3,000 on Lāna‘i Attend Annual Turkey and Rice Giveaway

November 26, 2019, 4:12 PM HST
* Updated November 26, 4:20 PM

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More than 3,000 Lānaʻi residents attended the 26th annual Lānaʻi Turkey and Rice Giveaway, hosted by the Coon Brothers. Guest of honor, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green also attended, in addition to public servants with Maui’s police and fire departments.

The two-hour event, held on Saturday, Nov. 23, provided more than just a 12 pound turkey and 10 pound bag of rice to each family on the island. Organizers say it also brought connectivity, support and encouragement to isle residents.

Local non-profits and government agencies hosted tables onsite to educate interested Lānaʻi residents on the resources they have available for the community.

“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Jim Coon, who along with his brother Rand, started the annual event more than two decades ago. “The Lānaʻi community is special and the families that make up this community are very dear to us. Hosting this unique island tradition brings us great joy and the chance to show our gratitude and Aloha to each person here.”

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Jim and Randy Coon, of Coon Brothers Inc, started the tradition back in the early 90’s as a way of bringing the Lānaʻi community together and helping out families who might not have the time or resources to purchase a Turkey from Maui.

As the years passed and the tradition grew and several companies from other islands have come together through the years in order to help contribute to the event.

The Maui Hotel and Lodging Association has been partnering with the Coon Brothers and distributing rice to Hawaiʻi’s rural communities since 2009. Additional 2019 event partners included Young Brothers, Mānele General Store, Lānaʻi City Service and Trilogy Excursions.

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