Project Kokua evolved through the efforts of Lyndon Honda (pictured), executive chef at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, along with Lisa and Halemanu Villiarimo.

WAIKAPU – Maui chefs are organizing a culinary fundraiser to support Kauai and Hawaii Island neighbors, friends, family and farmers suffering from damage from the recent natural disasters on both islands. Project Kokua for Kauai & Hawaii Island will take place at Maui Tropical Plantation’s Grand View Lawn on Sunday, July 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Project Kokua evolved through the efforts of Chef Lyndon Honda, executive chef at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, along with Lisa and Halemanu Villiarimo. Lisa is the owner of Aloha Lifestyle, a lifestyle and food consulting company, and entertainer.

Halemanu is a recent 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner for Island Music Album of the Year.

“Hawaii is a unique place – though not connected by land, we are connected in our aloha, our desire to want to help one another and our way of life. In a time like this, we all come together to kokua where we are able,” said Honda.

And for chefs, what better way to help than through a shared love of food? Project Kokua for Kauai & Hawaii Island will give guests a delicious sampling of dishes by top chefs and restaurants from across Maui.

Tickets are $60 per person, which includes chef tasting stations and entertainment by Halemanu. The evening also features a silent auction. Parking for the event is complimentary.

All proceeds raised will go toward relief efforts distributed through Rotary Lahaina Foundation along with Malama Kauai and Rotary Club of Pahoa.

Guests are encouraged to follow the event Facebook page, @ProjectKokuaHawaii, for updates on participating Maui chefs.

In April 2018, Kauai was hit with disastrous flooding. The livelihoods of many residents were greatly affected as flash floods tore through the land, causing chaos and devastation.

Many homes, businesses, schools and farms were demolished, leaving thousands without power and water for days.

On Hawaii Island, lava eruptions from Kilauea Volcano continue to ravage the eastern side of the island, with over 600 homes destroyed and countless residents left without shelter, as well as devastation to land, crops and businesses.

On both islands, families and businesses are in need of financial assistance in order to begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. Event organizers and participants hope to raise more than $30,000.

Maui residents and businesses can help by buying event tickets on Eventbrite.com for Project Kokua for Kauai and Hawaii Island, becoming an event sponsor, donating a gift certificate or item for the silent auction and making a monetary donation. Checks can be made out to The Rotary Foundation (memo: Project Kokua).

For donations, contact Gabi Masuda at gabimasuda@gmail.com or (808) 870-3278 to arrange for collection.

For more information, contact Chef Honda at cheflyndonhonda@gmail.com or (808) 989-4733, or Lisa Villiarimo at livepono@mac.com or (808) 250-5825.