Who We Are

Kamakani 'O Kohala Ohana, Inc. is a federally registered 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization. KAKO'O, which traces its origins to a small group of community advocates successfully contesting the imposition of a polluting power plant in October 1995, now acts primarily as a community watchdog and information broker for North Kohala. We focus on resource preservation, "smart growth" and community self-determination.

Our mission is focused on maintaining the region's rural quality of life. We work to preserve resources and to protect the natural environment from over-development. The ultimate goal is to maintain the very qualities and character that make this a precious part of the Island of Hawai'i.

In Hawaiian, kako'o means "something to lean on for a while." Ideally, KAKO'O will be just one of many proactive, positive voices in carrying this community into the new millennium. With mutual honor and respect and shared sense of purpose, we will succeed. Future generations will indeed be grateful we were able to preserve the charm and beauty of this unique place.

Statement Of Purpose

To foster the instruction in, development, distribution and implementation of techniques, skills and systems that will empower our North Kohala Community to manage its resources and affairs in a self-determined, sustainable and responsive manner.

To conduct scientific research on, develop and demonstrate sustainable economic activities including but not limited to: agricultural production, processing and distribution systems; plant propagation techniques and systems, reforestation, forestry, timber harvesting and processing methods; efficient water collection, management, distribution, and recycling methods and systems; beneficial soil enrichment and management practices; aqua culture species and systems, landscape design methods, all forms of energy efficient techniques and systems, energy efficient, renewable and affordable housing; renewable energy systems, waste recycling and other sustainable manufacturing systems, products and tools; financial and legal structures and organizations.

To conduct classes, courses, seminars, workshops and other forms of public or private education; create and operate schools, demonstration sites, libraries and other resource centers; publish and distribute books, brochures, newsletters, catalogues, periodicals, videos, motion pictures, web sites, photographic shows or collections or other forms of communication about the purposes stated herein.

To preserve, protect and sustainably manage natural resources, including but not limited to ocean and coastline; forests, streams and watersheds; agricultural, farm and ranch lands; open spaces and natural energy sources.

To seek out, solicit, collect and distribute funds and or property to carry out projects consistent with the stated purposes herein; to receive donations or purchase or otherwise acquire property or property rights, real or personal, for the purposes stated herein; and to manage said property or property rights consistent with the purposes stated herein and within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the transaction of any or all lawful activities for which nonprofit corporations may be incorporated under Chapter 415B, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Attachment to Article of Amendment

What Are We Doing

We advocate for the ideas of 'smart growth', and sustainable development. We provide information and insights to state lawmakers and county officials upon which to base wise planning decisions. We support other community-minded groups and facilitate projects of other organizations that work toward a sustainable future for Kohala.

We coordinate efforts with other community groups to protect the district,s scenic, undeveloped coastline. This includes working with the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) in a continuing effort to secure and preserve open land for future generations.

We are in federal court in an ongoing effort to protect Kohala's water resource from unwarranted development, and will continue to contest ill-conceived projects.

We have presented testimonies at numerous hearings with the Hawai'i County Council and the Planning and Water Commissions. We have initiated petitions and written many letters to state and county officials to inform them of our community's concerns.

We sponsor many public events, such as grant-funded educational forums. The overall focus of these events is to create strategies for the development of a sustainable, self-sufficient community.

Kako'o members and supporters created the Na Makani Energy Initiative. The project received two rounds of funding from Hawaii County's Department of Research and Development. The effort promoted community input toward a 'soft energy', future, and assists Kohala residents in obtaining alternative energy systems.

We appear weekly on the North Kohala News and Community Events Program (shown on Public Access Cable TV). Here we present our concerns, as well as a positive vision for a resource-efficient future. We also bulk mail periodic informational newsletters to the community.