O Ka‘ū Kākou June 14, 2016

O Ka‘ū Kākou (OKK) is an all-volunteer organization here in Ka‘ū whose mission statement is:
“To support and promote a healthy community through educational, cultural and economic development opportunities that improve the quality of life in rural Ka‘ū.”

Many of the organization’s members are retired kūpuna who volunteer much of their time solely to make a positive difference in the Ka‘ū community. Wherever there is a need, you don’t have to look far to find an OKK member helping a neighbor. They might be found re-roofing a 91-year-old kūpuna’s house, picking up trash along the highway or waking up at the crack of dawn to set up the Ka‘ū Keiki Fishing Tournament where 500+ keiki and their families descend upon Punalu‘u Beach every January for a day of family fun. During this free event, volunteers prepare and serve a morning snack and lunch for all, and every registered participant wins a prize. OKK does so much for the Ka‘ū community that it’s an honor for our Hawai‘i South Tūtū and Me team to laulima with them!

Partnering with OKK has been a positive win-win experience for all. From the time that Tūtū and Me first began serving this community, OKK has been there to kōkua our fundraising and recruiting efforts. Most notably, they generously donated their time and resources for our Fall Festival recruiting event and our ‘Ohana Days, providing helping hands and serving shave ice – always with great aloha.

Our team has, in turn, helped out at many OKK-sponsored events, such as Senior Bingo, Keiki Fishing Tournament, Ka‘ū Trail Run, Ka‘ū Hospital Spaghetti Dinner/Fundraiser and the annual Keiki Christmas Party at Hana Hou Restaurant.

As you can see by their mission statement and actions, we make a great team and are grateful for the partnership we share.