Celebrating the People and Places of Our Community
A Man of Many Talents
There are many miles of roads, fencing and landscaping across the lands that Grove Farm maintains and cares for on Kaua‘i. Maintaining vital infrastructure and the terrain is an important part of our kuleana to ensure access, safety and stewardship of natural resources.
Meet Russell Fu, a man of many talents, boundless energy, and a commitment to do what is right. From road maintenance, fencing, and landscape maintenance to “macgyvering” any repair and supporting the setup for events he does it all! Grove Farm is fortunate and grateful to have an upstanding person like Russell helping to manage our 37,000 acres.
In his spare time, Russell also tends a growing herd of sheep, maintains the Kapaia Watershed Preserve, and manages a grove of about 400 ‘ulu trees. He is looking forward to producing a value-added product with his first ‘ulu harvest.
Russell hires and trains young adults who are not afraid of hard work and show a willingness to learn. It’s heartwarming to hear in his words that “the goal is for the kids, the next generation.” Russell’s love for what he does is truly inspiring. Mahalo, Russell, for all that you do for our community and for Grove Farm!
Indigenous and Endemic Plants Thriving on the South Shore
The pristine Māhāʻulepū coastline is a unique environment. Its whipping sea salt winds, blistering sun, and dry season all year long generally make for a difficult place for plants to survive. But actually, many indigenous and endemic species have unique adaptations that allow them to not only survive, but thrive in that setting.
Recently, the Grove Farm team, led by Professor Brian Yamamoto of Kaua‘i Community College, took a walk along the historic Māhāʻulepū coastal trail. Grove Farm lands border the coastline that is open to the public, and our staff was eager to learn about the native plants in the area. Adaptations like water retention, the height they grow to protect themselves from the wind, and leaf colorations to reflect the sun allow these species to be comfortable in this harsh environment.
As we proceeded along the shore, Prof. Yamamoto pointed out plants like hinahina, ʻilima, naupaka kahakai, ‘akoko, and a sedge grass called mauʻu akiʻaki. We even spotted a family of nēnē geese and we saw fossilized land snails in the layers of sediment.
Protecting and preserving places like Māhā‘ulepū is a responsibility shared by all of us in our community.
Funds Raised for Kōloa Elementary School
Grove Farm’s hardworking staff who participated in hosting the “Look Back Through the Sugar Era” tour of Kōloa Mill as part of this year’s Kōloa Plantation Days recently presented Kōloa Elementary School Principal Leila Kobayashi with a check for $1,500. Every year, tour attendees have the option of making a donation with proceeds benefiting Kōloa Elementary School. Grove Farm Company Foundation matched all donations dollar for dollar.
Principal Kobayashi intends to use these funds to cover costs of buses for field trips and other student enrichment activities. Mahalo to all who attended the tour and donated to support student success!