Kalo Farm Restoration & Education

Aloha kākou,

my name is Jerome Kekiwi Jr. My family has been cultivating kalo in the valley of Wailua Nui, in the moku of Koʻolau (East Maui) for three generations. The entire East Maui community has been struggling with water diversions caused by East Maui Irrigation/HC&S. For years, my farm, as well as numerous others throughout Maui hikina have been denied access to the natural streamflow, devistating our crops. Now, through the efforts of many diligent community members, water is being restored to East Maui streams and I am once again able to continue the practice of kalo cultivation. With the help of my ʻohana and many friends, I have been slowly opening up loʻi that my kūpuna originally dug by hand, many years ago.

It is my goal to open as many wetland loʻi and EDUCATE the youth of Maui about the importance of learning our culture and history, fighting for what is pono and never forgetting where you come from. I believe that it is crucial that people realize that kalo cultivation is much more than just a cultural practice, it is a livlihood and a way of life. It is an ancient tradition of which we, the makaʻainānā, depend solely on our eldest brother, Hāloanakalaukapalili, the kalo plant.

I am currently seeking monetary donations to aid in the maintenance of farm equipment as well as organizing huakaʻi (field trips) for numerous groups/schools to come to the farm and learn about the kalo farming cycle, the history of this practice as well as workshops in which i would teach the groups how to prepare paʻiʻai and poi, how to gather plants respectfully, how to correctly manage water and other natural respurces, traditional oli/chants relating to the ʻāina (land) and much more manaʻo (knowledge).

If you choose to kākoʻo (support) with monetary donations, I would send you monthly pictures and updates on the farm, how the money is being spent, pictures of groups/schools that come to visit, etc. Also, if you cannot offer monetary donation, I invite you to come to the farm and donate your time - to restore the loʻi to its former glory, so that our future generations can have this important cultural foundation to build upon.

Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions, comments and/or concerns via e-mail. Also, If you would like to recieve monthly updates, please e-mail me directly.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering donating to this cause.

Jerome Kekiwi Jr.
Wailua Nui Kalo Farmer

Ola I Ka Wai (Water is Life) Video