Current Conditions
Existing site conditions showing legacy structures and overgrowth to be managed through phased land restoration supporting agricultural use.
Growing food resilience through ʻāina stewardship in Puna, Hawaiʻi.
A phased ʻāina stewardship effort restoring agricultural land through regenerative care—supporting existing trees, improving soil and water systems, and gradually expanding diverse food plantings to strengthen local food resilience in Puna, Hawaiʻi.
Partnership Status: Open to collaboration with aligned 501(c)(3) organizations, technical partners, and community funders.
- Food security
- Agroforestry
- Soil health
- Rainwater irrigation
- Community resilience
Project Quick Facts
- Project Location:
- Puna District, Hawaiʻi Island
- Project type:
- ʻĀina Stewardship • Small-Scale Food Production (Agricultural Land Restoration)
- Primary crops:
- Breadfruit (ʻulu), citrus (lemon/lime/orange), herbs & roots
- Project Stage:
- Early Implementation (Phase 1), improvements + partner outreach
About the project
Existing Productivity
Current citrus production demonstrating the site’s potential for expanded local food cultivation.
Ecological Context
Existing food and supporting plant species documented on site, with planned expansion of soil health and diversified crops including citrus, ginger, papaya, herbs, teas, and companion plantings.
Note: Site conditions, existing productive trees, and current vegetation were documented to guide phased restoration, planting decisions, and measurable food-production outcomes.
The Puna ʻĀina Project restores agricultural land in Puna, Hawaiʻi through practical ʻāina stewardship, small-scale food production, and regenerative land care. By nurturing existing crops and adding diverse plantings, the project supports local food resilience, healthier ecosystems, and long-term community benefit.
Our Mission, Model & Impact
The Puna ʻĀina Project strengthens local food resilience in Puna, Hawaiʻi through regenerative land care, agroforestry, and community-aligned agricultural practices rooted in long-term ʻāina stewardship.
🌱 Core Activities
- Care of existing breadfruit and citrus trees
- Soil restoration, composting, and fertility improvement
- Selective clearing of invasive or non-productive vegetation
- Introduction of additional food crops such as ginger, herbs, and companion plantings
- Development of a small non-habitable agricultural utility workspace
🤝 Community & ʻĀina Benefit
- Supports local food resilience through small-scale food production
- Demonstrates responsible land restoration and long-term care
- Allows limited sharing of surplus produce within the community
- Models sustainable agricultural practices appropriate to Hawaiʻi’s climate and ecology
🎯 Purpose
The project increases locally grown food by restoring and maintaining agricultural land, improving soil health, and supporting water-efficient growing practices. The project is intentionally non-residential and focused on agricultural use, ecological restoration, and community benefit.
⚙️ Approach
- Phased improvements that prioritize long-term sustainability
- Low-input, Hawaiʻi-appropriate land stewardship practices
- Rainwater-fed irrigation designed for agricultural use only
- Perennial crop care emphasizing ʻulu and citrus longevity
- Protective strategies to reduce crop loss from feral animals
Measurable outcomes
We track outputs in plain terms: harvest weights, plant counts, managed area, and photo documentation over a 12-month cycle.
200+ lb
Breadfruit (ʻulu) stewardship target
120+ lb
Citrus (lemon/lime/orange) combined
2,000 sq ft
Actively managed food production area
Photo + logs
Planting and harvest documentation
Note: These are initial planning targets and may be refined based on site conditions, seasonality, and partner guidance.
Documents & references
Agricultural Utility Workshop Plans (PDF)
Permit-ready plan set and notes (share selectively as needed).
Open PlansDrop your plan PDF into /documents/ with this filename.
Planting & Stewardship Notes
Short notes about breadfruit care, citrus stewardship, soil amendment, and irrigation layout.
Coming soonPartner / Fiscal Sponsor Info
How to support this project through aligned 501(c)(3) partnerships and tax-deductible giving pathways.
View PDFSupport & collaboration
We’re open to collaboration with existing 501(c)(3) organizations (fiscal sponsorship), technical partners, and aligned funders interested in food security and ʻāina stewardship in Puna.
Fiscal sponsorship
If your organization provides fiscal sponsorship, we can share a simple project scope, budget, and reporting approach.
In-kind support
Tools, soil inputs, irrigation supplies, plants, and local expertise can meaningfully accelerate progress.
Funding pathways
Microgrants, donor-advised funds, and community partnerships—structured for transparency and measurable outcomes.
Want the short version?
Send the snapshot PDF to a potential partner or funder.
Contact
Partnership and fiscal sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
Send a quick message
We typically reply within 1–2 business days. For urgent matters, please call.