Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 9, 1 September 1986 — Helemano's Retarded Citizens Dish Out Aloha, Smiles, Hula [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Helemano's Retarded Citizens Dish Out Aloha, Smiles, Hula

There is a relatively new complex of farm lands, gardens and open air shopping and dining facilities just outside Wahiawa whieh merits a visit by kamaainas and malihinis alike.

Helemano Plantation is operated and serviced by retarded individuals, a number of them Hawaiians, who are offered a ehanee at a new beginning in the short one and one-half years of its existence. The facility is a division of Opportunities for the Retarded ine., a non-profit organization. According to Executive Director Susanna Cheung, there is a current population of 60 mentally retard citizens who eome to the complex daily to participate in educational and vocational training. They leam dozens of professional service, labor and product development skills so as to become part of the work force and eontributing citizens to the community.

Helemano Plantation is governed by a 13-member board of directors chaired by Honolulu pharmacist William K. Ikehara. Cheung said she has a staff of 30, a number of them volunteers, who look after the affairs of these special people. The surrounding grounds of this complex are planted with many varieties of flowers, fruits, vegetables and trees. Many of the fruits and vegetables grown on the property are sold right at the facility. In addition to the farm and garden, the complex also houses a bakery, restaurant, gift shop, fruit stand and thrift shop. The bakery sells manapua made from Cheung's own recipe and many otherdelicious pastries baked fresh daily on fhe premises.

The restaurant has a buffet spread or patrons may order ala carte. Service is provided by handicapped people who also put on a hula show in appreciation for dropping in. There are also banquet facilities for up to 350 people for weddings, birthdays and other special oecasions. Cheung, who has been with the program five years when it was known by another name, is hoping for increased attendance figures. Visitors haven't yet beaten down the doors but Cheung is optimistic attendance will increase. She takes special pride in the many authentic Hawaiian items handmade on the property by the retarded citizens. They serve as good take home gifts and the price is right, Cheung points out.

Although there is strongcommunity support, there is virtually no money for advertising and promotion. Cheung said 40 percent of the funding comes from the Department of Health, about two percent from the Aloha United Way , a little from private funding and the sale of produce and fruits. Helemano Plantation is located on Kamehameha Highway directly adjacent to the Dole pineapple on the way to or from the North Shore. It isopen from 9 a.m. to closing seven days a week. There are free lei making classes and hula lessons offered twice daily when attendance permits. The restaurant, bakery and shops are operated and serviced by retarded individuals who also maintain the floriculture and agriculture gardens.

A country gift fair is planned for Nov. 1-3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the complex. Specially selected holiday gifts, musical dolls, farm produce, handcrafted ornaments, Christmas decorations, huli huli ehieken and many more items will be for sale. One can't help but gain a warm and unforgettable experience observing these professionally trained and skilled citizens who are capable of leading normal selfsufficient lives and contributing to society.

Susanna Cheung

Three of Helemano Plantation's retarded citizens teach Na'ike ohana members the hula.