The Kahiau Project Returns this Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching, which means the Kahiau Project is seeking applicants and donations to make this year’s holidays merry and bright for all families on Lanai.

Kahiau means to give generously and lavishly without the expectation of reward. True to its name, the Kahiau Project has been distributing gifts of clothing, new toys and food to families and individuals in need.

“We have been doing the project for 17 years, this will be the 18th year. We want to serve anyone who is truly in need, so I encourage people to fill out an application if they need help,” said Acting Lieutenant Kimberly Masse, project coordinator for Kahiau Project. “I am honored to be able to help our community and I thank all the participants and donors for their generosity each year.”

Now more than ever, the Kahiau Project serves an important purpose in the community. “The program means a lot to me, because this is the time of year that my child can possibly get things they want, that I wouldn’t be able to afford as a single parent,” shared a past Kahiau Project participant.

How do I apply for the Kahiau Project?

Acting Lieutenant Kimberly Masse encourages families and individuals who may need assistance this year to apply.

Two applications are available, one for adult individuals and couples, and another for families with children under age 18. Those with children can also complete a separate wish list for their keiki so donations can be matched appropriately.

Applications can be picked up in the lobby of Lanai Police Station. Please call 808-565-8381 for more info. The deadline to submit your application is October 15^th.

How do I give to the Kahiau Project?

If you’d like to support Lanai families in need, the Kahiau Project welcomes monetary and gift donations.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations will go toward purchasing household items for families, including senior households.

Please make checks payable to “LCA” or “Lanai Community Association” and note Kahiau Project in the memo section of your check.

Checks can be dropped off or mailed to the police station by December 15:
c/o Maui Police Department — Lanai Police Station
P.O. Box 630626
Lanai City, HI 96763

A tax letter will be sent for all monetary donations.

Gift Donations

The Kahiau Project’s angel tree returns this year and ornaments will be ready for pickup at the Lanai Police Station starting on October 31st until they are all taken. We will have the ornaments at the Health Fair on October 29^th. Each ornament provides a wish list from a particular family, and you can choose an ornament to help fulfill a child’s holiday hopes this Christmas.

In addition to the angel tree items, the Kahiau Project is accepting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for older kids as well as Christmas wrapping paper.

Remember, all donated items must be new and unwrapped. Donations are being accepted through December 16th at Lanai Police Station.

Wrapping of Gifts

Wrapping of the gifts this year will be in memory of the late Dale Phillips. She was instrumental rounding up elves each year to help wrap gifts and was a ray of sunshine that will continue to shine bright on all of the lives that she touched.

100 percent of donations go toward Lanai families, so if you’re able, please “kahiau” this holiday season.