‘Doing our best’: Farm damaged by Lowell gives out free poi

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Many impacted by Hurricane Lowell have been lending their neighbors a helping hand, as they themselves recover from the storm too.

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In Hanalei, Big Nick’s restaurant was giving out free meals days after the storm.

On the island’s west side, thankful passersby were treated to free poi from Aloha Āina Poi Company this week.

“It feels really good just to give back, especially because our impacts are very minimal to what everybody else experienced, so just being able to do our part, it feels really good,” said Tehani Bernhardt of Aloha Āina Poi Company.

The farm did take a hit, though, when the storm ruined their heavy machinery, costing them tens of thousands of dollars.

“That was pretty rough cause that’s the main reason why we have this place, Aloha Aina Poi Company, and to feed people, so that was definitely rough,” Aloha Aina Poi’s Natalie Hurd said.

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Despite the setback, the group still wanted to share its poi with the community, giving out several thousand pounds since the hurricane.

“We’re just focusing on doing our best that we can, in terms of giving back to our communities, not just on the west side but in Kaua‘i in general, so we’re working on just bringing poi to the north shore,” Bernhardt said.

When asked about the community’s response to the giveaway, Hurd replied, “They definitely show their appreciation for us doing this because nobody has to give back anything, but if you can, and if it’s in your community, more so you want to.”

If you would like to offer help to Aloha Āina Poi Company, you can reach them here.

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