AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK DONATES $20,000 TO MA'O FARM
Funds Will Support Agricultural Training Program For Waianae Youth

HONOLULU - American Savings Bank presented a $20,000 grant today to the Mala 'Ai Opio Community Food Security Initiative (MA'O Farm) and Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation (WCRC). The funds will support their Ke Ala Ho'oulu 'Ai (agricultural pathway) workforce training and higher education initiative.

Ke Ala Ho'oulu 'Ai is an integrated educational and agricultural training program for Waianae youth, especially those of Hawaiian ancestry. The program encourages them to connect with the traditional and cultural values of malama 'aina (love for the land), agricultural self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.

"We are thankful for American Savings Bank's generous contribution to our program as well as their continued support for our Leeward Oahu community. Cris Akao, American's Waianae branch manager, even serves on the MA'O Board of Directors," said Gary Maunakea-Forth, founder of MA'O Farm. "The donated funds will be used to continue our mission and to inspire Hawaii's keiki to learn more about farming and a instill a sense of responsibility for their environment."

More than 2,100 students from partner schools have already participated in the farm-to-school program. The program provides a seamless curriculum that begins at Waianae Intermediate School with the 'Ai Pohaku Workshop and leads into the Internship in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems at Waianae High School. To encourage students to pursue higher education, the MA'O Youth Leadership Training program is offered at Leeward Community College.

WCRC is a community-based economic development organization that focuses on creating sustainable employment and business opportunities for Waianae residents, and MA'O Farm was established to address the hunger and nutrition problems in Waianae by developing a comprehensive local food system.

Serving Hawaii's businesses and communities for more than 80 years, American Savings Bank is Hawaii's third-largest financial institution with $6.8 billion in assets and the second-largest branch network in the state, with 64 branches and nearly 200 automated teller machines. American Savings Bank provides a full range of financial products and services, including commercial banking, consumer deposits, loans, insurance and investments. For more information, visit asbhawaii.com.