The Oʻahu Wedding Association (OWA) and more specifically the Political Action Committee, set to embark on a transformative initiative this year. OWA realized it was time to extend their impact beyond just wedding and events and into the community that sustains them. Thus the community outreach sub committee was born.

Since the beginning of this year, our organization has partnered with two organizations: the North Shore Land Trust and Loko Iʻa Paʻaiau, both esteemed organizations whoʻs Mālama ʻĀina mission base was something that aligned with our new endeavor. 

The North Shore Land Trust and Loko Iʻa Paʻaiau both hold deep significance in Hawaii's ecological and cultural landscape. They embody the essence of kuleana towards preserving and restoring the land. 

The North Shore Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Oʻahu's North Shore. Through conservation efforts and community engagement, they work to protect important land and coastal areas, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations to enjoy. By partnering with landowners, volunteers, and stakeholders, the North Shore Land Trust plays a vital role in safeguarding Hawaii's unique ecosystems and cultural treasures. 

Loko Iʻa Paʻaiau is a Hawaiian non-profit organization committed to the restoration and preservation of traditional fishponds, known as loko iʻa, in Hawaii. Their mission encompasses cultural revitalization, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, as they work to revive ancient Hawaiian aquaculture practices. Through hands-on projects, educational programs, and partnerships with local communities, Loko Iʻa Paʻaiau strives to honor the rich heritage of loko iʻa while promoting sustainability and ecological resilience.

For OWA, these community events aren't just about lending a helping hand; they're about reconnecting with the land that sustains us all. By engaging in activities such as invasive species removal, native out-planting, and dune restoration, members experienced firsthand the importance of stewardship and reciprocity. Through learning Hawaiian protocol and participating in traditional practices like weeding and building rock mounds around native Hawaiian plants, OWA members were able to deepen their connection to the land and its people.

Looking ahead, we envision a future where OWA's involvement in community events becomes a cornerstone of our identity. By bridging the gap between the wedding and event industry and the wider community, OWA strives to become not just a business association but a force for positive change. Through continued participation in community outreach events, OWA aims to cultivate a culture of empathy, sustainability, and social responsibility among its members.

In the last two events, we have had about 15-20 participants. The truth is that we need all 150 of our members and organizations to show up for these events. We encourage more members to actively participate in community outreach events as it is crucial for fostering a sense of collective responsibility and solidarity within the community.

We have 3 more events for this year partnering with 3 new community organizations. For more information, please take a look at our calendar of events and be subscribed to our newsletters. We hope to see you all there!