Grove Farm

February 2021 Newsletter -- Providing housing for local residents has been one of our longest-standing goals. Through many initiatives, Grove Farm is Kauai’s largest private developer of affordable homes. Grove Farm Scholarship applications are currently being accepted for the 2021 Grove Farm Scholars program. Each year, the Grove Farm Foundation awards three $20,000 merit-based scholarships to graduating seniors from Kapaa, Kauai, or Waimea high schools. https://www.grovefarm.com/.../grove-farm-newsletter...

A Year of COVID-19 . . . How are you doing? Tunyarat B Meephol: College Experience Paused An exciting time in every young high school graduate’s life the anticipation of going off to college. Tunyarat or B Meephol had a modified drive-through graduation from Kaua‘i High School this past May. Like many high school seniors, the future was bright, and the idea of going off to college on the mainland was exciting.... This excitement was quickly cut short. Starting her college life in Pullman, Washington at Washington State University would be put on hold as the world navigated through the pandemic. We caught up with B during her finals week. Attending school online was difficult, said B. I was very disappointed that I couldn’t attend school this fall. B arrived from Thailand at the age of 10 and attended Kloa Elementary School. She said, I am the first in my family to be attending a university. B will be studying medicine when she continues her education on campus next term. I will be tested and quarantined in my dorm room when I first arrive, and it will be a single-occupancy room due to COVID. She is excited to leave for Washington State in the new year. We wish B well and Go Cougs! http://ow.ly/ILRF50D6Ovq

Kaua‘i may be facing its greatest challenge yet, resulting from the COVID pandemic, the ensuing islandwideshutdowns, and the loss of thousands of jobs. Today, businesses are struggling to stay afloat in anticipation returning visitors. Many of our friends, neighbors, and family members are unemployed. Island families are hoping to return to a life of normalcy soon to be able to go back to work and provide for their families. The economic hardships and the emotional and financial stress have left residents in a world of uncertainty. http://ow.ly/jugz50DOs7t

A Year of COVID-19 . . . How are you doing? Arnold Morales: A family Business on Hold Arnold Morales has been operating his family business, Morales Auto Workshop, for 18 years at the former Lihue Plantation Shops in Hanamaulu with his father, sister, and brother-in-law. This team’s livelihood depended on the visitor industry. Arnold’s business is primarily based on contracts with rental car companies for autobody work.... His main source of income dried up with the pandemic-shutdown. Our contracts with the rental car companies kept us busy, said Morales. When the quarantine was lifted, we had some business, but it stopped again with the next quarantine. Morales is also losing monies owed to him from businesses that did not survive the pandemic. Arnold does not know when business will resume, and despite facing these difficult and uncertain times, he remains optimistic, grateful, and humble. More stories can be found in our full newsletter -- www.grovefarm.com -- link in bio.

Gratitude and Hope in 2021 2020 has certainly tested our perseverance and the new year will continue to do so. When reflecting on the unprecedented 2020, we will remember the fears, struggles and unknowns that came with the worldwide pandemic. Yet like Hurricane Iniki, floods, and other natural disasters that we overcame -- we saw the grit and resiliency in all of you. We are thankful for your friendships and partnerships. 2021 brings hope for our future. Science has done w...onders, but it is the kindness and goodness of people like you that will get us through these difficult times and rebuild a Sustainable Kauai. Let’s continue to be unselfish, to be respectful, and to express gratitude. We can do this there is much to be hopeful for! Wishing you and your family much happiness and good health in 2021! Stay safe, Warren Haruki http://ow.ly/J7YV50CXPDb