Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 3, 1 March 2016 — Waimea Valley financially sustainable [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Waimea Valley financially sustainable

Fo e nā 'ōiwi 'ōlino, na pulapula a Hāloa, mai Hawai'i a Ni'ihau, puni ke ao mālamalama. Richard Pezzulo shares

his update about Hi'ipaka FFC. Celebrating 10 years! "I am happy to report Waimea Valley is doing well and 2015 was another successful year. Thanks to the foresight of the OHA Trustees, under the leadership of then Chair Haunani Apoliona along with Administrator Clyde Namu'o, this very important plaee is preserved in perpetuity and for the last four years has been financially sustainable. In 2006, when OHA acquired Waimea Valley it was uncertain if the

Valley could ever be financially independent, but as of 2012 OHA has not had to provide any operating or CIP funding. The Valley is now financially sustainable. Waimea Valley management and staff must also thank the Hi'ipaka Managers, Dr. Kamana'opono

Crabbe, Fisa Victor and Hawley Iona

along with Mona Bernardino, Hi'ilei Aloha FFC COO for their guidance and support and Waimea Valley's continued success. These individuals are as dedicated and committed to the success of Waimea Valley as the 72 Hi'ipaka FFC employees. Mueh of our success comes from the staff who recognize their work is more than just a job. It is a responsibility to honor all who lived in the Valley before us through stewardship and educating all who visit the Valley about its history, Hawaiian culture and caring for this sacred 'āina. One of Hi'ipaka's priorities is to increase the number of kama'āina who visit and enjoy this very special plaee. We offer a number of ways to make it more affordable such as Fa 'Ohana Day, whieh is on the third Sunday of every month with half price admission for kama'āina ($5 for adults and $2.50 for children and seniors). We just kicked off "Kids Free Wednesday" where children up to the age of 12 enter free with an adult every Wednesday. We offer

half price admission during special events such as our Makahiki celebration and Ke Alohi Hula competition. You ean purchase a family annual pass at

a very reasonable price and we offer group rates for 12 or more adults. There is no reason not to visit Waimea Valley. We have a number of reasonably priced or free special events throughout the year. A sampling of 2016 events include: • Waimea Valley May Day Festival on May 1, 2016. Fei contest and halau performances from 9am to 12 noon followed by a concert at lpm. • 4th Annual Waimea Valley

Summer Concert Series. The June 25th concert will feature Nathan Aweau, Weldon Kekauoha, Maunalua, Maila Gibson & Ben Vegas and Kumu Hula Maelia Fobenstein & Ka Pā Hula O Kauanoe O Wa'ahila, July 30th Kapena, Raiatea Helm, Brother Noland, Mailani

Makainai and Kumu Hula Tracie &

Keawe Fopes & Ka Fa 'Onohi O Ha'eha'e. The series ends on August 27th with the Fim 'Ohana, Mark Yamanaka, Kupaoa, Kawika Kahiapo, Del Beazley and Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan & Hālau Hula Ka Eehua īuahine. • Waimea Valley Moon Walks, Friday and Saturday evenings from April to October. • Kalo and Awa Festival. This workshop brings traditional farmers, researchers, cultural practitioners and others together to share ideas of traditional and current farming techniques and to discuss issues concerning kalo and awa. • The annual Waimea Valley Makahiki celebration includes the Ke'Alohi Hula competition to be held on November 12, 2016. For more information on these events please visit our website at www.waimea valley.net. Mahalo nui for the hard work and dedieahon of our employees and for all of the support we receive from everyone and hope to see you in the Valley soon." 39/48 ■

Haunani Apnlinna, MSW TrustEE, At-largE

Dedication plaque at Waimea Valley. - Photo : Courtesy