Kahiau Project Makes Holidays Merry and Bright on Lanai

Many Lanai residents took the holiday spirit to heart this past year by giving back to families in need through the Kahiau Project.

Kahiau means to give generously and lavishly without the expectation of anything in return. For the 14th year, the Maui Police Department – Lanai has organized the Kahiau Project to ensure all families on Lanai have a reason to celebrate on Christmas Day.

Generous gift giving

The Kahiau Project serves residents of all ages on Lanai, from keiki to kupuna. Families with or without children, couples and individuals in need can benefit.

Starting in October, project organizer Sgt. Kimberly Masse of the Maui Police Department and her team began collecting anonymous contributions of cash, toys, non-perishable foods, clothes and personal hygiene products. They also collected wish lists and applications for Kahiau Project recipients.

On Christmas Day, the Kahiau Project distributed the donations to beneficiaries, who also remained anonymous. This year, 46 families and 127 children received gifts, toys and other goodies. The project also handed out 24 special bags of clothes and personal hygiene products.

Community donations

In addition to families and individuals, the Kahiau Project strives to support organizations like Lanai Senior Center and Lanai Community Hospital.

With the number of monetary donations received this year, the project was able to donate ferry tickets to kupuna served by Lanai Senior Center, and provided bibs and $400 to buy gifts for Lanai Community Hospital’s patients.

Thanks to Lanai residents, the Kahiau Project enjoyed another successful year. Cheers to those who practiced the kahiau spirit and gave generously to their friends and neighbors in need!