Grant writers & land stewards needed
Aloha Malu ‘Aina friends,
While we haven’t given up on cost/share funding to acquire the ll.l adjacent acres of prime ag land through the State Legacy Lands program, the state budget situation doesn’t look promising for funding. Thus we would like to explore private funding sources. Our Malu ‘Aina supporters have already pledged $70,000 toward the purchase price of $250,000. The present owner, David Fukumoto, is willing to split all closing costs as part of a donation. That still leaves us about $l80,000 — $l90,000 short.
l. Can you help with grant writing ideas and/or with suggestions of possible grant writers to assist us in this effort?
Our Legacy Lands Application is available on the web at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp so a grant writer doesn’t have to start from scratch.
2. Another matter of concern is finding younger people to carry on the work. We need a key person or two as konohiki to shepherd this effort to involve others in growing and training grassroots people in organic food growing. I see my role to help secure the adjacent land and as a mentor to the next generation of Malu ‘Aina farmer/activists. But we need younger people to carry this forward as stewards of the land and as Board members of our non-profit organization. Please send any young people to visit Malu ‘Aina who may be interested in carrying the torch.
Mahalo for any help you can provide on the above two points. Your passion and commitment to the ‘aina and future generations is much appreciated.
Jim Albertini 808-966-7622 or email ja@interpac.net
