Imua Family Services has landed a $500,000 boost from Dave and Tamar Murray and the Murray ʻohana, a gift that gives some serious lift to the Imua Discovery Garden Capital Campaign. The donation will underwrite development of the Imua Inclusion Preschool on the nonprofit’s six‑acre Wailuku property and nudges the effort closer to its $10 million goal. Imua leaders say construction of the nature‑based early learning campus is expected to start in early 2026.
Murray Gift Marks A Big Moment For The Campaign
The Murray contribution joins earlier leadership support and injects fresh momentum into Imua’s Discovery Garden fundraising push. A previous $2.2 million leadership gift from Susan Naylor and The Will Smith Foundation helped anchor the early phase of the campaign, according to earlier reports. "This campaign is about building the future our keiki deserve," Dean Wong, Imua's CEO, said in a statement, as reported by Maui Now.
What The Campaign Will Build
Imua describes the Discovery Garden project as a nature‑based early learning campus designed to support children of all abilities through outdoor learning and inclusive play. The capital plan covers purchase and restoration of the garden parcel, rebuilding of key structures, critical infrastructure and parking upgrades, landscaping and design improvements, and a new inclusive playground, per Discover Imua campaign materials. The garden already hosts art installations and small public programs, and Imua leaders say those offerings will grow to serve more school groups and families as the site is developed.
Historic Site And Neighborhood Concerns
The Imua Discovery Garden is located on the former Yokouchi Estate in Wailuku, which features historic buildings and mature monkeypod trees. Earlier expansion plans drew both praise and concerns from neighbors over event size, traffic, and converting a 1930s plantation manager’s house for support facilities. County officials requested additional community outreach, and Imua says it has simplified plans while maintaining the project’s focus on early-childhood access, Maui Now reports.
What Happens Next
Imua leaders say the Murray gift, combined with earlier major donations, will help finalize designs ahead of ground‑breaking and move the campaign closer to its fundraising targets. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with program openings rolling out in phases as work is completed. To learn more about the campaign or to contribute, visit the support page on Discover Imua or contact Imua at [email protected].
