"The fire in our valley uncovered all our patches. We knew it was there," U'ilani Kapu said of the complex of more than two dozen lo'i, or taro patches. "We went for a CBED (community-based economic development) grant, and we got it."

Kapu is executive director of the nonprofit Hui O Wa'a Kaulua, which is housing the Pono Lau Project that in July received a $30,000 grant through the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The Pono Lau Project involves a dozen Kauaula Valley families in a land-based sustainability initiative to clear and restore at least 27 lo'i. Participants will grow different varieties of taro and eventually other produce, Kapu said.

The project aims to teach youth about their culture and how to live off the land while preparing them to be leaders, Kapu said. She added that the fire, which skirted her home, proved to be a blessing.

"It saved our home. It gave us a place to come back to. It started a healing process," she said. "And we brought life back to the land again. It (the fire) didn't stop us; it pushed us forward in what our whole focus is all about – in education."

The project seeks to involve community members and organizations, especially school and youth groups. Interested people may call Kapu at 667-4050.