Our Mission
AHK exists to improve the environmental, social, and economic well-being of the Kīlauea home community, and all areas of Kaua'i, Hawai'i community by providing an organization through which the people of our island can 1) manage the donation of funds or real estate, 2) engage in cooperative effort and stewardship agreement with government agencies and other organizations on projects beneficial to all our diverse stakeholders, and 3) encourage other constructive activities aimed at protecting agricultural, cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Kīlauea, and all of Kaua'i.
One of the big victories for KNA was the securing of a 75-acre parcel out of arbitration in the development of the sea cliff subdivision. From 1976 to 2006, all the community's attempts in developing the site were fruitless. The community felt it would be best to have County ensure its future. The county after many community meetings came up with a master plan and an environmental assessment. In 2014, they unveiled their plan and announced to the KNA that the development would cost over $7.2 million and the administration would not be able to raise the funds.
It is at that moment that the community realized that if this project was ever to see the light of day they would have to get involved and help the county implement that vision. ‘Aina Ho'okupu O Kīlauea (AHK) a 501(c)(3) originally founded by Gary Blaich was resurrected to once again become a vehicle to represent the community in the pursuit of preservation, balance, and opportunity for Kīlauea.
History
The Kīlauea Neighborhood Association (KNA) was created in the late 70’s as a community representation to manage all the land speculations that were taking place after the closing of the Kīlauea Sugar Plantation Co. The KNA is the first neighborhood association on the Island of Kaua'i and is now a 501(c)(4).
AHK incorporated and regained its status in September 2015. We had already engaged in the initial steps of the development of the Kīlauea Agricultural Park now renamed the Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center (KCAC). The State Legislature and County of Kaua'i initiated funding that was followed by very generous donations from individuals.
This colossal endeavor has given the opportunity for the community to increase their food security, to engage in communal work, to grow the next generation of farmers, provide a place for commercial farms to exist, and allow us to shape our future.
But without Mayor Carvalho's vision in the Holo Holo 2020 initiative, our project would not have gotten the attention and support it got. President Kouchi, Representative Kawakami, and Representative Nakamura further supported us by providing the funds to bring water to the site for a fraction of the master plan projections.
We really hope to engage the community in shaping its future while preserving its unique character and manage its resources responsibly. Taking care of our elderly, the less fortunate, and the children by fostering a bright future where economic vibrancy and sustainability are living models without compromising the quality of life.
We hope in the future to be actively managing our resources, surface water system, beach access, and the ocean. We want to ensure that elderly housing and care is available in our community, ensure that local people can find local housing, hope to see a diversified economy that will create an identity for Kīlauea while keeping a rural character. Bringing the latest Green technology to have a minimum impact is also AHK’s vision for the future.