Ka Ipu Kukui Program Now Accepting Applications

The Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program, designed to help develop and train future Maui leaders, is now accepting applications for it’s 12th annual cohort.  The program was conceived to provide significant help in identifying and developing leaders through a community‐based program specifically designed to address all aspects of planning for Maui Nui’s future.

After eleven highly successful years graduating a total of 141 individuals, plans are to continue enhancing the program to have an even better year ahead. “We continue to incorporate input and suggestions from alumni to continuously improve the program,” states Dr. Lori Teragawachi, director of the program.

“Maui Nui occupies a special place in the state, country and world, but as all of us know, we face many challenges that could very well erode the unique splendor of these special islands,” states Scott Nunokawa, Ka Ipu Kukui board member.

Each month, the program’s content focuses on the multiple perspectives of Maui’s different challenges. Through these monthly learning opportunities, participants develop a holistic appreciation and understanding of these unique challenges, ultimately arriving at a more informed framework and a more enhanced network to better address Maui Nui’s challenges in the future. Topics covered in the program include infrastructure, community planning, sustainability, fiscal policy, county and state governance, water and energy.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2018‐2019 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program. The program requires active participation during the year, for approximately two to three days each month, depending on the activities planned. Approximately fourteen to sixteen fellows will be selected through a competitive process conducted by the board of directors for Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows Program. Applicants will then be notified by early August. The deadline for applications is July 6, 2018.

“I’m most proud of how the program helped me to be a better listener, community member, father and leader,” says Ka Ipu Kukui Alumni Craig Kinoshita. “The program taught me how to actively listen to all sides, consider what is best for the majority, consider the financial impacts, consider the environmental impacts, how to interact with different types of people and that doing the right thing is not always the popular thing.”

The Board of Directors of the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program are Roselle Bailey, Scott Nunokawa, Stanley Okamoto, Clyde Sakamoto, Lianne Yoshida, Amber Hardwick, Susan Clements, Marc Takamori, Royle Taogoshi, Tambara Garrick, Jordan Hart, Troy Hashimoto, Leilani Pulmano and Jeanne Skog.

The 2018 graduates of Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program are Russell Adkins, Sayble Bissen, James Cacal, Shelly Espeleta, Edde Kanai, Joni Lynne Mariano Celiz, Logan McBarnet, Brian Nagami, Benjamin Ostrander, Snehal Patel, Kayla Sanches, Jeremiah Savage, Roxie Sylva and Alyssa Takushi.

Those interested in this program or who know of an individual to nominate can contact Dr. Lori T. Teragawachi at (808) 344‐3181. For an application or more information, visit www.kikfellows.org.