Development Council Information

The Awa Development Council (ADC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. The ADC is devoted exclusively to educational, science, and cultural activities. Our motto is I Maluhia ka Honua (So that the world may be at peace). The following is a summary of our activities we conduct on a regular basis. Education. We coordinate with professors and researchers to give talks and hold discussions with the public to educate them about the physiological benefits of kava, the safety of its use, its use in Hawaiian religion and culture, and current scientific understanding. We host the annual Kava Festival an important educational venue for the dissemination of knowledge and understanding of kava. We provide scientific literature and general educational material to schools and general public upon request. Educational display boards are also available for public viewing at public events. Our website, http://awadevelopment.org , is also a resource for kava education. We are available to provide educational lectures and talks on kava. Funds will be disbursed to support research in kava. Students who research kava are encouraged to apply for ADC grants or scholarships. Science. We engage in scientific research and also coordinate and provide referrals to researchers. For example, Will McClatchey, Ph.D, board member, is an associate professor of botany at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa. H.C. Bittenbender, Ph.D., board member, is the extension specialist for kava, cacao and coffee at the University of Hawaii. Both board members conduct scientific research on kava. Referrals are provided through our extensive contacts within the academic community, the Association for Hawaiian Awa, a 501(c)(3) organization, and use of our website. We also refer researchers who require plant material to gardeners, farmers and nurseries. Research results that are supported by the ADC are also posted on our website. We also support science by using the Kava Festival as an important venue for scientific demonstrations and talks. ...