Join the launching of our new series "From Italy to Hawaii: Connecting two worlds through art, science, and community." It features experts from Italy who discuss topics that affect both Italy and Hawaii. Enjoy Q&As with the presenters as well as complimentary wine.

We are honored to feature Gigi Cocquio, founder of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, as our first speaker. Located on the Wai’anae Coast, Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha (the land shared in friendship in Makaha) is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching students to care for themselves and each other by nurturing the land and learning Native Hawaiian values. It was started in 1979 when Father Luigi “Gigi” Cocquio was asked by Sister Anna McAnany of Maryknoll to transform this initially barren five acres of land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu into something with greater purpose. Gigi began to build the community farm with the help of Brother Ed Gerlock, Eric Enos of Ka’ala Farm, and youth. Today, Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha programs include: Na Keiki O Ka ‘Āina (Children of the Land), Ke Ala Program (The Learning Center), Hale Ho’omaluhia (The Peace Center), and the Container Garden Program. These programs give haumāna (students) hands-on experience in mālama ‘āina (caring for the land), and in this process, they learn about themselves and how to nurture their communities.