As Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Planning at Pūlama Lāna‘i, Keiki-Pua leads initiatives that advance the company’s mission to build a sustainable future for Lāna‘i. She oversees permitting and land use entitlements, fostering partnerships with federal, state, and county governments and business partners. Keiki-Pua oversees the Community Development (CD) and Culture and Historic Preservation (CHP) teams. On Lāna‘i, the CD team shares information on projects, legislation, and other issues while actively listening to community concerns, and works with and supports local non-profit organizations and educational opportunities. The CHP team manages preservation plans and stewards cultural sites. Working closely with the SVP of Development and Construction, she ensures that island initiatives align with future sustainability. In this role, she develops company-wide strategies promoting sustainable growth, responsible land use, and resource management. Her work supports Pūlama Lāna‘i’s vision to preserve culture, build economic opportunities, steward lands, and invest in people for a resilient island future.

Keiki Pua Dancil is speaking at September 12, 2025 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Veronica was born and raised in Santa Ana, California by a community of immigrants and spent 15 of her most formative years in Chicago. She is one of 4 co-founders of the Maui based non-profit, Roots Reborn and the current Executive Director. Under her leadership Roots Reborn has directed millions of recovery dollars to the migrant and immigrant community; established a dedicated immigration law division, the first ever Maui-based non-profit immigration legal aid program; increased access to healthcare for hundreds of immigrants on Maui through partnerships with Kaiser & MauiWES; and built a team comprised entirely of bilingual, bicultural women rooted in the communities they serve. She is a proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico and mother to a mixed Mestizo-Kanaka 'ohana.

Roselani Aiwohi is the Founder of Waiwaolani, a Maui based clothing retail brand. She was recently recognized by Hawai’i small business accelerator program Mana Up and by Hawai’i Venture Capital Association as the People’s Choice small business winner. She is a high school teacher by profession and now an entrepreneur. She is also a photography hobbyist. Prior to being a full-time entrepreneur, she was a high school teacher at H.P. Baldwin High School for 12 years. Roselani has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Teaching. She is passionate about native Hawaiian culture and the preservation of our native Hawaiian ecosystems here in Hawai’i.

Isaac Bancaco, born and raised on the island of Maui, has built his career at the intersection of food, culture, and community. A proud product of Hawai‘i, Isaac’s deep connection to the ocean and waterman lifestyle has shaped his philosophy both in and out of the kitchen. Known for his innovative approach to island cuisine, he first made his mark as a celebrated chef, blending traditional Hawaiian ingredients with modern techniques to create dishes that honored the past while looking boldly toward the future.

Isaac’s culinary career included notable positions across Maui’s top restaurants, where he earned a reputation for excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to sourcing locally. His influence helped elevate Maui’s food scene, and his work has been featured in national publications and culinary events throughout the country.

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Now serving as Vice President of Operations for Lahaina Brewing Company, Isaac has transitioned his passion for quality and community into the craft beer and hospitality world. In this role, he oversees strategic operations, brand development, and the continued growth of a company rooted deeply in Lahaina’s heritage. His leadership reflects the same values he brought to the kitchen—sustainability, integrity, and a deep love for the ‘āina (land) and kai (sea).

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Whether on Kaiwa`a Canoe at dawn or leading a team through a new venture, Isaac Bancaco continues to represent the spirit of Maui with authenticity, innovation, and aloha.

Sieny Corpuz is the Director of Community Operations at Kaibigan ng Lahaina, where she leads with compassion and cultural insight to serve Maui’s Filipino immigrant community. With a strong background in community outreach, Sieny plays a vital role in coordinating services, breaking down barriers to access, and ensuring families receive the support they need to rebuild and thrive. Her work is rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and a deep commitment to equity and cultural integrity in times of crisis and beyond.

Zavier enjoys working with brands who want to explore developing a real connection with local Hawaii residents. He has helped companies such as Toyota Hawaii achieve their most ambitious goals on social media and has the analytics to prove it.

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Since 2016, Zavier has consistently produced content that connects, entertains, and educates local residents. He prides himself on being one of the few Hawai'i influencers who specializes in clean local comedy and is a creator who believes that we should enjoy more laughs together.

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Senator Lynn Pualani DeCoite is a dedicated public servant and third-generation homestead farmer proudly representing Senate District 7, including Hāna, East & Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe, and Molokini. Raised on Moloka‘i, she learned the values of hard work and sustainability on her family farm. Before entering elected office, she served on the State Board of Agriculture and chaired the Farm Service Agency, championing rural communities. From 2015 to 2021, she represented House District 13 and has served in the Senate since 2021. She is Assistant Majority Floor Leader and chairs the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, also serving on the committees for Agriculture and Environment, Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Ways and Means. Senator DeCoite and her husband Russell have been married for 32 years and are proud parents of three and grandparents of two. She was honored as a 2019 “Woman of Excellence,” the 2024 Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Woman of the Year, and serves as Southwestern Regional Director for NFWL.

JoJo Dickson is the owner and head strength coach of Dickson Performance and the founder of The Underdog Foundation. A Baldwin High School alum, he earned a Division I football scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he was a four-year contributor before playing for five NFL franchises. He now operates TUF Fieldhouse, a premier performance training facility in Kahului, Maui, and serves as the coordinator of the UA Next All-America Camp – Maui. JoJo brings elite-level experience, having trained at some of the nation’s top facilities alongside world-class coaches. Passionate about giving back, he’s dedicated to helping youth and adults alike reach their full athletic potential. From fat loss to muscle gain to performance, his programs are built to change lives. He lives by the quote: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

A graduate of Kula Kaiapuni o Maui Hawaiian Language Immersion School, Leahi earned an undergraduate degree while winning 2 Womenʻs Volleyball National Titles while at Stanford University. Later, she earned a doctorate with honors studying Leadership, Change, and Organizations at Pepperdine University. She is a Kākoʻo for Oli Honua and a learner at Lonoa Honua, a member of Kūmakua Leadership Academy, a support for First Nations Futures Program, and serves on the boards of Hui Alanui o Makena and Aloha Makena Foundation.

Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto represents District 5 which encompasses the island of Maui. Appointed by the Governor in 2023, he serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate’s Housing Committee and as a member of the Education, Higher Education, and Ways and Means committees.

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Prior to joining the State Senate, Senator Hashimoto was appointed to the Hawaii State House of Representatives in 2018. During his tenure in the House, he chaired the Housing Committee and was a member of the Judiciary, Education, Higher Education, and Transportation committees.

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Before his legislative career, Senator Hashimoto was engaged in local governance and political leadership, working for the Maui County Council chair, and serving as the chair of the Maui County Democratic Party.

Kilihune Ka'aihue was born and raised on the shores of Kailua, 'O'ahu. With over 40 years of hula training, she's dedicated her life to building a firm foundation in health and wellness as a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, and educator throughout Hawaiʻi. In 2022, she completed her formal 'ūniki training as kumu hula and believes that our mana lies within the valuable connections we establish to our three piko, in simple terms; mind, body and spirit. When we culturally engage and mālama our mental (mind), physical (body) and emotional (spirit) well-being, we become well-balanced kānaka rich in our identity and purposeful in serving our lāhui in beneficial ways. As an aerialist, dancer and yoga teacher on Maui for the past 25 years, she has seen the longevity of her career apparent in her cultural approach to movement, yoga, breath work and diet. She hopes to instill these 'ike Hawaiʻi health practices to the next generation building stronger self connections to identity and culture for our ʻōpio to thrive. E Ola!

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D. Pōmaikaʻi Kaniaupio-Crozier is the Conservation Director for Aloha Puʻu Kukui where he manages the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve for Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. He and his team steward and protect one of Hawaiʻi’s most pristine native ecosystems.

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Born and raised on Oʻahu, he has dedicated his career to Hawaiian natural resource management and the Hawaiian Language.  He has taught both disciplines at his alma mater St. Louis School, and at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). At UHM, he was also the Loʻi Coordinator at Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai and led community restoration projects at the Bishop Museum and here on Maui. For more than a decade, Pōmaikaʻi has served as a director for the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership, West Maui Soil and Water Conservation District and the West Maui Fire Task Force.

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Over the past 20 years, his work has encompassed ahupuaʻa restoration, loʻi restoration, riparian enhancement, native forestry stewardship, traditional hale building and marine ecosystem connectivity. As both a mahiʻai kalo ( taro farmer), and kiaʻi ʻāina (conservationist), Pōmaika’i has been deeply engaged in water stewardship and mālama ʻāina efforts from ma ukai to ma kai.  Fluent in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and learning of mālama ʻāina from kūpuna keeps Pōmaikaʻi grounded and rooted to his Hawaiian culture, ensuring that culture and conservation go hand in hand. From safeguarding native species at the summit of Puʻu Kukui to leading native forestry restoration efforts in Honolua, Pōmaika'iʻs work bridges science, culture, and stewardship. Faith, ʻohana, and ʻike kūpuna remain central to his life.

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Amithea Love, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist who is employed at Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, serving patients in Central, East, and North shore regions. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, and her M.S. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, New England. Dr. Love is the current President of the Hawai‘i Psychological Association (HPA), Co-Chair of HPA’s Rural Health Committee, and Co-Chair of the Kaua‘i Mental Health Consortium (KMHC), which is a group of most Kaua‘i mental health providers. Dr. Love is committed to serving and advocating for her community’s mental health needs. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her pets (two turtles and a puppy).

Christina Uemura, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist currently working at Kaua‘i Medical Clinic. She previously worked as a Psychologist for the Department of Education at the Westside schools as well. Dr. Uemura graduated from Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Honolulu, HI in 2018. She is the Co-Chair of the Kaua’i Mental Health Consortium, a group of Kaua’i mental health providers, and is also the Kaua‘i Representative on the board for the Hawai‘i Psychological Association. She has a passion for serving her Kaua‘i community and being a mom to her 2 children.

Marissa currently leads Hawai‘i Community Foundation's Community Centered Economy (C sector) grantmaking team. Prior to joining Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Marissa served as chief operating officer of Common Ground, an agriculture accelerator and innovation company located in Kilauea. Marissa previously served as Vice President of Grove Farm Company, one of the island’s largest private landowners, and as president of the Grove Farm Foundation. A graduate of Waimea High School, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Marissa currently serves as a director for Shioi Construction and is on the Advisory Board for the American Red Cross – Kaua‘i Chapter and the Community Advisory Committee for PBS Hawai‘i. Marissa has served as Board Chair of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Kauaʻi Planning & Action Alliance, and the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board and as a director for the Economic Development Alliance of Hawai‘i. In addition to being a graduate of Leadership Kaua‘i, she is also a Pacific Century Fellow and Omidyar Fellow.

Jayson Watts is the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Mahi Pono, LLC, a Maui-based farming company committed to strengthening Hawai‘i’s food security, developing high-quality local produce, and fostering agricultural sustainability. With over 700 employees, Mahi Pono is revitalizing 41,000 acres of former sugarcane land, transforming it into a diverse agricultural hub that supports and drives economic growth in the state. He also serves as the Chair of the State of Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). 

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After three years in San Francisco at Foothill College, McKenna Maduli moved to Los Angeles to pursue the Broadcast Entertainment program at UCLA Extension. The Roosevelt High School graduate excelled as an entertainment reporter for NBC’s Access Hollywood, MTV, VH1, and Billboard Magazine’s “Billboard Live.” McKenna moved back to Hawai‘i in 2016 and joined KHON2 (FOX) as the Weekend Weather Anchor and morning news reporter on WakeUp2Day. Next, she moved on to Hawai‘i News Now, and in addition to being the creator and host for Talk Story, she carries the role of Native Hawaiian Content Development. “Talk Story with McKenna Maduli” celebrates all things entertainment and shines a light on the many talented people from the islands in music, fashion, art, hula, and Hawaiian culture. In its first season, McKenna garnered two Emmy® nominations, winning her first regional Emmy® Award in 2020 for Interview and Discussion Segment. In 2021 & 2022, McKenna received six Emmy® nominations for her work as a producer and host, furthering her goal to elevate Hawai‘i television in the multiple roles she passionately carries

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Wesley (Wes) Lo is the Chief Executive Officer of both Ohana Pacific Health and Hale Makua Health Services, which were affiliated with Ohana Pacific Health in 2020.  Ohana Pacific Health (which includes Hale Makua Health Services) spans Maui, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i Island, resulting in the creation of the state’s largest post-acute care organization. Locally owned and operated, Ohana Pacific Health employs over 1,500 individuals serving 950 post-acute care beds, three home health agencies, three adult day health operations, two adult residential care homes, and care management operations on Maui and Kauaʻi. Prior to joining Ohana Pacific Health, Wes was the CEO for Hale Makua Health Services, and previous to this, he served as the CEO of the Maui Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation, which had oversight over Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lāna‘i Community Hospital. During his tenure with Maui Memorial, he was involved in the start-up of the first and only full-service Cardiac Program on the Neighbor Islands, which includes open-heart surgery and angioplasty. In the community, is on the Healthcare Association Board of Directors, serves as the current Chair of the Long-Term Care Committee for Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i, and serves on the State of Hawai‘i Board of Education, where he previously served from 2011-2013. Wes’ background also includes time as the County Finance Director and many years in banking.

Jacob Aki is the Senior Public Affairs Manager for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, leading state and local government affairs across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. With nearly a decade of experience in the Hawaiʻi State Senate, he is a trusted strategist in legislative affairs and political communications. A respected Native Hawaiian leader, Jacob serves on the Board of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and has held leadership roles in the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Hale O Nā Aliʻi O Hawaiʻi. He also advocates nationally for AANHPI communities through his service on the Asian American Action (AAA) Fund Board and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). Jacob is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaʻi at Mānoa, and The George Washington University. In 2024, he was named one of Pacific Business News’ “40 Under 40.” He lives in Honolulu with his wife and two children.

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Fern Ānuenue Holland is a born-and-raised Kauaʻi resident with nearly two decades of experience in environmental science, conservation, and community advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science with triple majors in Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, and Marine Biology from Griffith University in Australia, and has worked professionally as an environmental scientist and consultant on ecological and contaminated land assessments across Hawaiʻi and internationally. In addition to her environmental background Fern is also a Kauaʻi County Councilmember. Fern has been a tireless advocate for land stewardship, native ecosystem restoration, food sovereignty, and regenerative agriculture. She organized rallies and community events, drove action around conservation and species protection, as well as pesticide impacts, and has spent nearly 20 years working on environmental justice issues tied to industrialized agriculture and biotech experimentation in Hawaiʻi and globally. She is heavily featured in the award-winning documentary Poisoning Paradise. Among her most defining experiences, Fern sailed to Antarctica in 2007 aboard the Sea Shepherd, spending 41 days at sea intervening against illegal whaling operations in the Southern Ocean, a mission that reflects the depth of conviction she brings to every cause she takes on.

Leticia, also known as Letty, is a mother of 5, grandmother to 3, and a wonderful wife to Noel Ruiz for 35 years. She was born in Cebu, Philippines, but later moved to the Garden Isle at the age of 12. She has 14 years of experience in the medical field and 9 years of experience in the banking industry.  Letty brings over 20 years of combined experience to support restorative and educational youth programs across the island. As in charge of Kaua‘i Teen Court, Letty hopes to bring further notice to Drug-Substance Abuse and Prevention—how to confidently abstain and avoid it as a youth through the Ka Pewa Youth Summit.

Tamara Lawrence serves as the Program Director of Ho‘okele Coalition, working to create a healthier, drug-free future for Kaua‘i’s youth through community collaboration, drug prevention, and education initiatives. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and mother, she is passionate about supporting families, empowering youth voice, and strengthening protective factors across the island.

Born 1982 on Kaua‘i,  graduated from Waimea High School in 2000. Attended KCC in the culinary program and graduated with my degree. Went on to work for Roy Yamaguchi's restaurant in Poipu, starting in pastry and eventually working my way up to the current Executive Chef of the Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi.

Aaron Hoff, born and raised on Kaua‘i, is the Founder of the Keala Foundation and a man in long-term recovery. After overcoming addiction in his own life, he now dedicates himself to serving youth and adults on Kaua‘i, helping them build strength, take ownership of their choices, and believe that a different future is possible.

Chris Osborn is the Program Director at the Keala Foundation, with over 10 years of experience in behavioral healthcare. He brings both professional expertise and personal experience in recovery from addiction and trauma to his work supporting youth and families.

Sarah Braunsdorf is the Executive Director of the Keala Foundation, bringing over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a deep commitment to building strong, healthy communities for youth. She is a driven and compassionate leader, dedicated to empowering her team and creating impactful programs that uplift and support the next generation.

Born and raised in Anahola, Dr. Kapua Medeiros is a Family Medicine Physician at Kaiser Lihue Clinic, with over 15 years of experience providing healthcare to patients of all ages. She focuses on preventive care, health maintenance, and treating a wide range of medical conditions. Dr. Medeiros is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, where she was a four-year boarder. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Dartmouth College. She then graduated in 2010 from the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, where she continues to volunteer on the Imi Ho‘ola Advisory Committee as well as the Kaua‘i Rural Track Selection Committee.  Dr. Medeiros completed residency at the University of Hawai‘i Family Medicine Residency Program in 2013 and has returned home to Kaua‘i since then.  Dr Medeiros is also active in the Native Hawaiian Physician Association ‘Ahahui O Na Kauka, where she is currently a Board Member. Dr. Medeiros resides on Kaua‘i, practicing medicine full-time while raising four active keiki ages 8 to 16 with her husband, Joshua Martin.

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Jaedyn Pavao is the 2025 Miss Aloha Hula, a prestigious title that honors her lifelong dedication to the art of hula. She has been dancing since the age of three and is a proud dancer of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinaʻala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leinaʻala Pavao Jardin. Through years of study and practice, Jaedyn has cultivated a deep respect for the traditions, discipline, and cultural responsibility that hula carries. In addition to her accomplishments in the hula world, Jaedyn is a registered nurse serving as a public health nurse with the Department of Health. Her work in healthcare reflects the same values of service, compassion, and kuleana that guide her practice in hula. She is honored to join this panel to share her experiences as both a dancer and a health advocate, and to highlight the powerful role hula plays in preserving Hawaiian identity, fostering wellness, and building community.

Lovinna Cayabyab is a veteran police officer with over 19 years of law enforcement experience. She began her career with the Honolulu Police Department in 2007 and later joined the Kaua'i Police Department in 2024. Her background includes community relations, state and federal narcotics investigations, and undercover work focused on human trafficking cases. She currently serves as a uniformed officer in the Patrol Services Bureau in the Kawaihau District.