Community Grower Participation
Join us in our mission to foster a healthier and sustainable lei-making community. Whether you're a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, your involvement can make a significant difference.
Our Farm Support and Expertise
Christian Zuckerman
Lei Farm Specialist
“A lot of emphasis is put on how Hawai’i imports a majority of its food, and a majority of lei flowers are also imported. I find it a shame that something that is so culturally important to Hawaiʻi is quickly becoming something that is not a part of it anymore.”
-
Christian grew up in Waiʻanae, on the island of Oʻahu and has a deep connection and commitment to the land, community and farming. Having grown up at Kahumana Farms, Christian returned to Hawaiʻi in 2012 after graduating from the University of Puget Sound with a major in Foreign Languages & International Affairs. Christian went on to manage and run Kahumana Food Hub & Organic Farms for the next 10 years overseeing a 31 acre certified organic diversified vegetable farming operation alongside a vibrant and multifaceted Food Hub working with over 200 growers across the state.
Christian has been an active member of the Hawaii Farmers Union (HFU) since 2016 when the Waianae chapter was formed, currently acting as the president of the chapter. Christian also serves on the State board of directors, on the Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation board and is a member of the executive committee for HFU. HFU is a leader in supporting family farmers in Hawai’i through legislation, cooperation, and education.
In 2022, Christian launched Kuwale Ridge Farms and began the journey of starting up a new 7 acre regenerative farm in Waiʻanae. He also does agricultural and food system consulting with the aim of helping to support a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.
Christian is excited to be involved in such an important project to help revitalize and support the industry.
BUILDING RESILIENCE TOGETHER
Types of Growers We’re Working With
-
These grower sites include individuals, families, and neighborhoods.
-
This includes growers working with land owners, land managers, researcher, data, technical assistance, and workforce.
-
This includes pre-school, K-8, high school, charter, community college, and university organizations.
-
Within the community, we are including community gardens, County and State Parks.
-
These grow sites encompass hotels, businesses, buildings, and condo associations.
-
Grow sites and gardens maintain by Native Hawaiian organizations across the pae ‘āina.
Current Grower’s List
Here is a list of Growers working with Lei Poinaʻole Project in the coming year. Our goal is to provide cross collaboration between CTAHR and farms in hopes to gather new data on the needs of flower growers across the pae ʻāina. Some of these sites are private, and don’t allow for purchase or visitation at the moment.
We’d love for you to join us!
Become part of our growing community dedicated to preserving our local plants and flowers, lei culture, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Join us in making a difference!