Aloha mai kākou,

My name is Maʻemaʻewai and I am the project manager for Hōʻaʻā i Kanalani as well as a mother, student, and professional ethnographer. 

As a mother seeking to do better for my keiki I went back to school and received my associates of science in tropical forest ecosystems and agroforestry management from the University of Hawaiʻi's Hawaiʻi Community College in 2016.

I then went on to study anthropology and philosophy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, graduating with a double bachelorette in 2019. 

Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Arts in heritage management through the anthropology department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. My research is looking at ʻawa cultivation in Lower Puna.

Through my studies and involvement with the community I have been introduced to amazing people who have trusted me to take on this kuleana. It is my honor and pleasure to be working with Na Maka Haloa o Waipiʻo to bring this ʻike kūpuna to the community.

Our project kicked off in the spring of 2024 with funds acquired through the County of Hawai'i Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Grant. The program will host monthly educational workshops to install an ethnobotanical garden to support ʻawa practitioners and food sovereignty in Puna and throughout Hawaiʻi. The workshops, also known as our Lā Hana events, will be sequential to allow for those who participate to go home and implement in their backyards. Not only do we hope to increase an awareness around ʻawa and aloha ʻāina but also to educate the community on our complicated history with the United States of America while supporting the ea of our Lāhui.