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Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain.
Thanks for joining us for the Investment issue of Kona Coast City Lifestyle. This is a landmark issue as it marks our second anniversary and the first time our magazine has grown to 56 pages! We have loved serving our readers and clients, and we are excited to continue growing and becoming part of the fabric of your life here on the Kona Coast.
My dad told me once that “Legitimate pleasure always has to be paid for first. Illegitimate pleasure always gets paid for later.” What stellar and life-defining advice has it proven to be. This is what investment is all about. It is a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain. It’s about setting aside the now for what is possible and what is to come. You can invest in finance, your family, your business, and your relationships. You can invest for selfish reasons or for reasons that will live on beyond your life.
One of my favorite spots on the island is the ranger cabins on Mana Road, on the backside of Mauna Kea. Behind the cabins is an old apple and pear orchard planted over a hundred years ago. If you go out there at the right time of year, the trees are full of juicy and delicious fruit.
Someone chose to plant those trees instead of growing a cash crop. As a result, my family and generations of others have enjoyed the fruit of that investment.
We have a packed issue for you, filled with stories of those investing across our community. You will read about a novel way to build wealth with Stadia Financial, James Augustine’s vision for commercial real estate, and how Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union has been helping generations of Big Island families invest in their dreams.
We highlight the hard work of the Hospice of Kona Foundation to invest in grieving families, and a fun way to invest in yourself with the state-of-the-art climbing gym at Kona Cliffs. There’s also a chance for you to invest in the history and legacy of Kona as historic Mokuaikaua Church nears the end of its restoration project.
We invite you to read, enjoy, and be inspired to consider how you might invest not solely in yourself but in the future of those around you.
Warmly,
JOHNNY GILLESPIE, PUBLISHER @KONACOASTMAGAZINE
April 2025
PUBLISHERS
Johnny Gillespie | johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com
Sara Stover, Margaret Kearns, Liz Arnold, Ryan Garrett, Megan Hadley, and Matias Arredondo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fletch Photography, Liam Tattersall, Mel Arredondo, Benji Nuñez, and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Stadia
Mokuaikaua
Easley Wealth Management
You don’t settle for anything less than the best. Neither do we. Quite simply, there’s too much at stake to entrust the management of your wealth to a lack of experience or attention to detail. That’s why our team focuses on you and your financial life, with no tolerance for loose ends. We pride ourselves on providing high due diligence and service regarding your financial future. RaymondJames.com/ EasleyWealthManagement
Photography by Fletch Photography
Shimada Estate Planning
We service Japanese clients for your estate planning, probate, and trust administration needs. We prepare documents with your essential goals: control your property, provide for yourself and your loved ones, and prepare your will while minimizing professional and court fees as much as possible. Our services are geared towards each client’s individual needs. We extend our services for home/hospice/hospital calls in an emergency. ShimadaEP.com.
Trans World Metals
Our goal is to guide you in diversifying your financial portfolio and help you make precious metals bullion one of the cornerstones of its hard asset foundation. We will work with you and provide various purchasing and owning precious metals bullion methods. TransWorldMetalsLTD.com.
Photography by Sergei Starostin
Photography by Shimada Estate Planning
Stadia Financial’s team invests in building long-lasting relationships, diversifying financial portfolios and caring for their clients’ wealth management needs.
Stadia Financial Offers Individual, Community Support
ARTICLE BY MEGAN HADLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY
Stadia Financial is all about people.
“It’s what we do,” says Brett Kennelly, Founder and Managing Director of Stadia Financial. “Protecting our client’s capital and helping to make it grow, coupled with exceptional customer service, is our front and center mission. We want to be there for our clients so they can focus on doing what they enjoy.”
Stadia Financial provides wealth management services to individuals from all different backgrounds. Services go beyond investments to include asset management, retirement planning, estate planning, and tax strategies. The goal is to protect and grow clients’ wealth while reducing portfolio volatility.
At Stadia Financial, clients have access to a team of individuals — including Certified Financial Planners, CPA’s, MGA’s, professors of finance and economics, and others — to create a financial plan that matches their needs, dreams and evolving life goals.
Stadia Financial is Kennelly’s response to clients and the community's needs. “What we saw was, our clients had more money than they wanted in one type of investment, so we opened up Stadia Financial to take a more well-rounded approach to financial planning. Serving our clients and taking care of all their financial heavy lifting so they can focus on their careers, families and hobbies is what we live, breathe and eat."
While this firm is currently exclusive to Hawai’i, the company services individuals worldwide, with clients in California, Chicago and Massachusetts. Founded in 2023, the idea for hands-on wealth management began long ago.
“It started when my uncle died, and my aunt became a widow,” explains Kennelly, who has lived in Hawai’i for over 30 years. “Before my uncle passed, he asked me to manage my aunt's portfolio. That triggered CONTINUED >
“Many of our clients don’t want to work with some bigger finance companies and talk to someone on the East Coast.”
what became the core foundation for the company. When my dad passed away, I took care of my mom's portfolio as well. Managing their finances — these two widows — put the focus on what most older individuals need: Capital Preservation, reliable monthly income, and low or no fees.”
When clients walk through the door, they can expect to be greeted with care and respect. “It’s about treating others how you would want to be treated,” Kennelly continues.
For Kari Clark, COO and Investment Advisor Representative at Stadia Financial, business is about embodying the spirit of aloha. Born and raised on the Big Island, Clark believes in becoming part of the community to meet people, understand the economic impacts of living in Hawai’i and develop a sense of ‘ohana (family).
“We want people to know we understand them,” Clark says. “Many of our clients don’t want to work with some bigger finance companies and talk to someone on the East Coast. They want someone they can meet with face to face and work through any fears or concerns they may have.”
Clark notes that having family values and integrity makes Stadia Financial shine. “I have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and I took a sabbatical because so many financial companies were focused on pushing sales and commission, and this was not how I wanted my practice to be. I want to take care of people, and that is why I joined Stadia Financial.”
“My belief is that if you listen to people, understand them, and show you care, they will want your help in making financial decisions. I came on board with Stadia because of
CONTINUED >
“My belief is that if you listen to people, understand them, and show you care, they will want your help in making financial decisions.”
Looking ahead, the company hopes to bring educational seminars into the community and schools.
“We are working on two educational seminar tracks. On Hawai'i Island, we will launch a seminar titled ‘Women & Investing,’ hopefully targeting a date in the first half of the year. During 2025, we hope to have several seminars targeting different age groups, as each one of them has different needs and questions. We will also launch an educational 2-day series on O’ahu towards the middle or end of April,” Clark notes.
Brett’s philosophy of putting the needs of clients first and treating them with aloha.”
Now, Clark is a mother and grandmother on the Big Island and looks to educate youth in Hawai’i about the importance of setting financial goals and strategies. For example, at the STEM Fest last December, Clark and Stadia Financial met with the Hawai’i Island Girl Scouts — ages 6-15 — to discuss financial planning, savings, and the power of earning interest. “I was pleasantly surprised! Everyone there was eager to learn, and they knew a lot about how to start saving money.”
Stadia Financial supports local organizations such as the Hawaii Prayer Breakfast, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of North Hawai’i, Kahilu Theatre, North Hawaii Hospice and Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation.
This company also sponsors World Vision’s Global Water Fund, which is working to provide access to clean drinking water for children and their families. They also support Women’s Economic Empowerment, a new fund that supports the economic advancement of women in countries around the world. Stadia Financial donates to World Vision with every new client.
StadiaFinancial.com.
Rooted in Trust, Committed
“HULA DOESN’T JUST HEAL THE BODY— IT HEALS THE HEART AND SOUL.”
—Chrissy Kama Henriques, Founder & Kumu Hula of Halau E Hulali Mai I Ka La and HCFCU Member
“The incredible support and aloha HCFCU shows our community is what I enjoy most.
Programs like student Deposit Days and student tellers demon strate a genuine commitment to investing in our future and building a stronger, more connected community.”
At Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, we're proud to support community builders like Kumu Chrissy Kama Henriques. With her determination, drive and dedication to perpetuating Hula, Kumu Chrissy inspires us, and our continued commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.
To read Kumu Chrissy's full story, scan the QR code and click on “January 2025” Newsletter
Kumu Chrissy (bottom row, second from right) with the adult students at a 2024 performance during the Merrie Monarch Festival.
FUTURE-FORWARD FINANCE
Building on the past to invest in the
ARTICLE BY RYAN GARRETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY
In the ever-evolving world of finance and investing, sometimes things really do come full circle. That has been the revelation for Tricia Buskirk, President and CEO of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, through several decades in financial services.
future of Hawai’i Island.
Once the keiki learn, they go back home and say,
‘Today is deposit day at the credit union!’
“I was a student credit union secretary when I was in high school,” Tricia says during a recent conversation at Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Kaloko branch. “Back then, it was a little different. We had a little cash can, and the very friendly ladies from the credit union would come every day to pick up the cash can and take it to the credit union for the deposits.”
The credit union was the first one in Hawai'i to sponsor student credit unions. And those ladies were an early inspiration for how a credit union could positively affect its community.
Today, the focus on the community is paramount for Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union. The credit union manages Youth Deposit Days at schools around Hawai'i Island, providing many keiki their first opportunity to develop financial awareness.
“Sometimes the youth don’t have that foundation of learning how to save and budget,” says Nellie Medeiros , Corporate Development & Marketing Manager at Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union.
Keiki who participate in the Youth Deposit Days are naturally encouraged to be responsible with their finances. After all, they must not only save any money they collect but also put in the effort to bring their cash and coins to school and make their deposits.
Many of the keiki take it to the next level. Some recycle to collect cash. Others save coins from around the house for deposit day. One girl was so excited about the opportunity to stock away cash in her savings account that she began raising chickens and selling organic eggs, putting her earnings into her account on deposit days.
Bottom: HFCU’s first building (1947-1955).
“She even had a business card,” Tricia laughs.
The youth accounts come with lower minimums — only $5 — than typical personal accounts.
“We wanted to make it affordable,” Nellie says.
The program also pays dividends for adults in the house who may not have developed good financial habits yet.
“Once the keiki learn, they go back home and say, ‘Today is deposit day at the credit union!’” Nellie says.
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s roots run deep in the county. It was initially founded as the Kona Farmer's Federal Credit Union in 1936 by ten struggling coffee farmers who were denied loans and other financial services during the Great Depression. Starting the credit union in a single room, the farmers wanted to take out loans before the growing season and pay them back after harvesting and selling their crops.
It opened to the general public in 1939 as the Kona Community Federal Credit Union. In 1982, the credit union merged with Kohala Federal Credit Union. Then, in 1991, the credit union became Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union. The focus has always been on the people.
“As Nellie likes to say, ‘community’ is our middle name,” Tricia says.
The credit union sponsors financial literacy programs and events at local schools. Their financial reality fairs are particularly popular with high school seniors about to assume more responsibility for their finances. The credit union provides a number of scholarships to high school seniors and students already in college. And it partners with the organization Banzai to provide free online finance courses for school teachers looking to expand their students’ financial literacy.
“Normally, you have a CEO who will say, ‘What’s the ROI on this?’” Tricia says. “The investment is in
The investment is in the children. That’s our future. And the more knowledge that they get, you have a much healthier community with people more educated about their finances.
the children. That's our future. And the more knowledge that they get, you have a much healthier community with people more educated about their finances.”
For adults who need to jumpstart their savings, the credit union offers “budget” certificates that require a lower initial deposit than most certificates of deposit while still offering greater rates of return. The credit union partners with several organizations to help local individuals and families interested in purchasing homes or getting started with other types of investing.
For those unfamiliar with the difference between traditional banks and credit unions,
the latter are not for profit — even the board of directors is composed of volunteers. Rather, credit unions invest what would otherwise be profits in providing better rates and services and acting as stewards of their communities.
“The credit union has weathered all the changes,” Nellie says. “We haven’t changed who we are.”
Credit unions themselves form a community, working together across regions and state lines to empower their members financially.
“We all have the same vision,” Tricia says. “People before profits. People helping people.”
HICommFCU.com.
EXPLORE THE NEW CREATIVE CUISINE AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI.
Fresh Island Flavors
ARTICLE BY LIZ ARNOLD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI
The first and only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes FiveStar Resort on Hawai'i Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, debuts two fine-dining experiences. The reimagined 'Ulu restaurant, nestled next to the ocean’s edge, presents both an aesthetic and menu transformation, and the new NOIO, located on the second floor, is a sushi lounge and omakase Japanese restaurant.
Celebrate Hawai’i's local bounty, helmed by Executive Chef Richard Polhemus. Chef Polhemus brings decades of industry expertise and countless hours visiting local farms to learn from the Hawaiian culinary community.
The gastronomy experience will continue to emphasize Big Island ingredients — 75 percent of the kitchen’s ingredients are sourced from the island, tapping more than 160 local farms — ensuring the freshest and most sustainable options, while investing in the local culture and heritage.
“After several months of enhancements made to 'Ulu restaurant’s space, I am thrilled to reopen our doors,” Executive Chef Richard Polheumus shares.
“The design enhancements were created with the guest experience in mind, from the moment they step through the doors to the first bite of our reimagined menu. My team and I have strengthened our commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, allowing us to create a truly hyper-local experience that reflects the spirit and flavors of our community in every dish.”
Spanning the entire first floor, 'Ulu showcases a newly designed space that embodies the natural, calming aesthetic that it’s been known for, with added modern fixtures and furnishings to blend in with the Hawaiian architecture. Additional well-placed lounge seating invites guests to be captivated by the oceanfront surroundings, enhancing the seasonings and scents of Hawai'i.
The refashioned restaurant now offers a menu creatively curated by Chef de Cuisine Chris Danskey, which includes crudo and sashimi, with fish sourced locally or flown in fresh from Japan. The menu will celebrate a variety of preparations, such as oven roasting, flame grilling, and wok firing while integrating the Hawaiian essence with pan-Asian techniques.
In the new NOIO restaurant, guests will enjoy a nightly menu featuring a sea-driven culinary experience. The crown jewel is a seven-course omakase sushi feast crafted by rising Sushi Chef Nuri Piccio. This includes a welcome Dobin Mushi, followed by Otsumami, Chawanmushi, a bi-weekly selection of rare game, chef’s sushi omakase, Wagashi and concluding with a traditional tea service.
“Seafood is integral to Hawaiian culture, representing not just nourishment but a deep connection to the ocean,” explains Chef Piccio. “At NOIO, I’m eager to introduce this innovative sushi and cultural experience, highlighting the freshest fish available to our guests, emboldened through authentic Japanese flavors and meticulous techniques.”
'Ulu and NOIO present an unforgettable inventive ocean-to-table dining, investing in locals to ensure the freshest, most authentic culinary delights. Savor the scrumptious food and the spectacular views at either location, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, teeming with life under the vibrant, colorful sky.
Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Charlie Parker, says about the resort’s two new fine-dining options, “This marks a significant step in our continued commitment to delivering world-class culinary experiences for all guests, residents and visitors of the Big Island.”
Learn more at FourSeasonsResortHualalai.com.
A Better Way to Care for Your Family
Investing
ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIAM TATTERSALL
Hospice of Kona provides endof-life care, focusing on comfort, compassion and patient dignity.
In Moments
The concept of hospice whole-person palliative care was conceived and championed by Dame Cicely Saunders, a United Kingdom physician, in the mid-20th century. It made its way across the Atlantic to the U.S. mainland in the early 1970s and grew quickly in popularity, offering terminally ill patients an alternative to aggressive curative medical treatments.
With nearly 8,000 hospice and palliative care organizations operating throughout the country today, 14 serve the state of Hawai‘i, including three non-profit groups on Hawai‘i Island: Hospice of Kona in Kailua-Kona, Hospice of North Hawai‘i in Kamuela and the Hilo-based Hawai‘i Care Choices — formerly Hospice
of Hilo. All are committed to creating a safe, caring environment where patients’ symptoms can be relieved comfortably, improving quality of life and preserving dignity during one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Patients diagnosed with six months or less to live are eligible for hospice, with all medical expenses covered by Medicare, Medicaid and nearly all private insurance providers with few exceptions.
Laura Varney, Hospice of Kona CEO since 2006, says she and her professional team, together with tireless volunteers, take a wholistic, family-centered approach to the care of each patient, addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs as well as that of their loved ones.
“We share the primary goal of all hospice groups — ensuring that every moment counts in the final days of life. We embrace the reality that when a cure is not possible, end of life can still be filled with love and comfort,” Laura says.
However, Hospice of Kona is the only one in the state to operate two boutique thrift stores. Memory Lane, centrally located in KailuaKona, opened in 2010 as a center for giving, sharing and volunteering.
“Requests to donate belongings from so many in our community — clothing, houseware, jewelry and vintage items — became so overwhelming that we finally said yes,” Laura says. “The name reflects what donors are giving us. Not just things, they are treasures, they are memories.”
Mary Villaverde, who joined Hospice of Kona in 2008, has managed Memory Lane since day one. A gracious host who loves engaging with people, it’s her aloha that has made it such a special place, according to Laura.
“WE SHARE THE PRIMARY GOAL OF ALL HOSPICE GROUPS
—
ENSURING THAT EVERY MOMENT COUNTS IN THE FINAL DAYS OF LIFE. WE EMBRACE THE REALITY THAT WHEN A CURE IS NOT POSSIBLE, END OF LIFE CAN STILL BE FILLED WITH LOVE AND COMFORT.”
“This store is what it is because of Mary — her warm hospitality makes it much more than a place to shop. It’s become a gathering place for regulars coming here for years. Many refer to Mary as ‘The Queen of Memory Lane,’” Laura says.
Before joining Hospice of Kona, Mary spent 55 years working in the Kona hotel industry, honing her creative skills and executing special events. Today, these skills are displayed by attractive merchandising at Memory Lane and fundraisers, according to Laura.
“Mary has a knack for making everything pretty. All year long, she collects the most unique items donated to the store and uses them to create centerpieces for our fundraising event in December — The Royal Holiday Tea. It’s one of two annual fundraisers, the other being our Casino Night Gala in May,” Laura says. “Proceeds from the events and cash donations from individuals and businesses throughout the year help fund patient expenses not covered by insurance.”
“They make it possible for us to provide so much more to patients and their families — badly needed groceries, medicine, equipment, home deliveries, transportation and more,” Laura says.
The second store, Memory Lane Too, was opened in 2021. Occupying 8,000 square feet of warehouse space in Kona’s Honokōhau Industrial Park, it showcases larger donated items — indoor and outdoor furniture, appliances, artwork and more. Medical equipment loaned to patients, such as hospital beds, oxygen tanks and wheelchairs, are also stored at the location.
Store revenues generate $450,000 annually with proceeds funding Hospice of Kona’s Nakamaru Hale, a five-bed residential home opened in 2012 on a peaceful coffee plantation in Holualoa, according to Laura.
Kona resident Leo Bonamy joined Hospice of Kona in 2013, serving as a volunteer at Nakamaru Hale. He has been a member of the board Since 2019, “I started at the Hale, helping with breakfast on Sunday mornings. I absolutely loved it! Occasionally, I would take patients who were well enough on outings — shopping or whatever. It was a fun and rewarding time for me,” he says.
“I always wanted to do some sort of community service, so when I became gratefully retired, living on this beautiful island I had the chance to do that. A friend told me about Hospice of Kona and introduced me to Laura and team. I admire them all – they are some of the most hardworking people I have ever met,” Leo says. “Of course, I respect everything this organization does for our community, volunteering with them was an easy choice,” he adds.
Learn how to support at HospiceOfKona.org.
At The Finish Line
Mokuaikaua Church, the first church in the Hawaiian Islands, races to complete its renovation.
We are often unaware of those who walked this ground before us. Yet, history exists in every stone, grain of sand and wave of this land. It’s up to us how we preserve and contribute to Hawai’i’s legacy.
At the beginning of the 1800s, Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia — sometimes referred to as Obookiah —, a teen from Ka’u, lost his parents and younger brother to enemy invaders. Though his life was spared, he had to live in captivity until his priest uncle rescued him. The following years, Henry was instructed in the priesthood customs of the Kapu System. Yet, he longed for more than rituals and routine.
In 1809, he and his friend, Thomas Hopu — or Hopoo —, boarded an American ship anchored at Kealakekua Bay and eventually made their way to New Haven, Conneticut. There, Opukahaia was a student at the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, where he learned English and fell in love with the Christian faith.
It was Henry who actually translated Genesis, the first book of the Bible, into Hawaiian using the new alphabet developed by Elisha Loomis, another missionary from NY. Henry longed to share his knowledge of the Bible with his people, but he was struck with typhus at age 26 and died before he could fulfill that wish. Yet, Henry’s passion
ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL ARREDONDO
didn’t die with him. It inspired his instructors and other young theology students and ministers, who embarked on a journey from Boston, Massachusetts, toward Hawai’i, a year later. Little did they know that a cultural shift had begun in the Kingdom of Hawai’i at that same hour.
In 1819, King Kamehameha II succeeded his father on the throne, and Queen Ka’ahumanu ruled beside him as a co-regent. The queen, embracing the Christian values of equality she had heard from foreigners, persuaded King Kamehameha II to abolish the Kapu System, ending centuries of regulations that guided Hawaiians’ everyday life. As a result, women could now eat together with men, have the same food — like bananas, coconuts and pork — and even build houses and canoes. But though freedom had come, a spiritual void was left in people’s hearts, one that could only be filled by words from one of his own.
While this happened in the Hawaiian archipelago, the missionaries, including three Hawaiian natives, sailed from Boston. The crew of the Brig Thaddeus endured a 163-daylong journey to request an audience with King Kamehameha II and Queen Ka’ahumanu. Their desire was fulfilled when, on April 4th, 1820, the missionaries met the monarchs and Thomas Hopoo, speaking in Hawaiian, asked permission to build churches and schools on the islands.
Eight days later, King Kamehameha II granted that request and donated part of the royal lands for the church. As for the school, the Hawaiian king was captivated by learning how to convert the oral language to a written language. With the help of Elisha Loomis, who had brought a press to the islands, they pursued the vision
for every Hawaiian to become literate, which would become the Kamehameha schools. The rapid progress of this missionary effort resulted in 80 percent of the population being able to read within the next three decades.
Not all change was smooth, though. While a group of the missionaries traveled to O’ahu, the wooden church in Kona was burned down. Flames engulfed the grass-thatched roof and reduced it to ashes within minutes. Seeking something more permanent, Queen Ka’ahumanu’s youngest brother, Governor Kuakini, began constructing a lasting structure. He gathered 1,500 Hawaiians to cut ʻōhiʻa trees from the Mokuaikaua Forest by Hōlualoa. They carried the timber to the ocean and let it cure for a year before building started.
The Hawaiians crushed and melted coral to use as traditional mortar, and brought lava rock to build the walls of the new gathering place. By 1837, in just under two years of work, the group of missionaries in O’ahu returned to the Big Island to find a new church building. That same structure on Ali’i Drive has been used to this day, making Mokuaikaua Church the first and longest-running church in the state.
The structure built by the Hawaiians remained unshakable through the years until 2006, when an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 shook the Big Island, causing severe damage. After 169 years, Mokuaikaua Church’s south wall cracked. However, this didn’t stop the congregation’s promise made years ago to King Kamehameha II and Queen Ka’ahumanu to share the Gospel, and the church kept operating for another six years.
Unfortunately, in 2012, Pastor David de Carvalho, Mokuaikaua Church’s 31st pastor, learned time had taken its toll. After several assessments, a structural engineer looked at the building and concluded the issue was a combination of termites, earthquake damage and rotten wood.
“‘You are a storm or earthquake away from collapse,’ the structural engineer said. So, I came to the congregation and asked, ‘Are we gonna take this and complete the work?’ We prayed, had a vote and decided to go forward,” says Pastor David.
With the aid of different private donors and organizations, Mokuaikaua Church raised over 5 million dollars. This helped remodel the entire roof, replace the rotten timber and add a new layer of plywood. The original roof previously sat loosely on top of the building, so the new one was adequately attached to the walls with custom brackets.
The second phase strengthened the walls and the mezzanine, reinforced the steeple, and redid parts of the crumbling foundations and the electrical wiring. But then the
pandemic hit, pausing all the work. When remodeling could proceed, it took almost two years for an electrical inspector to visit the church. His assessment added new elements to the project, forcing them to redo much of the work.
Still, through it all, they continued to be a cornerstone of our Kona community, hosting pastors from other churches on the island, holding a Live Nativity during the Christmas season, and still operating their 10 AM Sunday service.
“Every Sunday after the service, people meet outside the sanctuary to get a short tour and see the progress of the construction,” says Aaron Barker, Associate Pastor and Worship Leader. This is just one of the things Mokuaikaua Church does to help bring community awareness to the preservation of this historic site. “They learn about the history of Hawai’i, the missionaries’ arrival, and
Christianity through the last 205 years, but the desire as we reopen is to have tours every day.”
Under the current working permit the Department of Public Works issued, Mokuaikaua Church must complete its remodeling by June 2025. All that prevents getting this piece of history across the finish line is $371K. With that amount, the legacy of King Kamehameha II, Queen Ka’humanu and Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia, who saw a more hopeful future for their homeland, will be preserved for future generations.
If you would like to be a part of making this happen, donate at Mokuaikaua.com/easy-online-giving, or you can send checks to Mokuaikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali’i Drive, KailuaKona, HI, 96740. For any questions, email office@mokuaikaua.com or call (808)329-1589.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
INDOOR PLANT GUIDE
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
SNAKE PLANT:
This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not
wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.
ANTHURIUM:
Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.
HOPE PEPEROMIA:
This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.”
DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:
This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.
ZZ PLANT:
The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only
need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.
YOUR Climbing Gym
KONA CLIFFS, WHERE EMERGING AND VETERAN ATHLETES TRAIN TOGETHER AT THE HEART OF KONA.
ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL ARREDONDO
We can live to work or work to live, but sooner or later, we should realize that investing in your hobbies makes life worth living. Nym Raske, founder of Kona Cliffs, knows this well.
Portland-born Nym moved to the Big Island with his mom at age 15 and attended Hawai'i Preparatory Academy. “I consider Kona my other hometown in many ways,” he says. After graduating high school, he studied Economics at the University of California and got his MBA from Wharton School in San Francisco. Then, one day, a friend took him to a climbing gym.
“I'd never been exposed to it before, but I fell in love with it immediately,” Nym remembers.
He began frequenting the climbing gym every week, but then the Pandemic hit. Although exercising was an emotional outlet amidst the uncertainty, the social distancing restrictions in San Francisco kept him from enjoying the sport like he used to.
“Once Hawai’i took away the quarantine it had in place, I realized if I could come home here, life would be much better,” Nym remembers.
He made it back to Hawai’i, yet the one thing missing in Nym’s life was a place to rock climb. Finding adequate outdoor spots on the Big Island required driving long distances, knowing the landscape well, and using proper safety equipment. Thus, most people couldn’t practice it.
“I needed to create something instead,” recalls Nym. “I wanted this to exist but didn't know whether it was a good business. Maybe it didn't exist for a reason, or people here hated climbing. But it seemed like no one had ever tried hard to make it happen.”
He searched for a place in the heart of Kona and landed on Brew Block. Nym knew he wanted to offer the best to the community with the most suitable materials and design possible. So he ordered custom-made climbing walls.
CONTINUED >
Since Kona Cliffs opened, sports enthusiasts have enjoyed indoor rock climbing, building a strong community that gathers every week, whether it rains or shines. The staff team is so welcoming that no matter if you try this activity for the first time or have practiced it for decades, you’ll fit right in. “A couple of youths who only started climbing with us about a year ago are already doing experienced climbs that some adults can't even do,” says Nym.
Nym shares that this is one of the sports where women and men can truly compete at parity. It’s not about who is the strongest or the tallest. The winner can be the lighter one, the more agile, flexible one, or the one with smaller hands.
There are also many sports where amateurs can’t play with more experienced friends. One side will always be behind, while the other has to dumb down their game. Rock climbing is not like that. People can quickly catch up to others, depending on their body type and how they engage with it. If this is your concern, set it aside and try it.
Among its other benefits, rock climbing also has a lower impact than other physical activities. It engages most of the body simultaneously while also being a highly mental sport where you must focus on each unique climb's puzzle. However, adults and teens
are not the only ones who can enjoy it. Perhaps the most crucial benefit is affirming a keiki’s identity.
“Though team sports are vital for a child’s development, not every keiki wants to or can compete on a team basis. Kona Cliffs allows them to be a part of a supportive group and excel individually without worrying about the team dynamics,” says Johnny Moore, who has been involved with youth sports at the high school level and through the Parks and Recreation Department for over two decades. This aspect of the sport boosts the child's self-esteem and helps them build confidence and interpersonal relationships. When this happens, often the parents get involved as well, uniting the whole ‘ohana.
Kona Cliffs' next step to making this sport even more accessible is to partner with local high schools and PE programs. Nym dreams about forming leagues and hosting competitions at the high school, junior high, and intermediate levels. “It's a small start that will grow and benefit the local community,” he shares.
When not at Kona Cliffs, Nym works as the CFO for a charity. Yet, he enjoys jumping into the ocean daily, doing yoga, and catching the sunset. “These are nice little pleasures of living in Kona that never get old,” he says.
Learn more at KonaCliffs.com.
2025 Kona Coast Business Conference
Join the movement, create ripples.
What happens when Hawai‘i Island’s most forward-thinking business leaders gather in one room? At the Kona Coast Leadership Summit, local entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators share strategies, overcome challenges, and strengthen our business community. Hosted at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai on Friday, June 13, 2025, this event is designed to drive meaningful conversations and action.
Through Kona Coast Magazine, Johnny Gillespie and I have interviewed hundreds of local business owners, hearing their challenges and triumphs. Soon after starting the publication, it became clear that our role extends beyond publishing — we’re here to serve the community in more profound ways.
Running a business in Hawai‘i has its unique nuances. Entrepreneurs strive to honor the past while driving innovation. Yet, challenges like employee retention, keeping local dollars in the economy, and creating opportunities for the next generation persist.
We’ve learned that investing in the local community is ultimately the best long-term strategy. Though it may impact short-term profits, reinvesting
on the Big Island fosters a stronger, more sustainable economy. Many of us wonder how our keiki will afford homes here. One answer is to build robust local businesses that keep resources in the region instead of outsourcing them elsewhere.
We hope this summit inspires you on your business journey. When young people see local entrepreneurs succeed, it fuels their drive to do the same.
The impact doesn’t end when the event is over. We are expanding with half-day programs, networking meetups, and more year-round opportunities to connect. We aim to bring the same high-value experience that corporate conferences offer — right here, where you live.
Hawai‘i’s future depends on strong, local businesses that uplift our economy. By keeping more dollars here, investing in local talent, and fostering collaboration, we can create lasting opportunities for future generations.
Sign up for the next Kona Coast Business Conference at KonaCoastCityLifestyle.com/Summit
Taylor Stutts, Publisher.
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR STUTTS |
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENJI NUÑEZ
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