Current Conditions
Existing site conditions showing legacy structures and overgrowth to be managed through phased land restoration supporting agricultural use.
Growing food resilience through ʻāina stewardship in Puna, Hawaiʻi.
A phased ʻāina stewardship effort restoring agricultural land through regenerative care—supporting existing trees, improving soil and water systems, and gradually expanding diverse food plantings to strengthen local food resilience in Puna, Hawaiʻi.
Open to collaboration with aligned 501(c)(3) organizations, technical partners, and community funders.
- Food security
- Agroforestry
- Soil health
- Rainwater irrigation
- Community resilience
Project Quick Facts
- Project Location:
- Puna District, Hawaiʻi Island
- Project type:
- ʻĀina Stewardship • Small-Scale Food Production (Agricultural Land Restoration)
- Primary crops:
- Breadfruit (ʻulu), citrus (lemon/lime/orange), herbs & roots
- Project Stage:
- Early Implementation (Phase 1), Phase-based improvements + partner outreach
- Partnership Status:
- Open to collaboration with existing 501(c)(3) organizations
About the project
Existing Productivity
Current citrus production demonstrating the site’s potential for expanded local food cultivation.
Ecological Context
Existing food and supporting plant species documented on site, with planned expansion of soil health and diversified crops including citrus, ginger, papaya, herbs, teas, and companion plantings.
Note: Site conditions, existing productive trees, and current vegetation were documented to guide phased restoration, planting decisions, and measurable food-production outcomes.
The Puna ʻĀina Project is a practical, outcomes-focused effort to restore overgrown agricultural land into productive food-growing space through Hawaiʻi-appropriate, low-input stewardship practices. Rooted in long-term ʻāina care and small-scale food production in Puna, Hawaiʻi, the project emphasizes stewardship of existing breadfruit and citrus trees while gradually introducing additional food crops and companion plantings that support soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity. Core activities include soil restoration, composting, and efficient rainwater-fed irrigation supplied by a non-potable agricultural catchment system. Supporting infrastructure includes a small, non-habitable agricultural utility workspace dedicated to tools and food-production activities. Implemented in phases, the project is designed to grow sustainably over time while strengthening local food resilience and responsible land stewardship in Hawaiʻi.
Mission & Vision
The Puna ʻĀina Project supports long-term ʻāina stewardship and small-scale food production through regenerative land care, agroforestry, and community-centered practices that strengthen local food resilience across Hawaiʻi.
Core Activities
- Stewardship of existing breadfruit and citrus trees
- Soil restoration and composting
- Selective clearing of invasive or non-productive vegetation
- Planting of additional food crops (ginger, herbs, and companion crops)
- Development of non-habitable agricultural utility workspace
Community & Āina Benefit
- Supports local food resilience through small-scale food production
- Encourages responsible land stewardship and restoration
- Allows limited sharing of surplus produce with community members
- Demonstrates sustainable agriculture practices appropriate to Hawaiʻi
Purpose
Increase locally grown food through stewardship of existing trees and new plantings, while improving soil health, water efficiency, and long-term land care. The project is intentionally non-residential and focused on agricultural use and community benefit.
Approach
- Selective clearing of invasive or non-productive vegetation
- Composting + soil amendments to rebuild fertility
- Perennial crop care: ʻulu and citrus stewardship
- Rainwater-fed irrigation distribution (ag use only)
- Protective measures to reduce losses from feral animals
Measurable outcomes
We track outputs in plain terms: harvest weights, plant counts, managed area, and photo documentation over a 12-month cycle.
200+ lb
Breadfruit (ʻulu) stewardship target
120+ lb
Citrus (lemon/lime/orange) combined
2,000 sq ft
Actively managed food production area
Photo + logs
Planting and harvest documentation
Note: These are initial planning targets and may be refined based on site conditions, seasonality, and partner guidance.
Documents & references
Agricultural Utility Workshop Plans (PDF)
Permit-ready plan set and notes (share selectively as needed).
Open PlansDrop your plan PDF into /documents/ with this filename.
Planting & Stewardship Notes
Short notes about breadfruit care, citrus stewardship, soil amendment, and irrigation layout.
Coming soonPartner / Fiscal Sponsor Info
How to support this project through aligned 501(c)(3) partnerships and tax-deductible giving pathways.
View PDFSupport & collaboration
We’re open to collaboration with existing 501(c)(3) organizations (fiscal sponsorship), technical partners, and aligned funders interested in food security and ʻāina stewardship in Puna.
Fiscal sponsorship
If your organization provides fiscal sponsorship, we can share a simple project scope, budget, and reporting approach.
In-kind support
Tools, soil inputs, irrigation supplies, plants, and local expertise can meaningfully accelerate progress.
Funding pathways
Microgrants, donor-advised funds, and community partnerships—structured for transparency and measurable outcomes.
Want the short version?
Send the snapshot PDF to a potential partner or funder.
Contact
We want to hear from you; Please get in touch!
Project contact
Zack Anderson
zackandersonconsulting@gmail.com
TMK: (3) 1-6-031-240 (for project reference)
Quick note for partners
This project is non-residential. Agricultural improvements are phase-based, documented, and aligned with food security and ʻāina stewardship goals. We can provide a project snapshot, basic budget, and measurable outcomes plan on request.