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.