Ian Masterson is a dedicated professor at Windward Community College and a committed board member of Hoʻi Hoʻi Ea. Hailing from Hakipuʻu, Hawaii, Ian's family has lived in the area for generations, deeply rooting him in the local community. He brings a wealth of local knowledge and passion for education to his students, inspiring them to connect with and appreciate their cultural heritage. Ian has extensively studied and advocated on behalf of ʻiwi kūpuna in the region, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and honoring Hawaii's ancestral legacy.

Hi'iaka Jardine is a dedicated public servant and community advocate based in Ahuimanu, Hawaii. She currently serves as the Office Manager for Senator Brenton 'Awa at the Hawai'i State Legislature15. In this role, she assists in managing the senator's office operations and contributes to the legislative process.She is an active member of the Ko'olaupoko Neighborhood Board, where she works to address local issues and improve the quality of life for residents3. Before her current role, Hi'iaka was a Civil Engineering undergraduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is also a cofounder of Ko’olau Kaiāulu another non-profit restoring a historic plot of lo’i kalo (taro patch) terracing in Ahuimanu’s residential neighborhood. Jardine lends her network and experience with the local civic bodies to HHE’s work, to advocate on behalf of the aligned missions of our two bodies.

Kaheikili Puhipau is a lineal descendant of the Ko’olaupoko region. He is a core member of Hui Aloha ʻĀina Chapter, Ka Lei Maile Aliʻi (KLMA). KLMA has provided mālama and farming support to Waikāne for nearly 3 years. Kehekiliokanalu Puhipau is the proud grandson of the late Abraham Puhipau Ahmad, a renowned figure in the Hawaiian community. His grandfather, known as Puhipau, was a celebrated documentary filmmaker and a patriot of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Puhipau's legacy is marked by his dedication to enlightening the world about Hawaiian history and culture. He co-founded Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina ("The Eyes of the Land"), a video production team that produced documentaries illustrating the strength and struggles of the Hawaiian people234. Puhipau was recognized as one of the "Na Mamo o Ka Po'e Hawai'i – Living Treasures of the Hawaiian People" for his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and aloha 'āina123. As the grandson of Puhipau, Kehekiliokanalu carries forward the legacy of his grandfather's dedication to the Hawaiian people and their rich history and culture, with his own expertise in cultural practices and places. Kahekili supports our current working days, and will be expanding our ‘āina experience to plan and host additional educational workdays on the site.

Tapulima “Tapu” Hanapi is the Treasurer of [organization/company name]. Hailing from a family of ʻāina activists on Molokaʻi, Tapu has a deep-rooted commitment to preserving and protecting Hawaii's natural and cultural resources. Her family's legacy of advocacy has inspired her lifelong dedication to community service and environmental stewardship. With a background in the military, Tapu combines discipline and strategic thinking in her professional endeavors. She currently leads a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) that provides cyber security services, reflecting her passion for both community empowerment and technological advancement.

Aunty Lynette Hiʻilani Cruz, a respected kūpuna from Waiʻanae, has dedicated her life to education, advocacy, and the preservation of Hawaiian culture. She served as a professor at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) and now enjoys her retirement as the kūpuna in residence at HPU. Kumu Lynette has also taught at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Windward Community College, enriching these institutions with her deep knowledge of Hawaiian traditions and values.

Known for her advocacy and community organizing, Lynette continues to serve the community in her "retirement." She is the President of Mālama Mākua and a mentor and member of Ka Lei Maile Aliʻi and Ka Lei ʻĀina Aliʻi. Her work bridges traditional Hawaiian knowledge with contemporary academics, fostering a deeper appreciation of Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.

Uncle Tommy is a lifelong resident of Ko‘olaupoko O‘ahu. He has provided mālama and farming support to Waikāne for nearly 3 years, alongside Uncle Keoki Fukumitsu. He has served a critical role in supporting building relationships with the Valleyʻs residents and other stakeholders.

Uncle Francis, also known as Kumu Palani, is a native of Hāna, Maui. Uncle Francis has dedicated his second career to reviving kūkulu hale (traditional Hawaiian architecture) and uhau humu pōhaku (masonry). Hale, traditional thatched structures, come in various forms, each designed to harmonize with Hawaii's unique landscapes. For over 25 years, Uncle Francis, a Master Indigenous Architect, has trained a new generation of practitioners, built numerous hale, and restored sacred sites across Hawai‘i. His contributions include the establishment of the Indigenous Architecture Building Code, a hale builder certification program, and the founding of Hālau Hale Kuhikuhi, a traditional school. Uncle Francis remains active in training future generations and leading projects throughout Hawai‘i.

Uncle Keoki Fukumitsu, also known Kalo Man, is a kumu of kalo and traditional agro-ecological management. Fukumistu is a native of Hakipu’u, O’ahu. He and his son Kōlea Fukumitsu are the leading cultural, fishing, and farming experts on the restoration and farming efforts. who provide guidance regarding the continuity of projects. Their knowledge of these traditions was passed from Keoki Fukumitusʻ mother, Victoria Sheldon, his grandmother Jennie Kaiʻalau Fukumitsu, paternal grandfather, George Sebastian, maternal grandfather, Glen Sheldon, and great-grandfather Ruisuki Fukumitsu. They have both farmed their 3 acres of kuleana lands in Hakipuʻu for their entire lives. Keoki Fukumitsu was appointed to the statesʻ Taro Purity and Security Task Force, he has also directed various Taro Projects for UH Mānoa’s Kmakakūkalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, Windward Community College, Kauaʻi Community College, Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, and on the Kawainui Marsh Opolu Heiau Project.