Free Deer Meat Drive

Photo courtesy of MHC

In honor of King Kamehameha V, Lota Kapuaiwa Kalanimakua Aliʻiolani Kalanikupuapaʻikalaninui, who introduced the axis deer to Molokai and whose la hanau, or birthday, is Dec. 11, 1830, the Molokai Hunting Club (MHC) hosted another free venison drive for Molokai families.

MHC held the drive with the acknowledgment that axis deer continues to be a primary food source for the Molokai community. Over 200 households were reached during the free meat drive at Kiowea Park on Dec. 9.

“The most rewarding part of the free meat drive is our club members’ commitment to giving back to our ‘aina kupuna as well as helping to feed our island’s people. Recognizing that our harvesting efforts are never solitary, it is always a ‘kakou’ effort,” explained a statement from the MHC. “Whether it’s feeding our community through coordinated hunts or assisting with creating adaptable plans that center around positive solutions to the negative environmental impacts that unmanaged wild game can do to our ‘aina, the central focus of MHC remains our ability to build positive relationships and partnerships within our island’s community.”

In 2024, MHC members explained that they hope to expand the free wild game meat drive to various districts throughout Molokai, as highlighted in their 2023 brochure detailing the Maunaloa meat drive and community service activities in the coming months.

The MHC expressed a humble gratitude to the Molokai community, extending their appreciation and aloha to the landowners who granted them access to harvest axis deer, and to their current grant funder the Maui County Office of Economic Development, as well as Kuha’o Business Center, Council Member Keani Rawlins-Fernadez, District 13 Representative Mahina Poepoe and Sust’ainable Molokai.

For additional details about the Molokai Hunting Club or to become a member, please visit Molokaihuntingclub.com or reach out via email at Molokaihuntingclub@gmail.com.