Laulau for Lahaina - Cultural Restoration Project

This fundraiser is meant to replace culturally significant items that were lost in the Lahaina wildfires.

We are making 500 Laulau* (meals) for displaced local families using traditional Hawaiian food preparation techniques.

Your contribution will help to nourish our island ‘Ohana in TWO significant ways:

-Feeding the community with a traditional meal

AND

-Replacing the culturally important Poi* pounding boards and stones and making them available in community hubs on Maui (Hawaii).

We are committing to providing the poi pounding boards, 1,200 pounds of Taro/Kalo and education for participating families.

This will empower families with the tools and knowledge they need to continue their indigenous food preparation methods and help to establish food security in their community – inspiring confidence in a more sustainable future

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

If you are outside of Maui,

Please make a generous tax-deductible donation to our non-profit to purchase a laulau for a displaced Hawaiian Lahaina resident <3 <3

MAUI RESIDENTS:

We are asking for $20 per Laulau. If you would like to purchase a laulau for yourself, please donate a minimum of $20 and send a message letting us know the quantity. Please also consider donating for a Lahaina resident.

Laulau will be distributed on Dec 2nd

Details on the funds being raised:

Our first fundraising goal of $27,000 will provide:

-Pre-made Papa Kuiai and stones to be placed at easily accessible community hubs.

-1,200 pounds of Kalo (taro) to give to the participating local displaced families to bring back food to their Ohana.

-Pressure cookers, tables, equipment to clean kalo

-12 Weeks of education on how to properly make poi. Giving the community all the tools, ingredients, and knowledge needed to sustain healthy habits and community building skills.

Our second fundraising goal of ($58,000 )would allow us to have an ongoing location to teach the community how to make their own boards to perpetuate the cultural and giving cycle.

Hawaiian language:

(1)Laulau: Traditional Hawaiian Food which incorporates a local protein wrapped in Taro leaf and Ti leaf which is then steamed in an Imu (Traditional Underground oven system).

(2) Poi: Traditional Hawaiian preparation of Taro root.

(3) Papa Kui Ai, is a Poi pounding board, which is an essential part of preparing the staple Hawaiian starch, Taro/Kalo, and turning it into poi.

About this 501cs Non-profit: Hui Aloha Aina Momona

Promotes indigenous farming and cultural practices by implementing:

Food production and security

Social and political change

Species conservation

Community events and workshops

Organic and indigenous farming

About the Laulau

We honored to have Maui Nui Venison company donate local venison for us to prepare Venison “burger laulau.” Hui Aloha Aina Momona (HAAM) will be donating the remaining ingredients.

Suggested donation for the Laulau $20-30/piece.

About Me:

Aloha, my name is Alexis! My passion for indigenous rights has led me to my dedicated volunteering with HAAM. Their impact on the Hawaiian islands is inspiring, and I am honored to fundraise with them to further their mission in these time of significant need.