Mālama Kula to host 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala Nov. 6, 2026

After a year of heavy storm cleanup and ongoing work toward fire fuel reduction, disaster relief, and natural resource management, the grassroots nonprofit, Mālama Kula, will host their 2nd Annual “Aloha In Action” Fundraising Gala on Nov. 6, at Ocean Vodka. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available.  

Founded after the 2023 Kula Fire, Mālama Kula has now worked on 338 properties across Kula,  focusing their efforts on immediate relief after natural disasters, removal of hazardous fire fuels from gulches and vulnerable properties, and converting that wood into a natural resource—wood chips—which not only help with soil retention by armoring hillsides against erosion, but also act as a natural sponge for capturing moisture and returning it to the soil. 

To date, Mālama Kula has removed over 4.5 million lbs of downed wood from gulches and properties across Kula, and converted it into wood chips that have collectively captured and returned over 1.1 million gallons of water to the soil. 

In an effort to provide more tools for residents to fire harden their homes, the organization provides satellite green waste drop off sites to minimize travel time to the landfill, offers kupuna curbside green waste pickup for residents over 65 years old, as well as free delivery of wood chips for erosion mitigation and ag use. 

The is all on top of hosting 33 community events per year, from Manaʻo On The Mountain Potlucks, to Kula Kupuna Talk Story events and monthly Community Work Days, in an effort to build a more resilient community by helping people know their neighbors. 

“This past year,” says Executive Director, Kyle Ellison, “the community support has been absolutely critical, as itʻs allowed us to mobilize immediately after a disaster, and keep us in a place of financial health to serve our community in their time of greatest need.” 

You can visit this link for tickets to the event, or for more information on the event or programs, contact Mālama Kula at info@malamakula.org.