KUPA is a non-profit corporation organized exclusively for the educational, charitable, and scientific purposes to preserve and protect the land, water, and other natural resources in South Kona for housing, economic development, cultural, and religious needs.

Our Purpose

At this time we are focusing on two projects. One is a farm project with Bishop Estates that is intended to provide economic opportunities for community families.

The other project is a partnership with the County of Hawai`i Parks and Recreation called “Friends of the Park” which will allow our community to take a bigger role in deciding how the resources and facilities at Ho’okena Beach Park are utilized.  The program will also enable us to improve the safety and security at the park.

Our Dream

The Small Business Community Economic Development Program has submitted a grant to fund a Cultural Center at Ho`okena Beach for KUPA.  Our request for the land to build the center has resulted in a verbal commitment with a letter of support to follow from the County Parks and Recreation.  This Cultural Center will be the anchor for our community.  The Cultural Center will help us to preserve the rich history of Ho`okena and the surrounding ahupua`a.

Provide a base for community functions, i.e., KUPA meetings, visits from schools, churches, and kupuna groups, fundraisers, and other special functions and activities.

The successful completion of this project will establish Ho’okena as an important historical site and enable KUPA to be recognized as a reliable and credible entity through which organizations can channel resources and rely upon for support.

KUPA is committed to improving social, economic, and cultural conditions in our community. It is also our intention to network with other communities and private or public organizations to enhance project goals and build upon what we already have in place.