Community Heroes - Puna Rising Ohana

The Staying Power of Puna

by Maria Sherow During the intense manhunt for a fugitive along our coast, the Red Road did not go quiet, even as a watchful silence settled over the jungle canopy. From Kaimū to Pohoiki, along the coastline, neighbors stepped outside…

IN LOVING MEMORY: STEVEN ANTHONY HIRAKAMI; 7.10.46-11. 26.25

Story and Photos by Raydiance Joy Grace Additional Photo Credit to Livestream of the Event The Celebration of Life for Steve Hirakami at the HAAS Campus in Pahoa was a heartfelt event attended by over 250 well-wishing friends, associates, students,…

Imu Mea ‘Ai Food Tour

Video By Beth Block Imu Mea ‘Ai is more than just an eco-tourism initiative—it’s a social enterprise owned by the Men of PA’A, a nonprofit committed to holistic healing and reintegration for Native Hawaiian men. All profits from Imu Mea…

MOKU O KEAWE MALAMA NA KUPUNA

FREE LUNCHEON FOR SENIORS Story and Photos: Raydiance Joy Grace Additional Photos: Brooklyn Everyone at Puna Rising Ohana celebrates and gives appreciation for the ahead-of-her-time, visionary work that Petronila, her co-leaders, and volunteers have been doing to demonstrate the power…

Ambergris and Alchemy: Robin Worley’s Trash-to-Treasure Legacy

Story by Armando T. Dahan Photos by Armando T. Dahan and Laurie Furumoto Puna District has lost a prominent resident artist, teacher, and activist. Robin Worley, also known as Rayona Visqueen, who transformed trash into art and fashion. Robin died…

Puna Rising Ohana, A Video Interview

By Beth Block Puna Rising is now 5 years old. We want to get down to our roots and share our origin story and how we evolved into who we are today. So many hands have helped us along the…

Native plant species are calling for help. Who will answer their call?

by Armando T. Dahan Photos provided by Jaya C. Dupuis. On the Big Island, we are surrounded by nature. It’s one of the main reasons people come to visit and choose to live here, too. But people aren’t the only…

Talk Story with Russell Ruderman Part 4

Video By Beth Block Russell Ruderman, a long-time Puna resident, has been a Punatic, owner of Island Naturals Groceries in Hilo, Puna, and Kona, and was a well-respected two-term State Senator for the Puna District. In Part 4, the final…

Talk Story with Russell Ruderman part 3

Video by Beth Block Russell Ruderman, a long-time Puna resident, continues to tell us his story. In this segment, he talks about his venture into local politics. He served Puna as a Senator for 8 years. He is truly one…

Talk Story with Russell Ruderman part 2

Video by Beth Block Russell Ruderman, a long-time Puna resident continues to tell us his story of How Island Naturals came to be. His grassroots story is fascinating, proving you can make it in Puna if you try. This is…

Talk Story with Russell Ruderman

Video By Beth Block Russell Ruderman has been a long-time Puna resident. Listen to his story, and understand how he made such a positive, incredible impact by taking action as a representative in Puna as well as a conscientious business…

Hawaiian Creationism: Fact, Fiction, or Legend?

By Karyn Chambers As a world traditions/religions teacher and philosopher, I am intrigued by the stories of how our planet and humanity began. How did we get here and who created us? We commonly see in this third dimensional world…

Hydroponic Gardening: A Solution to Food Insecurity

by Karyn Chambers Photos by Hydroponic Hut “Be the Change You Want to See in the World,” Mahatma Gandhi A few weeks ago, Puna Rising’s Moveable Feast sponsored a workshop: Hydroponic Gardening, taught by Allyson and Allen Blackard, along with…

Volcano Garden Arts and Cafe Ono

By Karyn Chambers Photos by Karyn Chambers and Lauri Canencia Are you looking for a magical adventure along with an organic vegetarian meal? Check out the lovely Volcano Garden Arts and Cafe Ono adjacent to Volcano State Park: 19-3834 Old…

Interview with Puna farmer Clive Cheetham parts 1 & 2

Part 1: Part 2: