The Olohana ‘Ohana
The Olohana Foundation is focused on building community capacity and cohesiveness around systems of food, energy, and knowledge so that in times of crises, the community can respond swiftly and effectively.
The collaborative includes a diverse network of people and partners. Olohana works to establish relationships with its partners around projects and items needing social action. Partners share their research, data, data analysis, skills, knowledge, spirit, and commitment to creating community and gather regularly to discuss and solve community issues.
Partners include the NOAA National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, UCAR/NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research Rising Voices, IPCCWG Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Change Working Group, the PRiMO IKE Pacific Risk Management ‘Ohana Indigenous Knowledge and Environment Hui, UH NDPTC University of Hawaii National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, the Intertribal Council On Utility Policy (COUP) and HINU Haskell Indian Nations University in the areas of climate variability and extreme weather preparedness assessment and training.
The Olohana ‘ohana includes but is not limited to the following organizations and individuals:
Community Groups
ATA Ala Kahakai Trail Association Hawaii County Community Group
Kailapa Community Association, Hawaii County
Public Sector
NPS National Park Service, Ala Kahakai National Trail, DOI
IKE Hui: Indigenous Knowledge and Education Working Group, PRiMO
PACOM Pacific Command, Pearl Harbor
PRiMO Pacific Risk Management Ohana
Veterans Health Administration, Hawaii
Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Connections Charter School, Hilo Hawaii County
FEMA/UH NDPTC University of Hawaii National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, (DHS/FEMA and member NDPC National Domestic Preparedness Consortium)
HINU Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas
IPCCWG Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Change Working Group
KALO Kanu O Ka Aina 20th Century Learning Ohana
Private Sector
Kiksapa Consulting LLC, Mandan, ND
Lomikai Media
Non-Governmental Organizations
E Mau Nā Ala Hele, State of Hawaii Hiking and Trail Association
Intertribal COUP: Intertribal Council On Utility Policy
NCAI National Congress of American Indians
PNTS Partnership for the National Trails Systems
Advisors and Consultants (selected list)
Dr. Failautusi Avegalio, Jr; Director of Pacific Business Center Program, Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii
Carolyn Bjur; At Large
James Burke; Business owner; formerly at the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and Public Transit Division, Honolulu
George Cattermole; At Large, San Gregorio General Store, Stanford
Steven Conger; P4P Energy, Yale University
Craig Elevitch; Agroforestry Net
Robert Gough; Intertribal Council on Utility Policy (Sadly, Bob passed to the spirit world on September 17, 2017. We mourn his loss but continue to listen for his wise guidance.)
Penny Livingston-Stark; Regenerative Design Institute, Gaia University
James Love; Love Farms
Kathy Love; Love Farms
Chris Shaeffer; Lomikai Media
M. Kalani Souza, Olohana, Inc., PRiMO, UH NDPTC, IPCCWG
Founding Director
Julie Kai Stowell; Lomikai Media
Ramsay Taum; Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific
Kaleo Ten, At Large
Zethan Kawaiola Barros; Lomikai Media
Board Members
Jerrod Talavo Avegalio
President; US National Guard
Maraya Ben-Joseph
Secretary & Treasurer; New Projects Director; Ben-Joseph Farm
Lisa Colombe
Director, 5th Generation Rancher/Producer
Kapi’olani Laronal
Director, Indigenous Life Coach
Jeff McKnight
Director; Rising Sun Solar + Electric, ZAF Energy Systems Inc.
Staff
Sarah Pavlik Purgus
CEO and Executive Director
Terrestrial Environmental Director, Terrestrial and Agriculture Research and Learning Campus
B. Kainoa Azama
Associate Director
Maraya Ben-Joseph
New Projects Director
Claire Pavlik Purgus
Senior Administrator & Grants Manager
Leah Lamb
Marine Environmental Coordinator
B. Keahi Tajon
Community Project Director
Kennedy Zumwalt
Coordinator, Operations & Creative Services
Heiley K. Hacoba
Coordinator, Community Engagement & Creative Services
Chynna Chun
Terrestrial Environmental Assistant
Independent Research & Community Collaborators
Tim Schneider
Atmospheric Environmental Specialist
Jean Tanimoto
Coastal Management Specialist
Independent Administrative & Operations Collaborators
Cara Moreau
RVCC Administrative Assistant
Kachina Nishida
Olohana Administrative Assistant
Alex Meffert
Operations Director, Terrestrial and Agriculture Research and Learning Campus