This item is a Koaia wood platter created by craftsman Mark Hubbard of Kaua'i. Koaia is an endemic lowland Koa wood and is very hard and dark. The wood for this piece was collected from the Hanalei area. This beautiful platter can be used decoratively or as a functional piece and the piece measures 5 3/4" x 13" x 2". This piece is part of Mark Hubbard's treasured private collection and he is sharing it with the auction in the hope that it will support the Center into the future for all people.

A consultant in the field of Human Resources with 30 years experience and 10 years experience in property management, real estate sales and leasing, Mark has worked for the U.S. Navy, Amfac Sugar-Hawai`i, and Grove Farm Company, Inc. Mark earned a BA in biology from Stanford University and a MBA from U.H. Mark volunteers with many nonprofit organizations and community groups such as Rotary Club, Hale `Opio, Leadership Kaua`i, Kaua`i Community College, Puako Homeowners' Association, Blood Bank of Hawai`i, Lawai International Center, Kaua`i Hospice, Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center of Kaua`i, as well as Kaua`i Planning & Action Alliance.

Mark's commitment to Lawai International Center is beyond words. He is a precious gift to humanity through his humbleness and overwhelming act of kindness. Every week for 20 years, Mark has quietly maintained the 32-acre property of the Center, from pulling weeds, mowing and clearing the overgrown forest. He is the only one who knows every inch of the property. During the creation of the Hall of Compassion, from sunrise to sunset, Mark worked side by side with the masters from Asia everyday. Lawai International Center is possible because of his presence of being...his heart and soul are immersed into every aspect of the Center.