Kenna Reed

This fundraiser is for Aunty Maile and Uncle Hano Naehu. If you know Moloka'i, you probably know them. Always ready to lend a hand, share a meal, or open their home to anyone in need. Over the years, they have welcomed countless people into their lives and their home, offering support, guidance, and love without ever asking for anything in return. Their three children have grown up surrounded by art, music, and community, and together, the Naehu family has inspired generations of Molokaʻi youth through after-school clubs, programs, and creative projects. Their dream has always been to restore their ahupuaʻa and to nurture the spirit of aloha ʻāina in everyone they meet. Through their music, art, and tireless community work, they have brought hope and healing to so many. Now, after the Kona Low Storm, they find themselves in need. Their property was severely damaged, stuck for days as their dirt road became a river merging into the ocean, their car unable to drive out, sinkholes appearing, mud everywhere, and their fish pond that they've worked so hard to steward, filled with sand. The roof now leaks and is compromised, and their nephew's roof is being patched as both houses have roof damage. This fundraiser is a chance for all of us to give back to two people who have given so much. The funds raised will help with immediate needs so they can recover from this disaster and continue their work as artists and community stewards. I want to share this part because it says everything about who they are. When I approached Aunty Maile, I told her I wanted to start this for them, and she said no. She said there were other families who needed help more. But the truth is, they were hit hard. And the truth is, they would never ask for help themselves. So I am asking for them. If Aunty Maile and Uncle Hano have ever fed you, encouraged you, taught your keiki, played music that healed you, or made you feel like you had a place in this world by just sitting there with you... this is a chance to show up for them. The same way they have always shown up for all of us. Mahalo for supporting the Naehu ʻohana.

Michael has been a tireless advocate for the Pālolo community, dedicating countless hours and personal resources to combat the growing coqui frog problem. These frogs, considered a major invasive species in Hawai'i, have no natural predators here and their populations can reach staggering numbers—up to 55,000 per hectare. Their presence disrupts local ecosystems by consuming native insects, altering food chains, and even changing soil nutrients. Beyond the environmental impact, their piercing 90-100 decibel mating calls create noise pollution that affects daily life, reduces tourism, and lowers property values. For years, Michael has shouldered the financial burden of this fight alone. He’s invested in specialized flashlights, headlamps, tubes for catching frogs, and citric acid to control their numbers. He also provides equipment for volunteers who join the hunts, ensuring everyone can participate safely and effectively. As word spreads and more people in the community are affected, the need for additional equipment and supplies grows. Michael’s dedication has inspired others to join, but the costs continue to rise. Your support can make a real difference. Donations will help purchase more gear and supplies, allowing larger volunteer groups to participate and making each hunt more productive. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out! And if you’re unable to join in person, a financial contribution will go a long way in supporting this vital community effort. Together, we can help restore balance to Pālolo and protect our neighborhood from the impact of the coqui frogs.