More than 3,000 residents attended the 26th annual Lanai Turkey and Rice Giveaway on Nov. 23.

LANAI CITY – On Saturday, Nov. 23, over 3,000 Lanai residents attended the 26th annual Lanai Turkey and Rice Giveaway hosted by the Coon Brothers.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green also attended, in addition to public servants of Maui County’s Police and Fire Station.

The two-hour event provided more than just a 12-pound turkey and ten-pound bag of rice to each family on the island – it brought connectivity, support and encouragement.

Local non-profits and government agencies hosted tables onsite to educate interested Lanai residents on the resources they have available for the community.

“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Jim Coon, who started this annual event 26 years ago with his brother, Rand.

Jim Coon distributes turkeys to Lanai residents.

“The Lanai community is special, and the families that make up this community are very dear to us,” Coon continued. “Hosting this unique island tradition brings us great joy and the chance to show our gratitude and aloha to each person here.”

Coon Brothers Inc. started this tradition back in the early 1990s as a way of bringing the Lanai community together and helping out families who might not have the time or resources to purchase a turkey from Maui.

As the years passed and the tradition grew, several companies from other islands have come together through the years in order to help contribute to the event.

The Maui Hotel and Lodging Association (MHLA) has been partnering with the Coon Brothers and distributing rice to Hawaii’s rural communities since 2009.

Additional 2019 event partners included Young Brothers, Manele General Store, Lanai City Service and Trilogy Excursions.