We are excited to present the Fourth Annual Race for the Reef, a 5k community run/walk dedicated to protecting our nearshore reefs, improving ocean health, and supporting community-led stewardship efforts that mālama ‘āina and kai for future generations. This event will bring together families, students, scientists, cultural practitioners, and local businesses who believe that caring for our reefs requires both awareness and action.

Donations and Proceeds Support:

• The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Mineral Sunscreen Dispenser Program — promoting reef-safe sunscreen use at Kahaluʻu Bay

• ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program - dedicated to restoring Hawaiʻi’s native coral populations

• Ocean Defender’s Alliance - working to protect Hawaiʻi’s marine environment through education and action

Register or Donate!

Registration is currently OPEN and today is your last chance to receive early bird pricing. Registration closes at noon on Friday, April 24th. If you are unable to attend but still wish to provide support, we welcome donations through RunSignup as well as our site.

Recent storms in Hawai‘i, driven by two powerful “Kona Low” weather systems in mid-March, caused some of the worst flooding the islands have experienced in over 20 years. Torrential rainfall — in some places exceeding 30–50 inches — overwhelmed already saturated ground, triggering flash floods, evacuations, and widespread damage across the islands. Entire communities were inundated, with hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, roads washed out, and farms devastated, compounding economic losses. Emergency crews carried out more than 200 rescues, while thousands of residents were displaced or left without power. Officials estimate total damage could exceed $1 billion, and recovery is expected to take months as residents rebuild homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

You Can Help!

If you’d like to help, the following organizations are actively supporting relief and recovery efforts:

• Hawaii Community Foundation — Coordinates major relief funds and long-term recovery efforts.

• Aloha United Way — Funds local nonprofits delivering direct assistance to impacted communities.

• Hawaii Farm Flood Response Fund — Support Hawai'i Farmers recovering from severe flooding. Your donation helps provide relief and rebuild local food systems.

• WAI Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations — WAI is on the ground providing immediate relief. Your donation directly supports these recovery efforts providing safety equipment, food, and drinking water.

• American Red Cross — Provides emergency shelters, meals, and disaster relief services.

For over two years, we have brought awareness to the paid parking challenges in Kailua Village in an effort to support local businesses. Our efforts to raise awareness have been achieved as Rebecca Villegas, County Council Member for District 7, has introduced Bill 132 with the goal of establishing fair and reasonable parking regulations in Kailua Village. The Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit first discussed the bill on March 3rd and then again on March 17th. The council received public testimony in both meetings and has received feedback on the bill from the Office of the Corporation Counsel. The bill is currently being amended by Rebecca Villegas and is now scheduled to be discussed again on April 21st. We wish to thank everyone for your involvement and are grateful that the county is now working toward meaningful action on this issue!

Want to help?

Join the 365 Hawai‘i Island Community Fund ‘ohana as a Sustaining Member with an annual donation of $250 or make a one-time donation of any amount.