About how two Pacific Islander cultural advocates, Charles Byram and Kava Hillen, are celebrating and promoting the use of kava (a traditional plant-based drink) in modern times through their unique approach of opening a coffee shop named Kava Coffee Roasters. Their story is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Charles Byram was once the owner of Kava Coffee, where he served as a barista, while his wife Kava Hillen worked there as well. They initially opened the coffee shop to meet the demand for traditional kava among local farmers who wanted to enjoy this drink that had been passed down through generations.

Byram explained that modern people today are interested in kava because of its health benefits, but often these interests are not taken seriously by those who understand its cultural significance. Byram and Hillen believe that the modern kava coffee shop is more than just a place to drink coffee; it's also an opportunity to showcase Pacific Islander culture.

Byram and Hillen explained that their goal was to introduce people to the history, preparation process, and cultural significance of kava. They wanted to show how this drink has been passed down through generations and how it holds special meaning in the lives of Pacific Islanders.

However, the couple also admitted that they have faced some criticism and pressure from outside their community. Byram mentioned that some people criticize kava because of misunderstandings about its cultural roots, but these criticisms actually motivate them to improve their work.

Byram said that in order to respond to these criticisms, they plan to add more Pacific Islander content to their shop's menu, adjust their marketing strategy, and collaborate with the community. They also mentioned that they are not trying to copy the traditional kava but rather want to bring it back to its cultural roots through modern means.

Hillen added that her goal is not only to promote kava but also to make people understand and appreciate the diversity of Pacific Islander culture. She said that many customers from the Pasifika community are very supportive of their work and encourage them to keep going.

Byram mentioned that they hope in the future to add more cultural content to their shop, such as telling stories about Pacific Islander culture or showing photos of traditional kava preparation. He emphasized that they aren't trying to copy the traditional kava but rather want it to be a bridge between the past, present, and future.

Overall, Byram and Hillen's story shows how in modern times we can find and respect valuable cultural heritage. Their work is not only about promoting kava but also about preserving and reviving Pacific Islander culture for future generations. They are not just promoting a drink; they're doing something bigger than that—they're helping to keep Pacific Islander culture alive.