Ed Featured in PBS Hawai‘i Program Guide

PBS Hawai‘i recently featured Ed in their December program guide, sharing a bit about his background and his long-standing contributions to agriculture and land stewardship in Hawai‘i.

Honoring Halapē: Reflections from John Cross at the Pacific Tsunami Museum

I am pleased to share the story of a recent presentation given by our Senior Land Manager, John Cross, at the Pacific Tsunami Museum. He explored the history and legacy of Halapē through the experiences of Troop 77, and even from what I learned afterward, it’s clear his contribution added something truly special to the program. People who were there shared how meaningful it was and how John’s perspective brought everything together in a thoughtful and heartfelt way.

John’s connection to Halapē goes back to his days in Troop 77 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The troop was known for its long hikes and annual campouts, spending many nights each year exploring and taking care of trails and campsites across Hawaiʻi Island. Their yearly Thanksgiving trip to Halapē stood out as a favorite—a challenging hike followed by days of fishing, diving, storytelling, and caring for the site. These trips created strong bonds and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

That sense of connection was deeply shaken on November 29, 1975, when a powerful earthquake and series of tsunami waves struck the area. Many people were injured, and two lives were lost, including Assistant Scoutmaster Dr. James Mitchel. Several individuals who lived through that day were present at the museum event and shared their memories, which made John’s presentation even more meaningful.

John also reflected on returning to Halapē in 1995 as part of a restoration effort. He and other Troop 77 leaders carried more than thirty coconut sprouts down the trail and replanted the grove in partnership with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Many of those trees still stand today—nearly thirty years later—showing how acts of care can leave a lasting impact.

The museum event brought together many voices, including author Graham Salisbury, who spoke about how Halapē inspired his book Night of the Howling Dogs, and a dramatic reading of Jackie Pualani Johnson’s play A Crevice in Time. Former Scouts, survivors, and community members shared stories and reconnected, creating a powerful sense of remembrance and community.

In the days following the event, the reflections shared among organizers and participants highlighted just how much the commemoration resonated. Several survivors and former co-workers who had been at Halapē in 1975 spoke about how difficult it had been to revisit those memories in earlier years, and how meaningful it was to finally gather in a space where their experiences were honored. The actors from A Crevice in Time also shared how deeply they felt the responsibility of bringing those voices to life. The exchange underscored the emotional weight of the moment and the importance of preserving these stories with care.

We’re grateful to have John on our team. His lifelong connection to Halapē and his dedication to stewardship reflect the values that guide our work and remind us why caring for people and place matters.

John Cross

Impact

Pacific Tsunami Museum

The Trust has committed $200,000 to the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo. An initial $100,000 gift in 2024 helped the museum keep its doors open and stabilize during a financial crisis. A second $100,000 gift in 2025 brought the total to $200,000 and was used to encourage others to match and invest in the museum’s long-term future.

Vision To Learn & Project Vision Hawaiʻi

Through support for Vision To Learn (in partnership with Project Vision Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education), the Trust helps keiki across Hawaiʻi get the glasses they need to see clearly in school.

Together, this statewide effort has provided more than 50,000 vision screenings, 13,900 eye exams, and 9,700+ pairs of glasses to students in Hawaiʻi—at no cost to children or their families.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo & UH Foundation

A $200,000 gift in 2023 to the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management at UH Hilo created the Edmund C. Olson Trust 2 Scholarship, with preference for students from Kaʻū. An additional $100,000 gift in 2024 strengthened the fund and expanded support for future agriculturists and natural resource managers.

Additional giving was provided through the UH Foundation supports student programs, education, and community-focused initiatives that align with the Trust’s mission.

Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation / ʻĪmakakāloa Heiau

In 2025, the Trust made a $100,000 grant to the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation to support the care, restoration, and stewardship of ʻĪmakakāloa Heiau and its surrounding lands in Kaʻalāiki, Kaʻū. This gift builds on years of community work to restore the heiau as a living cultural, educational, and spiritual site, and is intended to help attract additional support from others.

Additional Community Support

Alongside these major commitments, the Trust also makes many gifts to local organizations throughout Hawaiʻi. These contributions help uplift community programs and reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the people and places Ed cared for.

The Trust’s forthcoming commitments—including planned support for the YMCA of Hilo, YWCA of Hawaiʻi Island, Goodwill Industries of Hawaiʻi, Hilo Palace Theater, and continued giving to UH Hilo and the UH Foundation—are all made with a simple goal:

To inspire others to join in, so that every dollar we give helps unlock additional support for the land and people of Hawaiʻi. If you would like to match any of our donations email us mokuaina@olsontrust.com.

Trustees

Our work is overseen by:

• Donald Lam, Trustee – U.S. Mainland

• Paul Alston, Trustee – Hawaiʻi

They help ensure that the Trust’s giving remains aligned with Ed’s values and long-term vision.

Voices from our ʻOhana

Thomas Anuhealii with ʻohana at Palehua

From Thomas Anuhealii:

Edmund Olson approached me while on a diligence site visit here at Palehua during the summer of 2009. He was accompanied by John Cross. We all met at the roadway entrance at LOT A where I have resided since 2004. A short time later, Ed and John came asking me the usual questions about what it takes to manage these lands day in and day out. So, I obliged them with my perspective and experience of what it takes to manage this ʻaina known as Palehua located on southeast slopes of Waianae Mountain Range. Once the land deal was completed between Campbell Estate and the Trust, I was introduced to the Edmund Olson Trust II team with the duties of “Palehua Ranger”.

One memorable moment that has stuck with me the most was the day while he was here on another site tour, Ed looked at me and said, “Anu I value what you do for this place and what you will continue to do for this place. I will always look out for you and your ohana’s best interest as I know you will do the same for the trust. If you ever need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or to John Cross.” That was the beginning of our relationship and from that day on, it has been a big part of my journey in life, and it has been quite the wave to ride ever since.

In the driveway at LOT A and several meetings after with EOTII. Ed communicated to me a defined purpose to execute here at Palehua on behalf of the Trust. From that day, I was sure that I would be able to adapt and have creativity with what was being asked of me by Ed and the Trust. Many, many core memories were experienced by taking on this role and kuleana. Most importantly, I was able to raise a family with the fruits of my purpose here at Palehua. Without Ed my experience would not be the same. He offered me an opportunity in exchange for purpose. Anuhealii is very grateful to a great man, Edmund Olson, a great man... that took a chance on me as I did the same with him. One of the most impactful and generational decisions I personally have made for myself, ohana and those that have come along the way. A community of people shared and continue to share in the experience that makes us marvel in what the mana of this place can reveal to you. Mahalo Nui Ed and EOTII.

The EOTII has facilitated the opportunity for the lahui to thrive, here at Palehua and elsewhere. His support for Malama Learning Center, Leeward Kai Canoe Club, Trust for Public Lands, Friends of Honouliuli and countless other malama aina hui’s. With it, we now have more capacity to grow ourselves as a community because we have perspective. The view from Palehua, east, west, south, north... has given us all much to observe and reflect. Our action at the kai is a direct reflection on what transpires up mauka. EOTII has inspired many here at Palehua, the surrounding ahapua’a and those from far and far away. When the community comes to this wahi, they’re immersed in their observation and practices, and they leave with inspiration and purpose. Their perspective renewed through engagement with the mana of this wahi.

I hope that the Trust continues to support those that are on the lands that the Trust stewards and continues to provide opportunities for generations to come. The legacy and leadership that Ed personified must continue to help motivate and continue to grow the community. I think that the Trust’s future is one that will continue to have meaningful impact and serve as a beacon of hope for those that seek prosperity and goodwill through proper engagement upon the ʻAina.

Thomas Anuhealii with Troy Keolanui at OK Farms

Thomas Anuhealii, Palehua Ranger

Thomas Anuhealii with John Cross at Olson Trust reservoir

100 Years of Mizuno Superette: A Centennial Celebration in Pāhala

Mizuno Superette marked its 100th anniversary in Pāhala this past weekend. The store has served the community since 1925 and continues to support generations of residents.

Representing the Trust were Troy Keolanui, Chief Agriculture Manager and of OK Farms, his wife, Ala Keolanui of OK Farms, and Brenda Iokepa-Moses, the Trust’s Community and Government Liaison. They attended the celebration and hosted a table where the information package for the proposed Pāhala Visitors Center and Gas Station was available, inviting input from the community.

Voices from our ʻOhana

I’m Lori-Lee Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Pahala. I am the Ka’u Field Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy. My dad has been working for Edmund Olson and the Olson Trust No. 2 since 2006. My mom has been working there since 2019. Throughout the years from 2008 - 2025, both myself and my two brothers have spent time working for Ka’u Farms Management and Ka’u Coffee Mill, before moving on to other career goals. We have all gained valuable work experience and training there, and my fiancee also currently works for Ka’u Farms Management.

The Trust has helped me by paying for my college education, which is a very important part of my being selected as TNC Field Coordinator. I also didn’t realise until after I applied for TNC Field Technician (before coordinator) that I needed 5 calendar years of documented job experience. I was only 22 years old at the time, in 2023. Thankfully, because I had been working part-time for Ka’u Coffee Mill in 2018-2019, I had the W-2 forms I needed to qualify, and was selected for the job.

Edmund Olson and The Olson Trust No. 2 has helped many other young people pay for their higher education, and has provided many jobs for our community members. They have also made a lot of donations for community events and services. Most importantly, Ed bought our Pahala Shopping Center, so that our essential businesses such as the Pharmacy, Post Office, Grocery Store, and Bank could remain open for the community. He has also kept thousands of acres of lands in Ka’u and statewide for agriculture and conservation.

My hope for the future of the Edmund Olson Trust No. 2 is that it continues to focus on helping people, and taking care of our precious undeveloped land. As Ed was quoted on a former website “Hawaiʻi is so beautiful, let’s protect it.” I truly believe this, which is why I have chosen to be a Conservationist here in my beloved hometown of Kaʻu!

Edmund C. Olson Passes

Edmund C. Olson, 93, former Trustee and CEO of the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2, passed away on July 15, 2024, at his home in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

 Mr. Olson was a highly successful self-made businessman and philanthropist who made a significant impact on the quality of life for many people, especially residents on the Big Island of Hawaii.  He was a savvy entrepreneur that had a great vision for new opportunities and always found a way to help those in need.  Most importantly he cared about people and giving back to the community he loved. 

Mr. Olson formed and led the Edmund C Olson Trust No.2 (Olson Trust), which owns and operates several diverse businesses in Hawaiʻi and California.  In Hawaiʻi, where Mr. Olson has made his home for the last 15 years, he led the Olson Trust, which owns over 15,000 acres of land, most of which is dedicated to sustainable agriculture.  He started the Ka’ū Coffee Mill in order to provide Ka’ū coffee growers a place to process their coffee which led to a significant growth in the Ka’ū coffee region.  Mr. Olson operated thousands of acres of macadamia nut orchards and purchased Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company to process and market the nuts.

In the early 2000’s, Mr. Olson partnered with Troy Keolanui to form O.K. Farms in Hilo, a tropical fruit and macadamia farm.  Keolanui had worked for Mr. Olson since the late 80’s and developed a close relationship that endured the business partnership.  Mr. Keolanui stated, "He made everyone feel like family; we will truly miss him."

The Olson Trust also owns A-American Self-Storage, which is a chain of self-storage facilities based in Los Angeles.  At the height of its existence, Mr. Olson rapidly grew the business and A-American had over 100 locations.  It was the 5th largest self-storage operator in the country.  Prior to starting his self-storage empire, he was a contractor and early adopter of Gunite.  He built thousands of pools and commercial projects all over the West Coast using this sprayable concrete.

In June of 2024, Mr. Olson was honored by the Trust for Public Lands for his lifetime of work and contributions towards conservation of public spaces which benefit the community.  He was also honored by the Ka’u Coffee Coop for his leadership and development in building the district’s first coffee mill and establishing the local coffee industry there.

Mr. Olson’s mission, legacy and philanthropy will continue beyond his passing through the Edmund C. Olson Foundation.  The foundation will continue to give back to the people of Hawaii and to preserve its land.