OED invites public to celebrate Earth Month at Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua on April 5

LĪHU‘E – The public is invited to join a no-cost celebration of sustainability and agriculture at Ho‘olaule‘a no ka Honua, A Celebration for the Earth. This third annual event, hosted by the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development and the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center in Līhu‘e.

“Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua celebrates our shared commitment to sustainability, highlighting the strength of community and collaboration,” said OED Director Nalani Brun. “Our island flourishes through collective care for the land and one another, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility and a united effort.”

This year’s theme highlights the importance of native and canoe plants, showcasing their vital role in Hawai‘i’s culture, food systems, and environmental resilience. Celebrate, learn, and be inspired by the deep connection between flora and fauna and the sustainability of our ‘āina.

“Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua reflects the spirit of ʻAʻohe hua o ka maiʻa i ka lā hoʻokahi—‘Bananas do not fruit in a single day.’,” said KEDB Executive Director Jackie Kaina. “True change takes time and collective effort. This Earth Day celebration encourages us to take action, big or small, to help protect our ‘āina, advance sustainability, and build a thriving future for generations to come.”

Bring the whole ‘ohana for a day filled with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and cultural showcases. Explore, learn, and be inspired as we honor our island’s natural resources, local food systems, and rich heritage. From interactive vendor exhibits to vibrant performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The day’s activities include:

• Learning Opportunities: Connect with more than 20 community-based organizations dedicated to agriculture and conservation efforts on Kaua‘i. Learn how to support their work and get involved in protecting our ‘āina.
• Live Demonstrations: Discover how to incorporate native and canoe plants into your daily life through live lei-making, native and canoe-plant cooking, and lā‘au lapa‘au demonstrations.
• Entertainment: Enjoy a lively day with emcees Chanel Flores and Nick Kaneakua, prize giveaways, music from the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band, and a family-friendly afternoon matinee.

The Office of Economic Development would like to thank Mental Health America of Hawai‘i and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Company for sponsoring this event.

For more information, visit https://kauaiforward.com/hoolaulea-no-ka-honua-2/ or contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov.

To sign up as a volunteer, scan the QR code below or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSen_WQPWZVElDVUsF81q1RjwQshAFqoquDXuftF31z-pVqiSA/viewform.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodation due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English-speaking persons, please contact either Niki Kunioka-Volz at 808-241-4951 or nkvolz@kauai.gov or Ana Espanola at 808-241-1969 or aespanola@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.