KILAUEA — The opening of a four-acre community garden in Kilauea is one small step toward island sustainability and one giant leap for the community. Connecting with one another was the only way this could become a reality, Malama Kaua‘i
KILAUEA — The opening of a four-acre community garden in Kilauea is one small step toward island sustainability and one giant leap for the community.
Connecting with one another was the only way this could become a reality, Malama Kaua‘i Executive Director Keone Kealoha said at the blessing ceremony for the garden Thursday morning.
“This is a result of what we can do,” he said.
Because of the cohesive efforts of land and financial donors, as well as hard working community members, plots are now available for use by individuals, families, businesses and any other type of organization interested in growing their own food, he said.
Reminding attendees about the importance of the ‘aina and its ability to nurture the community was Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who offered one of the first plantings Thursday morning.
“It’s our responsibility to understand how important the resources are,” he said after grabbing a fistful of red dirt. “We’ve got to start somewhere … this is a great place to begin.”
Office of Economic Development Director George Costa agreed.
“Knowing how much we rely on imported goods, this is a good beginning,” he said Thursday, prior to assisting Carvalho with planting taro.
The garden is a true example of how residents can reach out, come together and build relationships, especially in an effort to become self-sustainable, Carvalho said.
Learning about the ‘aina and the “incredible intelligence of the ancients,” is valuable, said Kumu Kehaulani Kekua, who performed the traditional Hawaiian blessing.
Born and raised in Anahola, she said she understands the necessity of “returning back to the islands.”
Gardening enthusiasts Vicki Seigel and Margaret Sheen also know about the urgency to lead a more sustainable lifestyle and were in attendance Thursday to show their support.
“A community garden is really an economic way of getting produce to people,” said Seigel, an avid buyer of local, organic food.
Another community garden in Kilauea on land owned by the county is “going to happen,” Carvalho said.
Costa confirmed the county’s dedication to bringing additional opportunities for residents to grow food on island.
“Things are really moving,” he said regarding the prospective 75-acre Agricultural Park slated to acquire an Environmental Assessment within the next year.
But, “knowing how much we import foods,” Malama Kaua‘i’s garden is “a good beginning,” Costa said.
In hopes that more sustainable efforts will be underway, Seigel said she looks forward to driving to the next community garden in a solar-powered vehicle.
“We have all the resources we need to solve all the problems,” Kealoha said.
Items are still needed for fencing, irrigation, amendments and site infrastructure. For a detailed list of the items, e-mail Kealoha at keone@malamakauai.org.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
