On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, over 1,000 volunteers from Kaiser Permanente came together across four Hawaiian islands to honor the tradition of service. This year marked the 10th anniversary of their partnership with the Cultural Learning Center at Ka‘ala Farm, where they diligently cleared overgrown grass and weeds from the taro patches and water channels. Alongside them at Kalaeloa Heritage Park, volunteers removed invasive species and planted native flora, all aimed at restoring the region’s cultural and natural treasures.
On the windward side of O‘ahu, volunteers collaborated with local nonprofits like Papahana Kuaola and Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi to spearhead restoration efforts in diverse ecosystems. Their hands worked tirelessly to restore irrigation systems, clear invasive plants, and forge pathways around the ancient He‘eia fishpond, a site steeped in history. The community united under the shared goal of promoting environmental stewardship, reflecting the deep bonds between people and the land.
In Maui, the focus shifted to the Paeloko Learning Center, where volunteers participated in activities including clearing taro patches and enhancing facilities to support Native Hawaiian education. Meanwhile, on Hawai‘i Island, participants undertook meaningful restoration at two locations: the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve and Haleolono, where they revitalized native ecosystems and worked to preserve ancient fishponds, emphasizing community and cultural heritage.
Kaua‘i saw Kaiser Permanente staff team up with the Waipā Foundation, where they prepped taro fields and cleared invasive plant life along Waipā Stream. This collective effort to honor Dr. King’s vision reinforced their commitment to social justice and health equity, bridging the spirit of service with cultural preservation. As Kaiser Permanente celebrates their 65th anniversary, their collaboration with local organizations reflects a heartfelt dedication to sustaining Hawaii’s culture and environment for future generations.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, more than 1,000 Kaiser Permanente volunteers participated in restoration projects across four Hawaiian islands, marking 10 years of partnership with local organizations. Activities included clearing invasive plants, restoring taro patches, and preserving cultural sites. The event highlighted the commitment to health, environmental stewardship, and honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service and social justice.
This remarkable day of service unified over 1,000 volunteers across Hawaii, showcasing a strong commitment to cultural restoration and environmental sustainability. The longstanding partnerships with local organizations emphasize the importance of serving and preserving the land that sustains them, while also honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Through their collective efforts, communities thrive, cultures endure, and a spirit of resilience and health is nurtured among future generations.
Original Source: about.kaiserpermanente.org
