Agricultural Leadership Foundation 25th Anniversary Recap

Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii 25th Anniversary Recap

Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i
Celebrated 25 Years with Talk Story Learning Sessions, an Alumni Reunion,
a Feast at Kahua Ranch and the Graduation of Class XI

After 25 years of providing Leadership Training, the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i decided to celebrate with a 2-day event in Waimea on Hawaii. The goal of the event was to Celebrate, Network and Learn. All goals were accomplished with much cheer, laughter, sustained listening and meaningful conversations.

The Learning Sessions highlighted some of the best practices in collaborative endeavors in Hawaii’s agricultural industry by presenting story telling sessions at sites that also demonstrate successful agri-businesses or partnerships.

Learning Session Topics included: Working Together – Strengthening Our Industry, The Art of Balance: Agricultures Role in Working Green Spaces and Water Resources and Building Sustainable Communities: Ag Tourism, Farmers Markets, Culture, Innovation and Niche Markets.

Mahalo to our story tellers: Tim O’Connell-Class VI, Sotero Agoot-Class VI, Eric Tanouye-Class VII, Wes Nohara-Class VII, Carolyn Stewart, David Clausnitzer, Jim Reddekopp-Class III, Leslie Hill-Class I, Lani Weigert-Class XI, Joan Namkoong, and Kawika Winter-Class XI. Judy S. Brown, a speaker and facilitator from Maryland, facilitated and helped us uncover the common ground in our work. She also helped us better understand and fully utilize the story dimension of our work.

The group of 40 spent time at UH-CTAHR Mealani Research Station, Daniel Thiebauts Restaurant, Hawaiian Homestead Farmers Market in Waimea, Honopua Farm and Kahua Ranch. Billy Kenoi started the weekend off with an energetic series of stories that illustrate the unique opportunities we have in Hawaii to work together collaboratively. A 4^th Learning Session facilitated by Donna Ching explored Ag Leadership in the 21st Century. This session was designed to ensure ALFH programs meet the needs of our community.

Over 60 people attended the BBQ at the ranch and the setting was stunning. A 9.8 sunset with sweeping views of the mountains and coast, live music by ALFH alumni George Kahumoku, lots of cold local beer, excellent tasty Hawaii island food-cooked to perfection, and friends and family to reminisce our collective memories from 25 years of important work in our communities.

Monty Richards received an award of honor as one of our founding members. While not present, we also honored Jane Yamashiro, Yoshio Watanabe, Slim Takayama and Dr. Tadashi Higaki, also founding members. Their vision 25 years ago has born much fruit.

And another class completed its 16-month program. A slide show, giving and receiving of gifts and certificate presentations engendered much smiling and clapping. Congratulations to Class XI: Kamaui Aiona, Garden Director, Kahanu Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Garden; Tova Callender, Agricultural Systems Modeler & Educator, Maui Land & Pineapple Co., Diversified and Organic Crops; Robert Lu‘uwai, Manager, Factory Operation for Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.; Stephen H. Onaga, Manager, Purchasing & Inventory for Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co; Mike Poteet, Assistant Agronomist, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Lani Weigert, Co-owner and Marketing, PR Director for Ali‘i Kula Lavender; Kawika Winter, Director, Limahuli Garden and Preserve and George “Keoki” Wood, Livestock Operations Manager, Parker Ranch

The agricultural industry in Hawaii has gone through a tremendous transformation in the past 30 years. Many ALFH alumni have played key roles in developing an industry that continues the potential to positively impact the quality of life for all in Hawai`i. The two-day anniversary program continued our work of listening for common and important themes and searching for potential answers to our ongoing challenges. We reflected and responded. We deepened, renewed and began friendships. We enjoyed the beauty of the Waimea. But mostly we had fun.

Click here for more photos of the event