Waimea Valley (Oʻahu) Blessing of Indigenous Community Economic Resiliency Project
Hoʻopōmaikaʻi ʻĀina a Papa Hana o Waimea Ma ʻĀina Puʻukua
$3.75 Million EDA Grant Supports Capital Improvements, Cultural Education, and Economic Upgrades
IMMEDAITE RELEASE: (Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi, January 13, 2026) – Waimea Valley will conduct a special blessing ceremony marking the launch of the Waimea Valley Indigenous Community Economic Resiliency Project, Hoʻopōmaikaʻi ʻĀina a Papa Hana o Waimea Ma ʻĀina Puʻukua, a major initiative supported by a $3.75 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The project focuses on critical capital improvements throughout Waimea Valley that will strengthen community economic resilience, enhance the visitor experience, upgrade aging infastructure, and improve the overall safety within the Valley.
Richard Pezzulo, Executive Director comment on the upcoming project, “The Indigenous Community Economic Resiliency Project is a significant initiative that will enhance both the visitor and kamaʻāina experience at Waimea Valley, while also helping to secure long-term stability and employment for our 85 Waimea Valley staff members and our partner organizations. These partners include food and beverage vendors, the daily lūʻau, and lifeguard services, collectively supporting an additional 100 community members and their families. This marks the first major enhancement to our facilities in 50 years. We are deeply honored and grateful to receive this grant, which allows us to continue providing an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience for generations to come.”
The blessing will bring together key commnity members, cultural practioners, partner organization, contractors, and individuals who have supported Waimea Valley over the years and are involved in bringing this important project to life. Media are invited to attend and cover the event for news coverage.
About the EDA Project
The Indigenous Community Economic Resiliency Project includes the following improvements:
Puʻukua Hawaiian Educational Site
• Creation of Hawaiian eductional site featuring an agroforestry garden and traditional Hawaiian hale
Visitor Center Renovations
• Expansion of gift shop to incorporate a cultural walk
• Expansion of women’s restroom and construction of new men’s restroom
• Extension of the pavilion to accommodate up to 350 guests for Waimea Valley’s lūʻau
• Pavilion kitchen and bar improvements, along with lighting and sound upgrades
Cultural and Workforce Development
• Renovation of the library area into a resource center for contract artisans and docents
• Demolition of an existing structure and construction of a new pavilion
• Installation of an office container to support operations and programming
Future Infrastructure Upgrades
Planned future improvements include:
• Rockfall and erosion mitigation
• Waterline repairs to the waterfall
• Sewage treatment plant upgrades
Strengthening Waimea Valley for Generations to Come
This project represents a signigicant investment in Waimea Valley’s future, supporting its mission to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture while creating economic opportunities and ensuring a safe, enriching experience, for both kamaʻāina and visitors.
Media are encouraged to attend and document the blessing ceremony, which will include a cultural blessing protocol and remarks highlighting the importance of this project to Waimea Valley and the broader community.
Event Details:
Location: Waimea Valley, Parking Lot 3
Date: Monday, January 26th, 2026
Time: 8:00 am
Interview opportunities will be available upon request.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kimberly Anguiano
818-606-2642
kanguiano@waimeavalley.net
About Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is a sacred and historically significant ahupuaʻa on Oʻahu’s North Shore, stewarded as a living cultural landscape that celebrates Hawaiian history, traditions, and natural resources. Encompassing 1,875 acres from the mountains to the sea, Waimea Valley is home to important archeological cultural sites, native and introduced botanical collections, and the iconic Waimea Falls. Through cultural education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Waimea Valley is committed to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture for generations while providing a safe and enriching experience for kamaʻāina and visitors alike.
www.waimeavalley.net
@waimeavalleyoahu
About Hiʻipaka LLC
Hiʻipaka LLC is a Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the cultural, natural, and historical resources of Waimea Valley. As the organization entrusted with the management of Waimea Valley, Hiʻipaka works in close partnership with community stakeholders, cultural practitioners, and public and private partners to ensure the Valley remains a place of learning, healing, and connection. Hiʻipaka’s mission is grounded in mālama ʻāina, cultural integrity, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of the lāhui and future generations.