Music & Speaker Series: Wahine Farmers of East Maui

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-36-wahine-farmers-voices-of-east-maui-tickets-362465864157

Music & Speaker Series #36 | Building Business through ‘Ohana & Farming: Wahine Farmers – Voices of East Maui

Three incredible wahina farmers discuss their journeys with farming in the remote town of Hana, Maui.

Gina Lind – and her husband Greg believe that their farm and fishing operation allows them an opportunity to teach their children hard work and sustainable agricultural practices. Gina is also a long-time teacher at Hana School and aims to pass on her skills and trade by providing educational field trips and student work opportunities on their farm.

After growing up farming and raising animals with Eunice and Greg Lind Sr. in Kipahulu, Gina and Greg decided to carry on the tradition by starting their own farm. With the onset of the pandemic, the Lind ‘ohana pivoted their business from supplying outlying restaurants, to providing food for their own community. One of the first vendors to participate in the Hana Farmers Market, the Lind’s wondered if the community would enjoy sharing in the abundance of their products and family recipes.

Yuko Shinoda – is a nursery owner mainly grows native Hawaiian plants and organic veg starts. Mother of 2 boys. Wood carving artist. Love gardening and cooking . Yuko owns and operates Honua Ho’onani specializes in Native Hawaiian plants and organic vegetable starts grown by Yuko, her husband Peter, and two sons Kanoa and Makana.

From a young age, Yuko began gardening and cooking with her grandmother in Japan. Upon transitioning to Maui, she continued her training in sustainable agriculture as an organic farmer in both Huelo and Kipahulu. Most recently, Yuko joined the Kahanu Gardens staff as nursery manager. Unfortunately, as a result of the pandemic, Yuko found herself unemployed. “Joining the farmers market was the perfect opportunity to start my own business and share knowledge of Hawaiian Native plants and Japanese food culture,” said Yuko.

In 2011, Yuko studied alongside her friend, Nana, to learn the art of making Japanese Miso. Fermented, using traditional Japanese seasoning, her miso is rich in vitamins, minerals, folic acid and beneficial probiotic cultures. Pick-up a jar at the Honua Ho’onani market booth this week., and try this amazing family recipe for Honey Miso Salad Dressing. Mahalo Yuko and the Gaffney ‘Ohana!

Fawn Helekahi – is a talented musician, farmer, and Director for UHMC Hāna Education Center. Her farm Koali Kine began in 2004 on her family’s land, and provides fresh fruit, plants and flowers to the Hāna community every Friday at the farmers market. Koali Kine is a 7th generation family-owned and operated farm in the district of Koali. Located on family lands passed down from King Kamehameha III, Fawn Helekahi and Paulo Burns ‘ohana work together to share their farm fresh produce and products with the Hāna community each week at the market.

Fawn also enjoys playing music and sharing her beautiful voice for local businesses in East Maui, sometimes along with her family.

Lehua Park – is Kūpuna Coordinator at Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike, a vocational training program for K-12 youth. Lehua is Secretary of HFUU Hana Chapter and is very involved in her East Maui Community, advocating for farmers every day.

This is an online ZOOM event, open to the public, with priority given to Farmers Union members.

June 22nd, 2022: 6:30pm (Hawaii) / 9:30pm (PST) / 12:30 am(EST)

To become a member, please visit hfuu.org. Donations appreciated, supporting family farms in Hawaii via Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation.