The ‘Awa Development Council (ADC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. The ADC is devoted exclusively to educational, science, and religious activities. Our motto is I Maluhia ka Honua (So that the world may be at peace). The following is a summary of our activities we conduct on a regular basis.
Education. We coordinate with professors and researchers to give talks and hold discussions with the public to educate them about the physiological benefits of kava, the safety of its use, its use in Hawaiian religion and culture, and current scientific understanding. We host the Kava Festival - an important educational venue for the dissemination of knowledge and understanding of kava.
We provide scientific literature and general educational material to schools and general public upon request. Educational display boards are also available for public viewing at public events. Our website, http://awadevelopment.org, is also a resource for kava education.
We are also individually knowledgeable
on kava and are available to provide educational lectures and talks on
kava. Funds will be disbursed to support research in kava. Students who
research kava are encouraged to apply for ADC grants or scholarships.
Science. We engage in scientific research and also coordinate and
provide referrals to
researchers. For example, Will McClatchey, Ph.D, board member, is an associate
professor of botany at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. H.C.
Bittenbender, Ph.D., board member, is the extension specialist for kava,
cacao and coffee at the University of Hawai‘i. Both board members
conduct scientific research on kava. Referrals are provided through our
extensive contacts within the academic community, the Association for
Hawaiian ‘Awa, a 501(c)(3) organization, and use of our website.
We also refer researchers who require plant material to gardeners, farmers
and nurseries. Research results that are supported by the ADC are also
posted on our website.
We also support science by using the Kava Festival as an important venue for scientific demonstrations and talks. In 2003, the Kava Festival had lecturers from the University of Hawai‘i, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, and the Association for Hawaiian ‘Awa, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Religion. The ‘Awa Development Council (ADC) appreciates that ‘awa often plays an important role in the practice of traditional Hawaiian religion. We respect, support, and encourage practice of Hawaiian religious protocols at significant ADC functions and events, conducted by kahuna (specialist practitioners) traditionally trained to preside over ceremonies involving the use of ‘awa. These may include protocols of greeting, blessing, honoring of guests and leaders of community groups, organizations, and government. Our support and accommodation for ‘awa-related ceremonies allows and encourages Native Hawaiian expression of religion, and shares this expression with a variety of people of different faith, nationality and ethnic backgrounds. Our activities are directly aligned with Hawaiian religious practices via consultation and planning with presiding practitioners. These include:
Hawaiian religious practitioners
(kahuna)
Kamana‘opono Crabbe Ph.D.
John Keolamaka‘ainana Lake
Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ohi‘a Gon III, Ph.D.
Our Support. We rely on institutional grants and public contributions
for support. Examples of grants include contributions from Lyon Arboretum
Association, a 501(c)(3)
organization, and donations provided by the public. In-kind contributions
include
collaborations with Lyon Arboretum, the College of Tropical Agriculture
and Human Resources, both institutes of the University of Hawai‘i.
Examples of these in-kind contributions include use of the Lyon Arboretum
grounds for the Kava Festival, volunteers
from the Lyon Arboretum Association, and use of University of Hawaii facilities
such as PowerPoint system (laptop computer, PowerPoint software, projector),
public address system, and vehicles for shuttle service. We also intend
to apply for funding from the Associated Students of the University of
Hawai‘i (ASUH) – the undergraduate student government representing
all fulltime, classified, undergraduate students at the Manoa Campus as
chartered by the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents.
Please donate to the ADC via check or money order payable to `Awa Development Council.
Or via online:
Alternate or in-kind contributions
may also be arranged by contacting us.
These donations are fully tax deductible as allowed by our tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) for charitable organizations.
Mahalo for your support,
The Board of Directors and Volunteers
Contact information:
`Awa Development Council
PO Box 26344
Honolulu HI 96825
(808) 256-5605
secy@awadevelopment.org
http://awadevelopment.org
Board of Directors and Officers:
Jonathan
Yee, President
Tel. (808) 256-5605
Prof. Will McClatchey, Ph.D, Vice President
Kana Naipo, Chief of Protocol
Daren S. Kimura, Treasurer
Prof. H.C. Bittenbender, Ph.D., Secretary