Bamboo Village Hawaii was formed in accordance with federal 501(c)(3) guidelines. We are a public benefit corporation seeking to empower our community by helping to develop a localized bamboo industry on the Big Island. Nestled deep in the native Rainforests of lower Puna, Bamboo Village is located in a designated Federal Enterprise Zone, demarking this area as one of the poorest communities, qualifying us for any number of state and federal grant programs. We anticipate support from both private and public sources and have already received much attention from county officials and related industry leaders. Our efforts are designed to specifically benefit our economically depressed area of Hawaii and to positively impact the island’s environment. In fact, all of Big Island is a designated federal enterprise zone, highlighting how dependent our remote community has become on outside revenue. It is our great hope that this infant industry can become an important force in shaping Hawaii’s economic and aesthetic future. Please join us in our mission to build a self-sufficient, sustainable future for generations to come?

Though the bamboo proponents are many on the island, it was not until recently that serious plans began to emerge to grow an entire industry. Grant funds were received in 2001 for a small treatment plant; and several beautiful structures, designed and developed by our Chairman, Leimana Pelton, have already been built on the island. A group of multi-talented, community-minded people came together, and our 501(c)(3) was born in early part of 2002. We fully anticipate having our preliminary federal status by the end of our first year of operation and would like to remind potential donors and supporters that contributions to our efforts are tax-deductible during these initial stages of growth.

Our goals are set very high and our needs are many; but together we can make a difference for the future of Hawaii. If you or anyone you know who loves Hawaii can help in any way, we can assure you that we will make the most and best of whatever you have to offer from an endorsement to an endowment. We are currently looking for assistance in any of the following areas: Non-profit Law and Taxation, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Fund-raising and Grant writing, Insurance, Community Networking, and Financial Assistance.

If you are interested in contributing to our efforts, please initiate a dialog with one of our directors by emailing us at board@bamboovillagehawaii.org.

Our mission statement is available on-line for your convenience. Line item budget details, funding packets, and our bylaws are available upon request. Unique bamboo gifts will be made available to our major supporters. All funds are used exclusively for the purposes of running or promoting our 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation.

Please help support Bamboo Village Hawaii and our efforts to uplift a depressed and disadvantaged area. Much Mahalo.