From Bento Boxes to Community Hope: The Journey of Bradley Kukral Founder of HHH

On March 23, 2020 the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, Bradley Kukral and his friend Steve stood on a deserted Front Street in Lahaina, faced with a scene of neglect and desperation. The once bustling street was now overrun with garbage, and the unsheltered occupied every block, destitute and hungry. What started as a simple desire to clean up the area soon evolved into a mission to feed the houseless, leading to the creation of HHH (Hungry Heroes Hawaii).

The Beginning: A Simple Act of Kindness

Bradley recalls a pivotal moment that sparked his journey. “I was at Foodland when I saw a man running out with beef jerky, chased by employees and eventually stopped by a construction worker. It turned out he hadn’t eaten in days. An altercation ensued, and his cart was overturned. I went inside and bought him a bento box. I don’t condone stealing, but everyone needs to eat.”

At that time, Steve was couch-surfing, and together they decided to take action. “We said, ‘screw it, let’s make some food,’” Bradley remembers. They joined the “Maui Helping Maui” Facebook group, and the response was overwhelming. What began with 15 meals quickly grew to 80, then to 300-400 meals prepared daily in a commercial kitchen donated by Blue Moon Café.

Community Spirit and Personal Connection

Bradley reflects on the initial days with a sense of awe at the community’s generosity. “The goodness in other people stood out. While some were watching Tiger King, while we were spending 14 hours a day making meals. It was this aura of just doing something to help.”

As a longtime resident of Lahaina, Bradley’s connection to the area runs deep. “I’m a Lahaina Rat. There’s no place I’d rather be. I’ve spent 15 years here – Baby Beach, 505, Walgreens, Front Street, I worked at Mai Tai Lounge – Lahaina means a lot to me.” He fondly recalls the local legends, like Ray in the wheelchair, Kentucky, and Charles, who were part of the community’s fabric and were houseless. In the sea of thousands of tourists, there were these people we would learn to love.”

Different Strengths, Shared Vision

Bradley and Steve complemented each other well in their efforts. “I’m not the visionary; I’m logical and analytical. My kuleana (responsibility) was a specific list of immediate needs, boxes, ingredients, meals. Steve’s mind is always somewhere else, bigger and broader.”

Both originally from Minnesota, their paths crossed through a mutual friend. “His mom had a timeshare here, and he would visit. I told him he didnt have to wait for the next family vacation and he was welcome to stay with me. In 2016, he sent me a photo of his one-way ticket to Maui, and I told him he could crash on my couch.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Reflecting on the evolution of HHH, Bradley is astonished. “It’s mind-blowing to see where it’s gone since the fire, from just getting one guy a bento box to something way beyond the  initial founders, there is a entire group of people each with unique skills and offerings. I’m not playing an active leadership role now, so I can speak to it as a community member. The most important part of the organization is the sense of community and the impact of simply having conversations with people – you have no idea what a difference that can make.”

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Bradley’s journey hasn’t been without personal challenges. “My wife and I lost our place in Lahaina; it was a rental. She was home with the cat while I was at work, and we were out of contact during the chaos. We’ve been trying to get our lives back together, taking on two jobs, and going back to school. We’re struggling but counting our blessings. We’re better off than many others, just hustling and doing what we can.”

Despite these hardships, Bradley remains dedicated to his community, working at the Westin and the Plantation House in Kapalua, and studying health and nutrution. In his free time Brad is an avid runner, with a background in Canoe paddling.

A Legacy of Kindness

Bradley’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. From that first bento box to the hundreds of meals now provided by HHH, his journey exemplifies the power of community spirit and the enduring aloha of Lahaina.