The BYU-Hawaii Service Center hosted their Ho’omana Day on March 2, involving 12 clubs and over 150 students. The event takes place each semester to give students volunteer opportunities at organizations around the North Shore. Non-profit organizations Hearts for Animals, PCC Farms, Temple Grounds, and Hau’ula Church farms were selected.
At the Hau’ula Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Farms, BYUH students did over a month’s work of service in less than three hours, according to BYUH Theatre Special Instructor Aaron Densley.
“That is what the Service Center is all about,” said Service Center Assistant Alyssa Allen, a junior from Colorado majoring in humanities, after hearing about the impact the students made at the Church farm.
“We are here to make the community have a better life and if we can do that through serving, let's do it.”
Allen said serving gives students a higher purpose. “We are all focusing on what to do and how to be better. Service is one of the easiest ways to be a better person. It gives you more purpose to get out of bed and not feel stuck on this island.”
Farmer feel great
Densley owns a plot of land at the Hau’ula Church farms and said he has been trying to clear garbage and debris from his property since January.
“I got a call from the missionary over the farms saying BYUH students were coming Saturday, do you need help on your plot. I responded with absolutely because when we come out to work on the land, it is just me, my wife and my father-in-law, who is 80.”
Densley said the students made a huge impact. “We have been doing this by hand. The students saved us at least a month of work. It is hard to know how much work the BYUH students did. I didn’t know there was half of the trash in the land. Now, the trash pile is at least double of what it was. That is all work I would have to do.”
According to Densley, he said he can start planting faster and use the produce to help those in need. He said the students are benefiting at the only Church farm on the island and the only Church farm that operates without contractors.
“The other Church farms contract professional farmers to grow the crops and they package the produce, giving it to the welfare centers and bishop storehouses. Here, the ward members get in contact with the elder in charge of the farm. Then they are the ones who farm the land, and the produce goes directly to the ward.”
Student’s perspectives
Lily Tuivai, a freshman from Australia majoring in communications, said she came out for Ho’omana Day for her social work class. She said it was hard to wake up at 8 a.m. to serve, but in the end, it was all worth it.
“Seeing the way Brother Densley smiled at the end when he told us we did a month’s work gave me are a warm feeling.
“I encourage everyone else to take on service. I feel like it’s one thing to hear about service, but it is better to come and see how much change BYUH students can do to the community.”
Kendall Oliver, a senior from Illinois majoring in political science, said he came for Pre-law Society. He said clearing the land to make room for future farming efforts was more than work.
“It is oddly relaxing in a way, even though it is hard work. Everyone should participate in the next service day because your work makes a difference no matter what size.”
Writer: Noah Shoaf
