The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce presented its 2021 Pualu Award to the IRONMAN Hawai`i team in recognition of IRONMAN and the IRONMAN Foundation’s Kahiau Together food distribution program.

The Pualu Award recognizes individuals, businesses and/or non-profit organizations that exemplify a commitment to the improvement and advancement of the community.

The mission of the Kahiau Together program was built from the Hawaiian word Kahiau, meaning to give generously or lavishly from the heart while not expecting anything in return.

With a pledge of $1 million from the IRONMAN Foundation to support the program, the Kahiau Together Aid Station drive-through food distribution began in July of 2020 and to date has served over 80,000 meals at 19 events through the distribution of food bundles of locally sourced fresh proteins, fruits, vegetables, and starches.

“We are collectively honored to have the opportunity to give back to our ‘ohana and the Hawai`i Island community. We are so pleased that our community is being fed but also our local farmers, fishermen and ranchers have benefitted from this as well,” said Diana Bertsch, Senior Vice President, World Championship Events for The IRONMAN Group in a press release.

Kahiau Together food distribution events for Hawai`i Island residents will continue through 2021. The next Kahiau Together is set for Monday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kona International Marketplace.