PUNA, Hawaii (KHON2) -- Life on Hawaiʻi Island sometimes does not allow for opportunity when resources are not available. So, when organizations seek ways to offer opportunities to residents, it's a really big deal. Residents of Hawaiian Acres on Hawaiʻi Island are getting a major boost in their efforts to combat food insecurity. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Hawaiian Acres Community Association (HACA) has secured a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act to build a new shared-use commercial kitchen at the Hawaiian Acres Community Center on Moho Road. "This kitchen is a game changer for our community," said Joanna M. Haberman, Board President of HACA. "Even though Puna is one of the most agriculturally rich areas on the island, it’s also a food desert. People have to drive 30 minutes just to get to a grocery store. This kitchen will allow our local food producers to access the resources they need to grow their businesses and provide fresh, local food to our community." The new kitchen will serve as an incubator for food businesses and will offer certified cooking space that meets all health and safety regulations. It will include equipment for packaging, labeling and preserving food as well as facilities for canning and preparing grab-and-go meals. Haberman emphasized the importance of creating a space where local farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs can thrive. "We’ll have everything from workstations to help people get their products ready for market, to classrooms for workshops on things like food safety, business licenses, and cooking skills," she explained. The kitchen will be open to both long-term and short-term users. "For someone who needs a commercial kitchen just for a few hours, they can rent the space. For others who need regular access, we’re offering membership options," Haberman said. "This isn’t just about building a kitchen—it’s about creating a community hub where people can come together to learn, share, and grow." This new resource is part of a larger effort to address the challenges of living in a rural area. While Puna is a prime agricultural region, many of its residents struggle to access the infrastructure and resources needed to turn their produce into marketable products. "Right now, we have a few commercial kitchens in Hilo, Volcano and Pāhala, but they are all at least 30 minutes away from us. This kitchen is going to make a huge difference for our food producers," Haberman said. Haberman also noted that the kitchen’s design will prioritize accessibility for all residents. "It’s going to be ADA-compliant, so that everyone in our community can use it, regardless of physical ability," she added. "That’s really important for us because we want this project to be as inclusive as possible." The kitchen project has already sparked enthusiasm in the community, with a dedicated team working on the plans. "We’ve formed a kitchen committee made up of volunteers from the community, and we’re meeting weekly to make sure everything comes together," Haberman said. "We’re still looking for more people to join us, especially those with experience in project management or construction." One of the next steps is finding a project manager to oversee the construction and permitting process. "It’s a big job, and we need someone with the right expertise to keep everything on track," Haberman said. Those interested in the position can apply through HireNet Hawai‘i until Dec. 13. "We’re really hoping to get the right person to help us make this vision a reality." Haberman emphasized that the kitchen is not just for Hawaiian Acres but for the entire Puna district. "We want this kitchen to serve as a model for other communities in Puna and beyond. If we can make this work, we hope other areas will be inspired to create their own shared-use kitchens," she said. "Our goal is to create a space that will support not just our neighborhood, but all of East Hawaiʻi." The project is expected to take about two years to complete, but Haberman is optimistic about its long-term impact. "This kitchen will help people start new businesses, grow existing ones and improve food access in our community," she added. "And it’s just the beginning of what we hope will be a larger movement to revitalize Puna’s economy and local food systems." For more information or to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit the Hawaiian Acres Community Association website or email [email protected]. Volunteers and potential project manager applicants are welcome to join the effort to bring this vital resource to life. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 "This is an opportunity to transform our community," Haberman concluded. "We’re excited to see where this project takes us and to see how it will inspire others in Hawaiʻi and beyond."