Kupu, which means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, has a two-fold mission: to preserve the land while empowering youth. The organization provides hands-on training in conservation, sustainability and environmental education for young adults, with the goal of fostering the next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the kupukupu fern, which is one of the first plants to cultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow.ALOHA is proud to support Kupu’s mission in a number of ways, from our fundraising efforts on Kupus behalf to volunteering time and mentorship. Funds for Kupu will help provide grants, training, coaching, and capacity building for the Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC).
