclecooperative.com.

Gavin Harrison: Teachings, Poetry

Gavin's mission is to serve the North Kohala `ohana by nourishing the spiritual health of the community through meditation retreats, groups, hikes, and poetry and community-spirited events. Gavin Harrison, 884-5288, gavin@gavinharrison.net.

Hawaii Music and Arts Conservatory

This project's mission is to provide a creative and inspiring place from which to teach, coordinate, facilitate, experience and perform music and art for the children and adults of North Hawaii. Adrienne Cherry, 889-1595, choirmama@hawaiiantel.net.

Hawi Farmers' Market

Come talk story, buy fresh produce and locally produced food and crafts. Open Sat. 8-2. Lehua Matsuda, 333-7963, kohala889@yahoo.com / www.hawifarmersmarket.com

HIP Agriculture

The Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP AG) is an active farm and educational center offering youth programs, sustainable living courses and community workshops. Dash Kuhr, 889-6316, hipagriculture@gmail.com / www.hipagriculture.org.

Hokupa'a Athletics

This group seeks to develop a Softball / Baseball program to accommodate youth athletes who are serious about developing competitively. Nino Kaai, 895-7920, nino@hawaiiantel.net.

Honopueo Agricultural Water Line Cooperative

The goal is to replace the Kapa'au lateral pipeline from the Kohala Ditch that serves irrigation needs of about 2,100 acres. Forrest Arnold, 987-2365, forrest@forrestinhawaii.com

Hula Halau Mana`o Lana O` Kohala

The halau offers classes for all ages in Hula and Hawaiian culture, providing a bridge between the generations and many cultures, and connecting the community to its rich Hawaiian heritage. Hope Keawe, 889-5535.

Hula Halau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala

This school of hula was established to educate and connect people with the earth and share ancient stories and ways of life with classes for keiki and adults. It is a sister halau to Hula Halau Mana`olana O Kohala. Leia Lawrence, 889-5155, leialawrence@gmail.com.

Ka Lei O Kohala Ti Farm

Infrastructure projects continue at Ka Lei 'O Kohala Farm. Free ti is still available to groups doing fundraisers. Ti lei can also be ordered. Randee Golden, 889-0011.

Kamehameha Day Celebration

In 2012 the celebration of this great king included the return of the ho'olaulea, together with the Statue ceremony and parade from Hawi to Kapa'au. Pua Akamu, 895-7345, napuaa@earthlink.net / www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org

Kamehameha Statue Maintenance

The group appreciates all the support to help care for the Kamehameha Statue in Kapa'au. Their mission this year is to attend to the base surrounding the Statue. Sharon Hayden, 889-0169.

Keiki Yoga Kohala - Yoga Ed

Combining yoga poses, games, art, and breathing techniques, this program helps Kohala Elementary School students develop physical fitness, self-care strategies, and greater focus and attention. Jamie Eversweet Belmarez, 756-3919, jeversweet@gmail.com, KeikiYogaKohala.com.

Kenji's House

Kenji's House museum artifacts are now displayed throughout the grounds and art gallery. Please stop by and view this local man's history in Kohala. Catherine Morgan, 960-3597. www.kenjishouse.com

KES Discovery Garden

The Discovery Garden at Kohala Elementary School provides K-5th grade students with hands-on garden experience while teaching nutrition and cross-curriculum concepts in math, Hawaiian culture and science. Danny Garcia, 889-7000.

KES FIRST Lego League Robotics

KES FIRST Lego League Robotics is an afterschool program that engages Kohala Elementary students in STEM education and provides them with the teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to compete in the 21st century workplace. Danny Garcia, 889-7000.

KHS Aquaculture

The mission of this program is to train and certify graduating Kohala High School 'Aquaculture Technicians' for high-level entry into the aquaculture industry, internships, scholarships, and careers in aquaculture. Erik Wierschem, 889-7117.

KHS College Tours Program

The goal of this program is to provide Kohala High sophomores and juniors with the opportunity to visit colleges on the mainland to prepare them to make a decision about post secondary education.

KHS Project Grad 2017

This annual party for new Kohala High graduates is a fun, alcohol-free event held after the graduation ceremony until the next morning, allowing graduates to celebrate together safely. Evie Adams, 895-5441.

KHS Track Restoration

KHS Track Restoration Initiative is working to resurface the existing track at Kohala High School. Malcolm Davis, 895-8141, mdavis@hpa.edu .

Kindy Sproat: A Gift to the Heart

This documentary depicts the life journey of Kindy Sproat, an internationally recognized musician and one of Hawai`i's Living Treasures, whose life perpetuates Hawaiian culture through stories and songs. Keith Nealy, 987-8093, keithn@aloha.net / www.keithnealy.com

Kohala 4-H Horse Club

Kohala 4-H Horse Club promotes learning life skills and leadership development through projects and a variety of curricula. The 4 “H’s” are head, heart, hands and health. Their motto is “E kua hui like ika hana a`ohe hananui kealu `ia” (Let everyone work together; no task is too big when done by all.) They serve youth ages 9-19. Shay Van Zandt, 756-4192.

Kohala Agricultural School Program

The project seeks to restore and upgrade the Kohala High School Agriculture program by helping with tools and infrastructure. Erik Wierschem, 889-7117.

Kohala Archery Club

This startup project is working to introduce archery to youth and adults and provide experienced archers with local opportunities to shoot. Michael Oshita, 889-6284, michaeloshita90@gmail.com.

Kohala Ark

Kohala Arc seeks to provide elderly and needy Kohala residents with a free, weekly round-trip Tractor/Wagon Ride from Kapa`au to the Saturday Farmers Market in Hawi. Isaac Haworth, 808-896-3402.

Kohala Artists' Cooperative

After six years of running a gallery space, we are looking forward to focusing solely on creating a working print and textile studio/classroom at Kenji's. An excellent reference library of art and design titles is available to inspire and educate. Book donations always accepted. Cathy Morgan, 960-3597. www.kohalaartists.com

Kohala Back to School Supplies Project

The intention of this project is to supplement the classroom supplies for grades K-5 at Kohala Elementary School annually. Traci Figueroa, 315-3430.

Kohala Baseball League

This group has sponsored 95% of the registration fees, supplied uniforms for all players on the three Pony League baseball teams, and offered afterschool tutoring and drug and alcohol awareness. Vern Karratti, 443-8888, lizkarratti@gmail.com.

Kohala Coalition Against Drugs

For the past 13 years KCAD has worked to keep Kohala's youth safe and drug free by offering education and a variety of fun, drug-free activities for children. Shiro Takata, 987-0280.

Kohala Community Athletic Association

Serving Kohala for 37 years, KCAA offers free after-school sports programs for Kohala youth ages 5-14 including baseball, softball, basketball, T-ball, volleyball and flag football. Players play for free. Website: www.kcaa.online. Tom McCue, 884-5132, tmccue@hawaii.rr.com.

Kohala Coqui Coalition

The Coqui Coalition treated 27 new sites in Kohala in the last year, including 12 new sites since January 2012. Many sites required multiple treatments. Kim Takata, 895-1939, ison@aloha.net.

Kohala Country Fair

After completing its 30th year, the Fair will take a break in 2015. It will return in October 2016 with new entertainment, food and craft booths, and activities for the keiki. Free admission. Website: www.kohalacountryfair.com.

Kohala Equine Education Center (KEEC)

KEEC will build and maintain community equestrian facilities at 'Iole for educational and cultural programs and use by individual horse owners. Fundraising for construction is underway. Beth Robinson, 443-4588, 884-5753. KohalaArena@gmail.com.

Kohala Farm 2 School Project

This project aims to supplement the equipment needs of the Farm 2 School program, whose goal is to replace packaged and processed foods, as much as possible, with scratch cooked local foods at Kohala Schools Complex. Greg Christian, (312) 656-8489, greg@beyondgreenpartners.com.

Kohala Fitness Center

The group established a new exercise center at the Hisaoka Gym where the community can enjoy a free, supportive, and friendly atmosphere to improve health and fitness. Sue Sasaki, 889-5346.

Kohala Football Boosters Club

This 16-year-old organization provides support and services to the Kohala Varsity Football team. Regie Tolentino, 889-6365.

Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club

This local chapter of a statewide organization encourages the community to participate in fun and culturally integrative events. Efforts include raising funds for scholarships for Kohala students. Pua Akamu, 895-7345, napuaa@earthlink.net.

Kohala Mission School

This accredited K-8 private school has a focus on academic excellence and Christian values. The school seeks to provide additional scholarship funding for local families who desire to enroll their students. Allen Lipps, 889-5646, kohalamissionschool@gmail.com , kohalamissionschool.adventistfaith.org.

Kohala Native Corridor Project

This research project seeks to establish contiguous mountain to ocean corridors of native and endemic tree species on Kohala Mountain to improve the soil and pasture quality, increase the infiltration of water, and provide habitat for endemic organisms from mountain to sea. Sophia Bowart, 889-0917, sophiabowart@gmail.com .

Kohala Radio

Kohala Radio intends to build and operate a low power noncommercial FM radio station for the community. We are committed to broad inclusive participation and diverse programming reflecting the community. Operated by local residents volunteering their time and expertise. Bob Martin, 889-0507, bobmartin@knkr.org, www.knkr.org.

Kohala Ride Wild Club

Kohala Ride Wild Club engages children ages 4 and up in the care and riding of horses through a free, ongoing weekly program. They also run an animal rescue program for neglected horses and other large animals in Kohala. Shay Van Zandt, 756-4192.

Kohala Robotics

An academic afterschool program engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), communication, documentation and time management. The goal is excellence through life-changing experiences for Kohala youth. Fern White, 889-7117, ext. 249. KohalaKowbotics@gmail.com, www.kohalarobotics.com

Kohala Senior Citizen Club

This active group for seniors age 55 and up seeks to stimulate the mind, body and soul by participating in the home, schools and community. Harrison "Kalani" Heinicke.

Kohala Unupa`a - Strong Foundation

Our mission is to provide students grades 2-10 with a foundation in Hawaiian culture through the oral histories of our kupuna, using the Hawaiian language, and hands-on experience with traditional Hawaiian skills in relationship with the land. Johnelle Kainoa, 895-2545, jkching64@yahoo.com.

Kohala Youth Ranch

This program utilizes horses to provide free equine-assisted learning/psychotherapy (EAL/EAP) and education services for at-risk youth and veterans with PTSD to increase self-esteem and confidence, and develop problem solving and coping skills. Joe Vitorino, 884-5625, kohalayouthranch@wildblue.net.

Kokolulu Farm Cancer Retreats

Kokolulu provides education and charitable assistance to those affected by cancer, including holistic healing retreats, research publications, and tools to empower participants to take charge of their own healing journey. Karin Cooke/Lew Whitney, 889-9893. www.kokolulu.com or cancer-retreats.org.

Kukui Garden Restoration

This unique project holds an 11-year commitment to restore old family lands to serve children and adults needing to reconnect to the earth, to spirit, to their culture, and ultimately to themselves. Nani Svendsen, 889-5572, kohalasguesthouse@hotmail.com.

Lavaroots Performing Arts

Lavaroots Performing Arts is dedicated to the expression of one's true self through movement, music and culture. Their upcoming Merveilles Hawaii Dance and Drum Conference is an opportunity to bring six West African Master Musicians and Dancers to our rural area of North Kohala, and have a sharing of Hawaiian and African cultures. Michal Anna Carrillo, 987-4243, lavamichal@yahoo.com / www.lavaroots.com.

Lio Lapa'au

This therapeutic service provides opportunities for horseback riding and interactions with horses that support healthy lifestyles, traditional paniolo values, and increased mental and muscle wellness. Fern White, 896-0316, fernwhite@gmail.com / www.liolapaau.com.

Living Journals

The latest oral history project, "Ranching Under the Rainbow: Monty Richards of Kahua Ranch," shares the life of one of the last "old time" ranchers of Hawaii. Click HERE to purchase the book online. Faye Mitchell, fayeanalove@gmail.com.

Malama I Na Wahi Pana O Kohala - Preserving Kohala's Cultural Resources

This project is helping with these Kohala activities: Upolu Airport landscaping, Kauhola Point dedication, nominating Niuli'i and Halelua coastal corridors for preservation and purchase. Fred Cachola, 808-753-8896, fredcachola@gmail.com.

Malama Kohala Kahakai Coastal Preservation

In collaboration with the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and Malama Kohala Wahi Pana, the organizers helped secure another $2 million in grants and match to preserve 34 more acres at Kaiholena south. In the last four years, along with five other North Kohala community groups, nearly 300 coastal acres have been preserved in perpetuity. These include Nu'uanu, Pao'o, Kaiholena north, and Kaiholena south. A capital campaign is being considered as the number of landowners wishing to sell their land for preservation purposes is rapidly increasing. Gail Byrne 938-8880. E-mail: gailbyrnebaber@gmail.com.

Na Kupuna 'O Kohala

Na Kupuna 'O Kohala is a hula halau made up of senior men and women from North Kohala. Under the guidance of Kumu Kaui Nakamura, the halau's objective is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture while learning the stories and dances of Hawai'i; to share this culture through performances throughout the year in the community; and to encourage excellence through competition at the annual senior hula festival. Cheryl Sproat and Randee Golden, 889-0011.

NoKo Theatre

NOKO Theater is currently doing research/writing and development of children and adult theater performances. Stay tuned for a variety of fundraising events. Jack Boyle, 508-558-0978.

North Kohala Community Emergency Response Team

NK-CERT added 19 new members and is now the largest CERTeam on the island. The group continues to train and prepare to respond to emergencies. John Winter, 889-6901.

North Kohala Community Chorus

Contact Kayoko Hanano, 889-6380.

North Kohala Community Learning Center

The project continues to host the World Peace Game and is looking for teachers and parents interested in launching a new session. Susan Lehner, 896-9001, slehner@hawaii.rr.com.

North Kohala Eat Locally Grown

The Eat Locally Grown Campaign works to grow a community-based, sustainable food system that addresses the health, environment and economy of North Kohala. Current initiatives include an EBT booth at the Hawi Farmers Market, a fresh produce supplement program at the Food Basket, and Farmers Market promotion. Leslie Nugent, lrae.nugent@gmail.com www.foodhubkohala.org

North Kohala Student Cultural Enrichment Program

This program is designed to expose Kohala students to many cultural and educational programs that have previously been prohibitive due to costs. Dixie Adams, 889-5730, dixieja@gmail.com; Laura Burkhart, 884-5833, laura@lauraburkhart.com; Rose Mae Watterson, 889-6342, rmmwatterson@gmail.com.

North Kohala Summer Fun Program

This project helps supplement the cost for families with working parents and multiple children who need the Summer Fun program at Hisaoka Gym. Renee Gonsalves, 987-6949.

Nutritional Farming for Hawai'i

Dr. Jana Bogs works with local produce growers to improve crop health and nutritional qualities of foods for a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable community. Jana Bogs, 938-9888, janabogs@gmail.com / www.BeyondOrganicResearch.com

`Ohana Homeschool Cooperative

A values-based learning center program dedicated to Waldorf-inspired education, offering children a spectrum of academic and life skills that foster holistic development of body, mind and spirit. Leah Naylor, 889-5715, www.ohanahomeschooling.org.

Ohua O Na Kia i No Na Keiki O Ka Aina

This group is restoring an old Hawaiian lo`i. Their goals are to inspire and empower the community through education and stewardship of the 'Aina; to create outdoor classroom spaces for hands-on education; and to restore overgrown land into usable educational farmland. Sa'o Vaefaga (808) 889-1484, ohua.sao@gmail.com.

Old School Hawaii

Old School Hawaii has a mission to engage the community in craft, to provide a space to facilitate learning and sharing of valuable knowledge, and to promote craftsmanship. Jenna Benz, 491-3564, jenna.benz@live.com .

Planet Pioneers

Planet Pioneers builds sustainability leadership and entrepreneurship capacity in K12 students through mentorship, internships and handon projects to successfully lead Hawaii to a sustainable future. Linda Lewandowski, 756-9005, planetpioneers@gmail.com.

Pop Warner - Kohala Chargers

This youth football organization teaches the values of teamwork, self-discipline, respect, self-confidence, and good sportsmanship. They are raising funds to pay for bus transportation to out of town games and to replace or upgrade equipment for quality and safety. Nohea Lee, 938-5818, kohalachargerspwa@yahoo.com.

Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Pro-biotic Practices Hawaii

This project extends from a 35 year effort to firmly reestablish regenerative organic farming in Hawaii. Their goals are to host in-depth workshops and develop a vocational agriculture training program for at-risk young men. Clarence and Gail Baber, 938-8880.

Roots Sk8 Park

Roots Advocates for Youth is moving toward phase two of the skate park, creating 5,000 square feet of additional terrain. Support directly benefits the youth of Kohala. Richey Riggs/Kimberly Lepold, 889-0503, skate4roots@yahoo.com / skate4roots.wordpress.com.

Rural Emergency Care Project (RECAP)

UPDATE! The beautiful, modernized Emergency Room at Kohala Hospital is complete! A blessing and centennial celebration will be held April 13 and the new ER will be open May 9. Congratulations! Giovanna Gherardi, 889-5590.

Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala

RMD Okinawan Taiko has been active in Kohala for over four years with 23 drummers performing at community events and providing free classes in Kohala. Funding is needed for uniforms, drums, and transportation. Kathy Matsuda, 889-5801, kathy@hialoha.net.

Seibukan Academy of Hawaii

Seibukan Academy of Hawaii Classical Traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu is divided into 3 branches: Sukunai Hayashi-Ryu (from the small pine tree forest) is founded by Master Chotoku Kyan. We practice 50% hands, 50% feet defense-only techniques. Classes encourage discipline and consistency in motor skills to achieve self-esteem and empathy among children and adults. Taught by Renshi Maria Lineker with 30 years' experience. 889-1828, ugmmichael@msn.com.

Stop LFA Kohala

Our goal is to detect and eradicate Little Fire Ants throughout North Kohala by creating a community funded rapid response team capable of responding quickly and effectively to LFA infestations in North Kohala. Frank and Christine Hustace, 640-5085. frank.hustace@gmail.com or chustace@gmail.com / www.stoplfakohala.com.

Sustainable Kohala Ohana

This network of Kohala residents promotes local sustainability, emergency readiness, and community resilience through educational programming, grant writing, staff support, free films and more. Deborah Winter, 889-6901. winterd@whitman.edu.

Taro Dream Inc.

This Kohala-based research, product development and marketing company was founded over 20 years ago and has developed a full line of glutenfree foods made from taro root. Pamela Noeau Day, 884-5270, pamelanoeauday@msn.com.

Wai'Oli Craniosacral

Research backed Craniosacral Therapy for children with ADD, ADHD, autism and dyslexia, as well as for victims of trauma. Seeking funding for families in need. Bonnie Stevenson, 896-5225, bonniemaikai@yahoo.com, www.lovinghandscranio.com/waioli.

WasteStream Recycling

WasteStream continues to be active in the pursuit of reducing, reusing and recycling in Kohala. Make extra money for your organization, join our HI5 Volunteer program. Wastestream was proud to sponsor the 10th anniversary event of Trash Bash, held in spring 2016. Colleen Nevins, 345-6322, www.kohalatrashbash.com.