Welcome to “The Moveable Feast”
A Year-Long Celebration of Community Resilience, Creativity, and Collaboration in Puna
Mission: To empower Puna’s residents through economic development, social connection, and cultural preservation, laying the groundwork for a thriving community resource center, Puna Ola.
What is “The Moveable Feast”?
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s vision of community and creativity, The Moveable Feast is a year-long series of 67 workshops, events, and collaborative gatherings. Hosted at various locations throughout Puna, this initiative offers residents a “taste” of the future Puna Ola: Community Resource Center.
Highlights:
- Hands-on workshops in entrepreneurship, sustainable living, and cultural practices
- Events promoting mental health, social connection, and disaster preparedness
- Opportunities to preserve and celebrate Puna’s rich cultural heritage
Together, we are crafting a vibrant and resilient future for Puna.
Why “The Moveable Feast”?
The Puna District has faced immense challenges—from the 2018 Kilauea eruption to the COVID-19 pandemic—leaving many families economically and socially vulnerable. With 70% of households in Pahoa classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), the need for community-driven solutions is critical.
The Moveable Feast addresses these challenges by:
- Boosting economic resilience through entrepreneurial training and wealth-building workshops
- Strengthening social resilience with events focused on mental health and disaster preparedness
- Revitalizing cultural resilience by preserving indigenous wisdom and traditions
Program Activities
Economic Resilience:
- Entrepreneurial training by Puna Rising’s Entrepreneur Hub
- Sustainable agriculture workshops by Oasis Cooperative
- AI-driven business growth sessions by Leif Hansen
Social Resilience:
- Mental health and disaster preparedness events by Harmony & Health Foundation and Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance
- Storytelling gatherings with Puna Storytellers
Cultural Resilience:
- Heart Medicine workshops by Ixchel Xochitl & Aleanu Matthee
- Native Hawaiian cultural healing sessions by Leialoha Ilae-Kaleimamahu
Our Partners
The Moveable Feast brings together 14 community groups dedicated to Puna’s growth and recovery, including:
- Arts & Science Center for hands-on creativity workshops
- Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance for youth disaster preparedness
- Oasis Cooperative for renewable energy and regenerative agriculture
Outcomes We Envision
By the end of this project, we aim to:
- Launch 10+ new local businesses, driving economic stability
- Strengthen social connections and disaster preparedness in 1,000+ households
- Foster pride in Puna’s cultural identity, engaging 500+ residents in cultural workshops
Measuring Success:
We will track participation, community feedback, and the economic impact of newly launched businesses to ensure the program’s lasting success.