Aloha Grown rewards sustainability efforts

Five Big Island schools and organizations were presented 2017 Aloha Grown Malama Honua awards for embodying the clothing and accessory retailer’s philosophy to “support local, sustain the aina and share the aloha.”

Five Big Island schools and organizations were presented 2017 Aloha Grown Malama Honua awards for embodying the clothing and accessory retailer’s philosophy to “support local, sustain the aina and share the aloha.”

Each organization received a $500 award to put toward a specific project or program.

“Here at Aloha Grown, we are committed to supporting efforts to care for our island, our people and our culture,” said Randy Kurohara, president and owner. “That is why 2 percent of every Aloha Grown sale goes to our Malama Honua Fund. This year we received a number of applications and essays from many well-deserving organizations.”

“It was inspiring to see how many organizations are committed to sustainability efforts in our Big Island communities,” said Parker Ranch store manager Camille Kalahiki.

The Malama Honua award application process included a one-page essay explaining how the organization follows Aloha Grown’s philosophy, as well as a description of the project/program that the $500 award would be used to fund.

The awards went toward:

• Parker School and Waimea Elementary School’s Kihapai Ho‘oulu project.

• Kohala Youth Ranch’s Equine-Assisted Therapy program.

• Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School’s Farm to School program and hydroponics and aquaponics systems.

• Volcano School of Arts and Sciences’ Kalo Garden project.

• Na Wai Ola Public Charter School’s third-grade composting project.

For more information about the Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund, visit www.parkerranchstore.com/malamahonuafund.

For more information about Aloha Grown, visit www.alohagrown.com.