Keali'i Lum, president of the Ali'i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, offers a few words at the blessing ceremony for Ka Mahi'ai 'Ihi O Wailea. – Photo: T. Ilihia GionsonPhoto: T. Ilihia Gionson

Maile farm promises growth

By T. Ilihia Gionson / Ka Wai Ola Loa

On November 13, about 80 people gathered in the middle of a muddy field that will become the largest commercial maile farm on Hawai'i – Ka Mahi'ai 'Ihi O Wailea. The farming venture is the fruit of a business plan penned by O'ahu's Ali'i Pauahi Civic Club, which won a contest at the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs convention and later won a competition at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's Shidler School of Business.

As part of the blessing ceremony, OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona, right, plants an 'ulu tree with the assistance of farm worker Kama Pua of Keālia. – Photo: T. Ilihia Gionson

"Our canoe is overflowing with crew members – friends and 'ohana," said Winston Lum, who offered a blessing for the farming venture. Also offering blessings and words of support were Ulu Garmon and Julie Bernardino-Boyd, who read her sister Haunani's poem, "Hale Kanaka Hou."

In attendance at the blessing were members of the Ali'i Pauahi, Laupāhoehoe, Honolulu and Kona Hawaiian Civic Clubs, as well as Chair Apoliona, Trustees Robert Lindsey and Colette Machado, and Administrator Clyde Nāmu'o of OHA.

As part of the ceremony, trees were planted at each corner of the property. One of them was an 'ulu tree planted by Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairperson Haunani Apoliona. OHA is supporting the project with a grant of $150,000.