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ABOUT

ABOUT

The name Kupa ‘Aina means indigenous foods for the people. Our goal is to cultivate the land and foods utilizing ancestral knowledge to provide sustenance today.

Since the blessing of the project in July 2018, Kupa ‘Aina has transformed five acres of pastural land into a natural productive farm featuring native and indigenous plants. The farm is committed to providing nourishment to support families and build healthy communities.

At Kupa ‘Aina we implement Natural Farming practices that encompass traditional Hawaiian agricultural methods, Korean natural farming, and other sustainable agricultural models. Natural Farming utilizes indigenous microorganisms to rejuvenate the land and produce high-nutrient crops.

Historically Native Hawaiians were self-sustaining, surviving and thriving within their own communities. Through Kupa ʻAina, we work to understand traditional agricultural practices by applying them to contemporary issues we face as an island community seeking food security and sustainability.

There is a growing number of farmers, legislators, and communities that recognize Natural Farming as a path towards sustainability, especially for our isolated islands.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

PROGRAM COMPONENTS
  • Introduction to Korean Natural Farming
  • Farming methods according to the moon phases 
  • Composting practices and soil nutrient techniques
  • Co-planting to repel pests and improve soil fertility  
  • Engage in team-building activities to reinforce the purpose of collaboration
  • Build relationships between people and land 
  • Share time and talent while giving back to the community
  • Program "to lay a foundation" for workforce development 
  • Promote job-readiness skills for the working field 
  • Provide stipends for restitution or income
  • Complete community service hours 

Benefits

Benefits

  • No chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics or other chemicals are used
  • Healthier soil; thus healthier plants and livestock
  • No waste, runoff, or foul odor
  • Reduced water use (40 to 50% less)
  • No groundwater or ocean contamination
  • Increases soil health over time

Recent News

Recent News

PIDF Staff Mālama ʻĀina Workday

February 27, 2023

PIDF administration staff step out of the office and help the Kupa ʻAina team to mālama ʻāina.

Hawaiʻi Project to End Youth Incarceration Receives $20 Million Award From Kellogg Foundation’s Global Challenge to Advance Racial Equity

October 11, 2022

After nearly two years of planning, PIDF and OYAH partners are honored to receive $20 million to end youth incarceration in Hawaiʻi.

PIDF Board Connects Their “Why” During Retreat

September 19, 2022

The PIDF Board connected with each other during the retreat and heard about direct impact from programs.

Hawaii has no girls in juvenile detention. Here’s how it got there.

July 25, 2022

Nationwide, there have been efforts to lower youth incarceration rates and close youth prisons. Efforts made by OYAH at Kawailoa are shared.