2010s Detail

The 2010s

Akiko Masuda and Miyo Harumi, of Miyo's Restaurant, providing the inspiration, leadership and hard work, initiated the Hakalau Jodo Mission Senior Luncheons. Three times each month 30-50 grateful kupuna gather to tell stories, sing, exercise, laugh and eat a wonderful lunch. Yet another way Akiko perpetuates the culture and demonstrates respect for our kupuna.

Akiko Masuda leading exercise at Senior Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Garry Wyckoff.

With the vision of creating the Hakalau Learning Center and maintaining the old buildings, Akiko assembled a crew of volunteers and began cleaning the grounds of Hakalau School in 2015. They continue their labors on the second Sunday of each month. The spirit of all who participate is a blessing for the community. Some of Wailea-Hakalau neighbors and elders cannot come help work so they donate money. Some of the Thai community cannot come so they too donate money for food or send food or hire someone to work in their place. The devotion to the vision and to the community is humbling. Prayers continue for everyone’s good health – mind & body, for committed united belief in the vision of the Hakalau Learning Center, and deep gratitude that the community is blessed to live and work here & to grow strong together.

The County of Hawaii Windward Planning Commission approved the Special Management Area Use Permit for 10 lots makai side of the Hawaii Belt Highway in Ninole at Mile Marker 19. Community concerns expressed prior to approval related to impact on the view plane, insufficient space between the highway and the cliffs, contamination from the former gas station/garage on the site, and cliff instability.

Cliffside development next to the Hawaii Belt Highway at Mile Marker 19. Photo taken in March 2016 by Robert Nishimoto.

Akiko Masuda honored the ancestors by initiating a program of cemetery stewardship, a community commitment to those who came before us. Her vision is that this monthly effort will be replicated in communities across the state, honoring those who came before us. With Akiko as their guide, volunteers work and give attention to the ancestors with respect and gratitude.

The Hāmākua Community Development Plan was adopted in August 2018 after NINE years of work by the Steering Committee and communities along the Hāmākua Coast.