Photos: Turo supports nonprofit Laʻiʻōpua 2020 with $3,000-contribution
Pictured here from left to right: Laʻiʻōpua 2020’s board president Malia Louis, Council Chair Holeka Inaba, Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas, Laʻiʻōpua’s executive director Kawehi Inaba, Turo’s Senior Government Relations Manager, Davin Aoyagi and Turo’s Senior Community Relations Manager, Leonani Puailihau.
As many are finding ways to support local communities this season, Kealakehe-based nonprofit organization Laʻiʻōpua 2020 works all year round to uplift Native Hawaiian families through their impactful programs for affordable housing, workforce development, cultural education, and youth mentorship. This year, Turo had the honor of contributing $3,000 to Laʻiʻōpua 2020’s cause in Hawai‘i, which is home to many amazing Turo hosts. Representatives from Laʻiʻōpua 2020, Turo, and several members of the Hawai‘i County Council gathered on Hawai‘i Island in early December to celebrate the partnership.
"We are so grateful to Turo for hosting their Kona event on our Laʻiʻōpua 2020 lānai. It was a wonderful evening filled with great food, drinks, and an opportunity to celebrate your incredible Kona Turo [community],” said Kawehi Inaba, executive director of Laʻiʻōpua 2020. “We are especially thankful for Turo’s generous $3,000 donation, which will significantly support our community garden and help us nurture our kaiaulu. Mahalo nui loa!”
Kawehi Inaba was joined by fellow distinguished leaders at the check ceremony, including Laʻiʻōpua 2020’s board president Malia Louis, Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas and Council Chair Holeka Inaba. Dozens of local Turo hosts and Turo’s Senior Government Relations Manager, Davin Aoyagi, were also in attendance and shared insights about how locals are taking charge of their financial well-being while providing mobility options for their guests. This spirit of community and entrepreneurship is what led Turo to support Laʻiʻōpua 2020, an organization working tirelessly toward a future where local families lead the way in Hawaiʻi.
“Turo is deeply honored to partner with La‘i‘ōpua 2020 and help uplift our Native Hawaiian ʻohana,” said Aoyagi. “Together, we can help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Hawai‘i.”
La‘i‘ōpua 2020 said Turo’s contribution will go toward building their māla (garden), ensuring that the legacy of Native Hawaiian traditions continues to flourish.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Council Chair Inaba, who emphasized the power of partnerships and a shared vision in tackling Hawai‘i’s biggest challenges.
“Turo continues to demonstrate their commitment to providing economic opportunity for our residents while also making impactful contributions that better the future of our communities,” said Council Chair Inaba.
Mahalo to La‘i‘ōpua 2020, the incredible Council leaders, and Turo hosts for coming together to make this day possible. Planting seeds of hope, growth, and empowerment is a group effort that will nourish our community for years to come.