We embarked on the long drive to Kipahulu from Ulupalakua via our two vans. The scenery changed dramatically from dry to wet as we drove around the mountain. Meeting John and Tweetie Lind was certainly a highlight of the trip. They shared their history and showed us how important it is to have commitment to their cause. Living and working within the National Park has its benefits and disadvantages but they are finding a way to make it work. We enjoyed getting out of our city clothes and getting our hands and feet wet at Kapahu lo'i. It was a spiritual experience for many. The evening ended with a most delicious home-grown Hawaiian dinner made by their family. This was a day we will not soon forget.
ALP Alumnus Sumner Erdman, President of Ulupalakua Ranch, hosted us for lunch. Burgers made from locally grown beef (Maui Cattle Co.) were on the menu. Sumner helped us understand that "green" decisions such as reducing use of pesticides and hormones were business decisions; they made sense for the bottom line. He also talked about the importance of knowing your business and not straying from your core. The last stop was the winery, a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
We finally got to see Pomai's place, Ali'i Kula Lavendar (AKL)! We got the 5 star tour from Pomai and her mother, Lani. We also met Ali'i, Lani's business partner who started the farm. The bustling business is based at Ali'i's home. We learned all about the various types of lavendar grown and what you can make from them. We even got to eat and drink lavendar! The last stop of the visit was at the fabulous gift store featuring dozens of things made with lavendar. To ensure that the community of Maui benefits from AKL, Lani arranges for many of their products to be made locally.
The weather cleared beautifully, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely walk through Hugo and Shirley Buetler's farm in Kula. Their business, Upcountry Specialties, features a wide variety of agricultural crops, including persimmons, protea and Monterey pines (Christmas trees). Shirley makes delicious preserves, butters and breads out of the many fruits harvested on their farm and sells them in her outdoor store.
"Agriculture and the Visitor Economy" was the theme for our field trips. Staying at the Old Wailuku Inn was a great first step into this theme. We were impressed with the home town care shown to make each room special, including the dining room where we shared breakfast together.
Due to inclement weather, the alumni dinner was moved from Avery's ranch to the Ag Extension Office at Maui College in Wailuku. The turn-out was great and the food was 'ono and plentiful. Everyone had a great time reminiscing and enjoying the slack key guitar music by alumnus George Kahumoku. Mahalo to Irene and Luisa from Class XII for doing so much of the behind-the-scenes work!
Donna Ching led our group on a great two-day facilitation class for collaborative leaders on November 4 and 5. Everyone had a chance to be a facilitator and recorder, sometimes in some tough (and light-hearted) situations.
