President - Kilia Purdy-Avelino is a 4th generation homesteader of Hoʻolehua, Molokai. She is married to Justin Avelino of Hilo and has four daughters. She graduated from Molokai High School and continued her higher education at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani earning her Bachelors in Hawaiian Studies and her Teacher Certification and Masters degree in Indigenous Language and Culture Education. Besides her passion for cultural education, Kilia is actively involved in her community, volunteering in conservation and community efforts.
Secretary - Kehau Kahihikolo-Purdy Born and raised on Oʻahu (not my kind of lifestyle) but later moved to Maui then to Molokaʻi. I currently reside in Hoʻolehua with my spouse and in-law’s on their 6th generational homestead. I knew next to nothing about gardening, farming and the homestead living and now through organizations such as HFUU, FAM, Sustainable Molokaʻi, etc… I had and continue to have the opportunity to work in such environments. I have been with HFUU Molokaʻi Chapter since the start and this year I’m a participant in the HFUU/FAM Cohort 10.
Board Director - Shylyn Fay Purdy (Kawaila) Residing on a 35 acre homestead down Mo’omomi on Molokai with her other half Matthew and 2 keiki Kamele and Kapono. They live off of the land as much as possible by Hunting, fishing and diving . They also gather limu and other edible vegetation from the land. She studied Agriculture, Hawaiian culture and Natural Resource Management. She got opportunities to work in various places such as UHMC Molokai Farm, The Nature Conservancy (Molokai), The Plant Material Center(NRCS) and now currently working as Rare Plant field Technician with the Molokai Plant Extinction Prevention Program for 6 years. She has a passion for Native Hawaiian plants and understands the Important role they play in our native ecosystems. She believes if we take care of the land and restore what was originally there we could continue living off the (mauka to makai) and are able to grow our food crops more successfully .
Vice President - U’i Kahue-Cabanting, a Ho’olehua Hawaiian Homesteader on her Tutu’s lot, her mo’opuna are 6th generation. She is the G.P. for Maui Grown 808, LLP that until the Wildfires operated a Plumeria Farm and a Commercial Certified Export Nursery. She has training in Aqua / Hydroponics, PhotoVoltaic Energy, “Farm to Table / Value Added” products and FSMA. She is also a cultural practitioner, advocate and activist who teaches in Hawai’i and abroad.
Treasurer - Nyree P Kang is a Hoolehua Homestead farmer and loving life. I have many hats in my community, UPS Driver, Social Worker, and the best of all Farmer & a mother of 4 beautiful children.I was born and raised on Molokai and wish to pursue the life of farming and teaching my children how to be sustainable on such a small island with few resources. I’m proud to represent HFUU on my island as treasurer of the Molokai Board and encourage everyone in my community to come out and join us with growing food, educating others alike, and also learning new techniques & technology to enhance food production and sustainability.
Board Director - Kaulunaʻe Hamakua
Board Director - Viola Wichman