A few weeks ago, Waipā Foundation came together with kupuna (elders) and haumana (students), representatives of Kamehameha Schools, the County of Kaua’i and others to celebrate the completion of a new community asset, the Waipā Multipurpose Building.

Constructed by Kamehameha Schools for use by Waipā Foundation and the communities we serve, the building will be used for meetings and gatherings, for learning opportunities and for other activities that occur within the ahupua’a of Waipā.

Blessing our new Multipurpose Building provided an opportunity for us all to look back as well as look forward, and for that we are grateful.

Speaking during the ceremony, founding kupuna uncle David Sproat and uncle Sam Mahuiki (Waipa board president) reflected on Waipā‘s beginnings and growth. Framed acknowledgements of the importance of our community’s efforts were presented by County of Kaua’i Mayor Bernard Carvalho and Representative Derek Kawakami. We look forward to sharing those kind words on the walls of the new building very soon.

Haumana from Kanuikapono and Akamai Learning offered beautiful oli (chants) as part of the blessing ceremony which was led by Kahu Mokihana Powers. Sharing their reflections about Waipa’s work and the potential paths ahead, Neil Hannahs (Kamehameha Schools) and uncle Charlie Spencer (kupuna) reminded the haumana that their efforts would also be required in the years to come.

The community has been gathering at Waipa for over 30 years, and for the last 20 years, the Waipā Foundation has been working to implement the community’s vision for the ahupua’a. While there is still much to do, Executive Director Stacy Sproat-Beck expressed gratitude that so many hands are working toward a thriving Waipā ahupua’a where folks are connected with the ‘aina, and with each other.

The Multipurpose Building is the first building of the Waipa Community Complex which will eventually include a certified community kitchen and poi mill, a hale imu and an administration building. We are currently wrapping up a capital campaign and expect the kitchen and poi mill will be available for community use in about a year. To find out more about how these new facilities will also support farmers and north shore youth, visit our local food page.

The multipurpose building is now available for use by the communities we serve for meetings, classes and other opportunities that bring folks together. Those interested in finding out more about fees and availability can call Waipa’s office at 826.9969 or email us at waipaonline@waipafoundation.org.

Pictured, L-R: Sam Mahuiki, Neil Hannahs, David & Linda Sproat, Kahu Mokihana Powers, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Stacy Sproat-Beck, Representative Derek Kawakami, and George Costa.