The board with the name “Pono” was launched last week at Honolua Bay in a small ceremony and blessing with Tamara Paltin (center), Mike Jucker (left) and Makahiva Thompson.

WEST MAUI – Since the purchase of Lipoa Point by the State of Hawaii, many people think Honolua is “saved.” That is wrong, according to Save Honolua Coalition President Tamara Paltin.

“This is just the beginning; now we must consider and discuss long-term sustainable management of the land. As a community, we need to continue to be involved in both the planning and implementation of malama ‘aina or taking care of this much loved area.”

Community involvement and donations to cover operational costs remain important components to continue advocacy for Honolua by the Save Honolua Coalition.

The timing is perfect for the Maui-based skateboard longboard company Jucker Hawai’i to step in and provide support to the coalition in its important work.

“To work with Tamara and the coalition has been in the back of my head for a long time, and we had started talking about it last summer,” explained Mike Jucker, co-founder of Jucker Hawai’i.

Now, after many months of development, Jucker Hawai’i is introducing a longboard skateboard in support of the Save Honolua Coalition.

A portion of each sale will go directly to the coalition.

“I am very happy to be able to give back to the community in this way – not only by raising money, but also by sending a message with the board to whoever will enjoy riding it. This is why we attached a tag with the mission statement of the Save Honolua Coalition to every board,” said Jucker.

The board with the name “Pono” was introduced last week at Honolua Bay in a small ceremony and blessing with Paltin, Jucker and Makahiva Thompson, friend and cultural advisor to Jucker Hawai’i.

“We are very happy with the initial $900 donation from Jucker Hawai’i. We hope and pray for the success of this board,” said Paltin.

Doing things the right way and respecting the culture and land is essential for doing business and living in Hawaii, Jucker said.

“Be pono; do the right thing;” this phrase is already popular, Jucker said, and he hopes that the skateboard will help to strengthen this message among people who live here and visitors, especially in the board rider community.