ʻO Makuʻu Ke Kahua
Community Center
About Us:
ʻOMKKCC ( a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Puna, Hawaiʻi) was recently developed in 2019 to continue the mission approved and set forth by the founders of Makuʻu Farmers Association in 1997.
"To promote and perpetuate Native Hawaiian values and traditions, to provide educational and employment opportunities while also developing small businesses. To become self-sufficient as established by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920."
Executive board members were born and raised in Hawai`i, immersed in Hawaiian culture and share the same desire to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture in our communities.
Our Executive Officers
Lauae Kekahuna
Born and raised in Hawai`i. Lauae attended Pahoa Elementary, and graduated from Pahoa High & Inter. School. She then went on to collect her bachelors in Hawaiian studies from University of Hawaii at Hilo. Lauae has extensive experience in human resource management, accounting, business management, farming and farm management along with other many skills and talents that she gained running the Maku`u Farmers Market. With her knowledge of Hawaiian culture and modern day advancements she is able to curate diverse programs ranging from self sustainability farming to computer classes which are appealing to those of all ages.
Paula Kekahuna
Born on the Island of Oahu, Paula met the love of her life and relocated to the Big Island of Hawai`i in 1983. In 1997 she was nominated and became the president of Maku`u Farmers Association. During her time as president she has proposed and completed countless projects that the MFA community as well as its surrounding communities have benefitted from. Among those projects, a farmers market (Maku`u Farmers Market) which provides farmers a platform to sell their produce. In turn, consumers put money back into locally sourced foods. Her ultimate goal is to have an operable self sustaining community.
Pualeilani Fernandez
Pualeilani is a graduate of Kaua`i High School. After high school she received her PHD from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After moving to Hawai`i Island with her family, she later became a member of the Maku`u Farmers Association and has been an active member for more than 10 years. She is currently a social studies teacher at Hilo Intermediate School.
Hidi Boteilho
Born and raised in Puna, Hawai`i, Hidi attended Pahoa Elementary and graduated from Pahoa High & Intermediate School. She obtained her BA in teaching from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and became a teacher at Keonepoko Elementary. She earned her Masters and is currently the VP of Keonepoko Elementary school. Hidi has been a member of Maku`u Farmers Association since 1986.