Letter: Support Hawaii culture with green fee funds

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

By Mariko Quinn for Honolulu Star-Advertiser

I was born and raised on the water in Heeia and have been fortunate to witness and support the work of Kako‘o ‘Oiwi and Paepae o He‘eia, long-time Kupu partners. Over the years, I have watched these organizations transform and revitalize our ahupuaa. Coming full circle as Kupu’s external affairs officer, and advocating at the state level, the green fee is a huge opportunity to support climate mitigation and restoration by returning to traditional land stewardship and practices.

Kupu ‘Aina Corps (KAC) is an established program that creates jobs and conservation workforce development for the state. Allocating green fee funds to programs like KAC increases the capacity of our aina organizations, which are critical throughout Hawaii.

In addition, it also empowers local youth through meaningful employment opportunities by opening new positions at organizations across the pae aina, reconnecting a new generation to their community and culture.

Click here to read the full editorial published by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on May 3.