Lokelani ‘Ohana, a near 20-year-old biodynamic farm on Maui that offers therapeutic programs rooted in Hawaiian culture for adults with developmental disabilities, is raising monies and increasing volunteer support after being hit by recent Kona Low storms.
Farm Director Christina Chang is spearheading the nonprofit’s recovery efforts to clean up fallen trees and debris, as well as restore the nursery and greenhouse, which needs roof repairs due to harsh winds. She estimates at least $5,000 in damages including crop loss, infrastructure issues, labor and materials, and more.
“We were severely flooded and high winds took down a lot of banana trees that need to be cleaned out of the patches,” she said in an email. “The tree branches need to be piled up for mulching and mud puddles need soil to be added to get rid of stagnant water and mosquitos.”
Chang notes on the farm’s GoFundMe page that volunteers, skilled professionals and specific tools are currently the biggest needs. For those interested in giving via GoFundMe, tips are optional and adjustable prior to completing the transaction, she said.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact,” she said, adding that those interested in giving can also do so directly on Lokelani ‘Ohana’s website.
The nonprofit is inspired by The Camphill movement, an international initiative where communities live, work and care for each other based on social, spiritual, cultural and agricultural renewal. The vision of the local organization “is based in love, respect, dignity, meaningful work, being stewards of the land, and celebrating our culture and festivals,” per its website. Offerings range from farm tours, food distribution and educational workshops to therapeutic programs such as gardening, Saori weaving, creative arts and outdoor activities.
Chang, who has a background in holistic health and moved to the Islands in 1973, is also the primary caretaker for her adult daughter with cerebral palsy and autism, Malia “Angel” Chang. On her dad’s side, Angel Chang is fourth generation from Waihe’e, where they mālama roughly 1.3 acres of land.
“The history of the land is in kalo; in the old days, it was wetland kalo but [the business] before us had dryland farming. When we took over the lease in the '70s, it took us 5 years to clear the land because it had become overgrown and mostly fallow; however, in the first year, we farmed 21 Indigenous species of kalo,” Christina Chang told Aloha State Daily.
Now, the farm grows ʻolena (turmeric), ginger, sweet potato, vegetables and herbs, flowering plants, and cotton to make pillows and seatbelt covers.
She says last year’s drought, which weakened root systems, coupled with recent high winds on Maui have caused a 50% loss in banana plants. Hog activity also exacerbated some of the damages.
Lokelani ‘Ohana is currently seeking to hire an organic farmer to assist with operations. Apply for the role here. In addition, its website lists a job opening for Direct Service Workers and Registered Behavioral Therapists.
“We’re looking to attract the right people,” Chang adds. “We do need assistance. We want to get back on our feet and restore our human services.”
“The heart of a farm, nonprofit or service organization, has to do with the people. It’s all humanity based. The heartbeat of our farm, or what we call in The Camphill movement is ‘torchbearers’, people who carry the lights. The torchbearers of our organization are people with developmental disabilities, who help serve the community through producing food/food education, programs and creating inclusive environments for all.”
Several organizations and churches have come alongside Lokelani ‘Ohana since the storms including Help Maui Rise, Maui Economic Opportunity, Royal Pacific Landscaping, members or the Church of Latter-Day Saints, among others.
MEO Youth Services will be on site helping with the cleanup in June and July, according to correspondence shared by Chang.
Specialist Kristin Wells says MEO's Youth Services program “addresses issues affecting youth and community including underage drinking, cyberbullying, teen suicide prevention, and tobacco/vaping awareness.”
“We also offer after-school and school-break programs designed to support and empower emerging youth leaders. Our activities focus on community engagement, cultural connection, family strengthening, life skills, and more,” she continued. “Youth ages 11-18 are welcome to join the fun, build confidence and make friends at different schools.”
For more information about Lokelani ‘Ohana, visit its website or follow the nonprofit on Instagram and Facebook.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
