Kupu announces EŌ Maui expansion

Kupu announced that more than 60 paid positions are available on Maui. Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable Hawai‘i. The organization provides hands-on training and national service programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of culture and the environment. PHOTO BY KUPU.
HONOLULU — Kupu, Hawaiʻi’s largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit, this week announced its expansion in Maui relief efforts under the program EŌ Maui, which seeks to support recovery efforts primarily through providing paid positions through partnerships with Maui-based organizations.
Two Maui community emergency hubs that have been supporting the needs of those harmed by the wildfire disaster are now partnering with Kupu. The Ka’anapali Hub and Nāpili Hub will now be able to provide paid positions via Kupu while they continue to meet the urgent needs of their community.
As the initial phase of this partnership, Kupu’s EŌ Maui has 20 participants on payroll between the two hubs.
More opportunities are available. Kupu has more than 60 paid positions available in collaboration with local nonprofit partners. “We welcome individuals who have a passion for serving ʻāina and their community to join us,” explained Kawika Riley, Kupu’s vice president of external affairs.
“A majority of the available positions will focus on native ecosystem restoration and other roles involve providing environmental education to students or supporting community recovery efforts.”
“With programs like Kupu, we’ve been able to not only distribute the numerous donations from around the world to our community, but also managed to provide a level of financial opportunity to our displaced community and the support systems in place,” said Kaipo Kekona, state president of the Hawai’i Farmers Union and co-founder of the Nāpili Noho Community Service Center.
The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union is a statewide organization that supports family farming operations with education, cooperation and advocacy. The Nāpili Noho Community hub’s mission is to serve the community in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires.
“Our partnership with Kupu has given us the financial opportunity to assist some of our displaced families that just came to the hub to volunteer and keep busy,” said Uilani Kapu, treasurer of Nā ʻAikāne o Maui Cultural Center of Lahaina and co-founder of their community resource hub currently located at the Sheraton Maui Resort.
This community hub allows people to heal and find comfort, food, resources, and a positive opportunity to discuss topics to heal and envision the future of the Lahaina community.
All positions paid through Kupu start at $18 per hour and include health insurance benefits. Select positions offer an education award up to $7,395.
Applications are now open and will remain open until all positions are filled. To learn more and apply, visit www.kupuhawaii.org/eo-maui/.