| This daylong festival will directly support the Hawaii Food Hub Hui’s 2023 target to raise $3 million to fund high priority needs identified by Hawaii’s food hubs, including supply chain logistics such as refrigerated delivery trucks, construction of walk-in freezers and other storage at food hub warehouses, and processing equipment for value-added food products that help farmers expand their revenue potential and minimize food waste.
The Sunflower Farm Music Fest is inspired by last year’s “A Concert for Ukraine in the Maui Sunflowers” presented by Pacific Biodiesel and Mana‘o Radio, an all-day event featuring Maui musicians which raised $72,000 for UNICEF USA to support children in Ukraine during the wartime crisis. The event – which sold out in less than two weeks – was held at the Kings’ Maui farm where 35 acres of sunflowers – the national flower of Ukraine – were in full bloom.
“In early 2022, we already had sunflower seeds in the ground when Russia invaded Ukraine. The concert event at our farm was a way for the community to come together to stand up against the tyrannic attacks on innocent civilians,” said Kelly King. “This time, the urgent and important cause is right here at home: food security. Hawaii is the most isolated population on the planet, making our food supply extraordinarily vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, natural disasters and other emergencies. It is critical to support our local farmers and local food producers,” King added. “We hope our event helps put the spotlight on Hawaii’s food hubs and accelerates the fundraising movement by Hawaii Food Hub Hui to make a significant impact on our island state’s food security.”
Maui musicians scheduled to perform at this event include George Kahumoku Jr, Drew Martin, Benny Uyetake, Sting Kong, Soul Kitchen, Brown Chicken Brown Cow String Band, The Lonely Hearts – Beatles and Beyond, and Marty Dread with Gretchen Rhodes & The House Shakers. Following a blessing by Lei‘ohu Ryder, Mana‘o Radio DJs will emcee the event.
Sponsors Hawaiian Electric, Maui Tropical Planation, Fairmont Kea Lani, King Power, Michael and Deborah Rybak, Pacific Current, Gay & Robinson and Maui Screen Printing are covering event expenses, allowing 100% of ticket sales and other event proceeds to benefit the participating non-profits.
During this event, attendees will be able to view the sunflowers, take part in farm tours and visit the on-site Farm Stand to purchase products manufactured from local sustainable farming operations, including Maiden Hawaii Naturals culinary oils and Kuleana® cosmetic (including CBD) products. Scheduled farm tours during the event will be provided by Hawaii Tours, whose team will drive guests around the blooming sunflower field in biodiesel-fueled vans. Booths will be hosted by participating non-profits to share information about their organizations. Food partners, including Moku Roots and ʻĀina Tacos, will sell menu items prepared with Maiden Hawaii Naturals culinary oils and other local ingredients; unique food experiences during the event will showcase the food hub model. Custom festival T-shirts will be sold online in advance and at the event. Event proceeds will benefit the cause. |
