Kokua Aunty Luana & Grandpa Jones

Aloha, our names are Kealohilani & Kainalu Jones, two out of 18 grandchildren of Luana and Richard Jones. Grandma and Grandpa moved here from O’ahu in 1981 with their 4 children and started their life here in tents. My grandparents built a house, a life, and a safe loving environment for their ‘ohana. Grandma always found time to volunteer in the community, while also working as a substitute teacher at the Pahoa Schools. Today, she is the president of Hui Aloha ‘O Puna Makai, a public charity non-profit serving individuals and families across Puna through Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Grandma helped create the Nanawale Food Pantry and many other community programs. Grandpa was an ironworker his entire life and after moving to Hawai’i Island he started his own company, Steel Erectors. Between Grandma and Grandpa, our family was never without. Our home was always filled with ‘ono food and incredible love. But on the morning of May 28, our house was claimed by Tutu Pele -- and 36 years of the life they built in Puna came down in just three hours. They’re now staying with their son Ikaika in Maku’u. My grandparents are resilient and committed to remaining here in Puna. They could really use some support in trying to rebuild a small place to call home. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Mahalo and aloha!