In 2013 the Mala O Kaluaopalena Community Garden was created as a joint effort between the KKV Roots food program and the Towers at Kuhio Park public housing community. It is located on a small piece of land within the housing area and is very important for KKV programs. There was a temporary structure, but thanks to donations and grants, a permanent shelter structure was built with a Pacific Island look.
On March 17, 2023, a new shade structure in the garden called Hoʻolaʻa Hale Kuʻikahi opened. It's meant to be a place where the community can come together and share resources and stories. The Ehuola ʻohana program played a role in the blessing preparations, contributing to tasks like imu preparation, crafting lei, and making ʻapu for the ʻawa. The formal blessing was an intimate Hawaiian ceremony involving Roots and Hoʻoulu ʻĀina staff, Ehuola youth, and key construction contributors. It included chants, ʻawa sharing, reflections on community, and expressions of gratitude.
After the ceremony, KKV staff, community members, and partner organizations attended a larger public event. Pacific Voices youth performed Micronesian cultural chants, and guests were invited to share their aspirations for Kaluaopalena on sticky notes. A common theme was the desire for Kaluaopalena to be a secure space for building connections.
Tuna Salad Bites
Ingredients (8 bites):
1 can tuna
2 tablespoon mayo
1 tspn lemon juice
1/4 carrot, shredded or finely chopped
1/4 starfruit, finely chopped
1/2 avocado, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced
Directions:
Drain tuna and add to a mixing bowl. To the tuna, add mayo and lemon juice.
Mix until all ingredients are combined. Next, add carrot and starfruit. Gently mix until all ingredients are combined.
Check for seasoning. Add salt and pepper. Add more or lemon or mayo if you like.
Scoop tuna on a slice of cucumber. Top tuna with avocado. Enjoy!