Maui-Mauna-Kahalawai-Chapter

Chapter Notes: Commonly referred to as the “West Maui Mountains,” Mauna Kahalawai is in fact a single mountain that spans across Maui’s north, central, and west side communities. Our chapter serves farmers and community members within this district, which also includes the sacred Nā Wai ʻEha (“The Four Waters) that flow on the windward side of Mauna Kahalawai.

Despite a mild climate and year-round growing season, Hawai‘i currently imports an estimated 90 percent of its food. We believe that a multitude of diversified farms that implement regenerative food production techniques will create a resilient, vital, and productive agricultural system to better feed Hawaiʻi’s people.

We are proud to support HFUU initiatives including the Farm Apprentice Mentoring (FAM) program, Regenerative Business Development classes, and volunteer work days on local farms.

In addition, we host monthly locavore potlucks that include chef presentations, educational speakers, and networking opportunities.

You donʻt have to be a farmer to join us! Backyard gardeners, curious community members, and anyone who is concerned about where our food comes from are welcome.

Meeting Schedule: On PAUSE currently due to COVID-19.

Meeting Time: TBA

Meeting Location: TBA

President, Kaiea Medeiros is a regenerative practitioner and farmer born and raised in Pukalani, Maui, Hawaiʻi. He was born of the soil and his lineage goes back to the Pō (Darkness) and Ao (Light). He is Hawaiian. He is Kanaka. His lineal descendants are the Koʻa, coral polyps and the Koʻe, earthworms. He attended Kamehameha Schools Maui from elementary to high school. Upon graduation from Kamehameha Schools, he attended the University of La Verne, in La Verne, California.

Currently he is the co-owner and executive manager of Kalonize, LLC which is a regenerative organization that strives to create and manage systems in education, economics, leadership and personal/professional development. Kalonize, LLC also includes an ag operation that includes a native and edible production farm, which includes produce such as Kalo, Banana, Papayas, Basil, and Moringa. While reforesting and regenerating Native soils with Native plants including ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Aʻaliʻi, and Akulikuli. Operations also include a K-12+ Educational curriculum and system designed to train and develop regenerative practices and mahiʻai leadership development. This system is facilitated through internships/mentorships, community service, and professional development/trade programs.

Furthermore, he is the Regenerative Operations and Training Coordinator for Hawaii Taro Farm located in Waikapū, Maui, Hawaii. He trains, develops, and educates farmers on various topics such as regenerative practices, regenerative farming, organizational values, missions, and visions. Moreover, he assists leadership in the execution of a regenerative ecosystem and resource management systems that address food security and food sovereignty within our most at risk but most highly valued community, Hawaiians. Kalonize and Hawaii Taro Farm together has designed, developed, and currently executes a regenerative systematic farming approach that values mauka to makai and kupuna to keiki.

Board Member, Hanalei Colleado, is an avid farmer, fisherman, hunter & all that good stuff most locals learn to become proficient in while living on a rock. His luv for 'aina be a weighty matter to him as he understands the principles of sowing & reaping. Feed Good in da now & Reap a Great harvest for generations to come. As a minister of the gospel Hanalei is aware of da principle of No Tell Me You Luv. SHOW! For we all know, talk is cheap! He serves in an aggressive yet luv'ing way & lives to serve Him in you on His terms. After all, He's either Lord of All. Or, Lord of Nutt'in at all!

Board Member, Norman Abihai was born in Happy Valley Maui, and is farming up in Waiohuli, Kula Maui. His Business, EarlingGayle Farms, grows Kalo, Bananas, Mangoes, Avocado, Coconuts, and Assorted Vegetables. Norman has many years of experience in construction, but finds his current passion in farming.

Vice President, Michael “Bobo” Kahalehau, is 31 years old, born and raised in Paukukalo, on the island of Maui. He currently works for the Department of Parks and Recreation for the County of Maui and manages Hānaiāola Farm LLC in Waikapu, Maui.

He began farming with his wife and 2 kids during the pandemic with intentions of supplying fruits and veggies to my ohana. They raise Kunekune pigs, grow dry land kalo, maringa, banana, papaya, squash, cabbage, and sweet potato.

Their mission is to secure food for our community. Restoring this land also restores heritage and purpose, to reconnect with the past, while teaching a new generation “kahu o ka aina”, to be stewards of the land and perpetuate our culture! ...Such as regenerative practices, regenerative farming, organizational values, missions, and visions. Moreover, he assists leadership in the execution of a regenerative ecosystem and resource management systems that address food security and food sovereignty within our most at risk but most highly valued community, Hawaiians. Together with Hawaii Taro Farm we designed and manage a regenerative systematic farming approach that values mauka to makai and kupuna to keiki.

Secretary, Paige Curimao - Hānaiāola. Farm to feed, farm to thrive, and farm to live. Born and raised in Lahaina, Maui. I’m currently farming alongside my fiancé Bobo Kahalehau and our 2 Keiki. I’m currently employed at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel known to be the “most hawaiian hotel” . I've served in tourism for 14+ years and now have the opportunity to serve our community. I’m blessed to be a board member and another voice for our people “da Hawaiians”.

Treasurer, Darlin Kaya-Medeiros

Board Member, Hoapili Ane, Hoʻoulu ʻĀina Farms and the Living Pono Project. Hoapili was born on Oʻahu and moved to Maui at the age of 10. He fell in love with farming and ranching while working on the Mendez Ranch and Haleakala Dairy. Through his farm Hoʻoulu ʻĀina Farms, Hoapili is dedicated to building food security in Maui by creating modern day Ahupuaʻa and food systems that take the teachings of the past to inform good farming practices in the present context. These include working as a community, living off of the land, understanding the mahina and how the moon cycles influence crop production, and developing financial models that support and connect farmers and consumers in their Ahupuaʻa and Moku.