June News: Supporting the Students Building Kaua‘i’s Future
In 1972, Grove Farm gifted 200 acres of land to the University of Hawai‘i for the future site of Kaua‘i Community College. More than 50 years later, that relationship continues through a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and community service. This month, we are proud to highlight three stories connected to Kaua‘i Community College and the students, educators, and alumni helping build Kaua‘i’s future.
Kaua‘i Community College Students Build Skills at Grove Farm Market
“Amazing! It taught me everything I need to know from the ground up,” said Shawn Parraga, reflecting on the project he completed during his final semester in Kaua‘i Community College’s Carpentry Technology program.
This spring, Shawn and his classmates put their classroom skills to work by helping construct a small storage shed and shaded veranda for Grove Farm Market at Puhi Park. The structure now provides a place to store market supplies, such as trash cans and parking cones, while also offering shade for the Grove Farm market attendant.
For the students, the project offered something just as valuable: real carpentry experience on a working job site.
What began as a practical need for Grove Farm Market soon became an opportunity to support hands-on learning. Grove Farm reached out to Kaua‘i Community College Carpentry Technology Instructor Duke Lang to see if the project could become part of his students’ coursework. Mr. Lang enthusiastically agreed, incorporating the build into his rough framing curriculum.
Before construction began, Grove Farm worked with the County of Kaua‘i Planning Department to receive the proper review and approval for the temporary structure. Mahalo to Ka‘aina Hull and Jody Sayegusa for helping to move the project forward.
Once approvals were in place, Grove Farm Project Specialist Braden Kobayashi coordinated with Mr. Lang and the students as the work began. From the Grove Farm office, staff watched the structure take shape as students gained experience with scaffolding, installing a window and door, and building a pitched roof.
At a mahalo luncheon held for Mr. Lang and his students, Grove Farm asked the class what they found most challenging about the project. The question was met with laughter.
On the first day of construction, when the students began working on the foundation, all but one of the 10 students arrived with a hammer and just one small shovel. Unable to return to campus across the street, they started digging the foundation with the tools they had. With smiles on their faces, the students agreed it was a lesson they would never forget: always come prepared for the job site.
First-semester student Fuatapu Hakaumotu characterized the project as “extremely fun.”
“A lot better learning on the job site,” he said. “The challenge was trying not to break any material, especially when nailing.”
Deegan Bermudez, who completed his second semester at Kaua‘i Community College, said the project was “really good” and that he “learned a lot.” His classmate, Lucas Baliaris-Rivera, shared the same feeling.
“It was fun learning new techniques,” Lucas said. “Mr. Duke is awesome!”
We couldn’t agree more.
Mr. Lang has been an instructor at Kaua‘i Community College for nearly 12 years. For him, projects like this reflect the purpose of a community college.
“This is a community college. It is for the community,” he said, adding that when “there is a need to fulfill,” and the project “does not take work away from local contractors,” he is willing to take it on with his students.
In appreciation of Mr. Lang and his students, and in support of continued hands-on learning at Kaua‘i Community College, the Grove Farm Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the Carpentry Technology program.
Mahalo to Mr. Lang and the Kaua‘i Community College Carpentry Technology students for helping build something useful for Grove Farm Market, while strengthening the skills and confidence that will serve them on future job sites.
Learn about the Kaua‘i Community College Carpentry Technology Program
Scholarships Support Kaua‘i Community College Graduates
Continuing its investment in local students and workforce development, the Grove Farm Foundation has expanded its Kaua‘i Community College Academic Award program to include two $2,500 scholarships recipients. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, graduates Ashley Vicente and Racyn Ruiz demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service or volunteerism. Please join us in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients.
Ashley Vicente
 | Ashley earned her Associate in Science degree in Business in the spring of 2026 and plans to continue her education at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu in the spring of 2027, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. Already an entrepreneur, Ashley runs her own baking business, AV Sweets. While balancing school, business and time with her children, she also gives back by volunteering in the community and assisting those experiencing houselessness. |
Racyn Ruiz
 | Racyn Ruiz was selected by the Culinary Arts faculty as a Grove Farm Foundation scholar. This year marks the first time the scholarship has included a recipient from the Culinary Arts program. Assistant Professor Chef Steven Nakata described Racyn as “highly capable and deserving of this recognition.” Alongside his classmates, Racyn has participated in many community events while also working at a restaurant and completing his studies. Congratulations to Ashley and Racyn on their achievements. We wish them continued success as they build on their education, talents and commitment to community. |
Professor Brian Yamamoto Receives UH System Award
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Brian Yamamoto, Professor of Natural Sciences at Kaua‘i Community College and a longtime friend of Grove Farm, was honored at the college’s graduation ceremony as one of six recipients statewide of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
For more than 40 years, Brian has shared his passion for natural sciences with students, whether in the classroom, in the field, or through hands-on learning experiences across Kaua‘i. His impact is especially clear in the success of Kaua‘i Community College’s Academic Subject Certificate in Hawaiian Botany. Through Brian’s leadership, 46 early college students have earned the certificate since 2022, connecting botanical knowledge to their own lived experiences, including work in the lo‘i.
Over the years, Brian has often assisted Grove Farm with his knowledge of Native Hawaiian plants, his guidance on botany-related questions, and his expertise on stewardship and preservation of Kaua‘i’s natural environment.
One of Brian’s most memorable partnerships with Grove Farm took place during the COVID pandemic. As faculty lead for Kaua‘i Community College’s Ulutopia, Brian collaborated with Grove Farm and Garden Isle Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center to distribute more than 200 pounds of ‘ulu.
Brian brings a generosity of spirit that is felt by those around him. Whether he is sharing knowledge with students, talking story with the Grove Farm team, or arriving with fresh fruit from his own backyard, his enthusiasm for teaching and caring for the land is always evident.
Congratulations, Brian, on this well-deserved honor. Your dedication to your students, your field and our community continues to inspire us.
Read About the Frances Davis Award for Excellence
June Craft Fair:
Looking for a thoughtful Father’s Day gift or a fun way to support local makers? Join us at Grove Farm Market at Puhi Park for our June Craft Fair on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Here are the vendors that will be at the Craft Fair:
