Carl Evensen
Margarita L. Hopkins†
George Kahumoku, Jr.
Joy S. Kono
Jack Morgan, III
Wesley F. Otani
Steve M. Snow
David Tarnas
Craig J. Trenholme
Ahmad C. K. Yu
† Participant is deceased.
Gallery
Carl Evensen
Margarita L. Hopkins†
George Kahumoku, Jr.
Joy S. Kono
Jack Morgan, III
Wesley F. Otani
Steve M. Snow
David Tarnas
Craig J. Trenholme
Ahmad C. K. Yu
† Participant is deceased.
Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i
P. O. Box 342066
Kailua, HI 96734
Food Safety Director, North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership | O‘ahu
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Francesca “Chess” Scola moved to Oʻahu in 2019. She completed her final semester at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College with concentrations in food systems and sustainable agriculture. As the Food Safety Director at North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, she leads the Hawaiʻi GroupGAP Program, supporting produce operations statewide in achieving USDA food safety certification for greater market access. Her interest in agriculture began in high school, working summers at a local organic farm, followed by studies in Thailand and internships with GreenNet Organic Center and MeaTha Organic, an agricultural cooperative near Chiang Mai. Chess is passionate about building regional food systems that prioritize food safety, farmer empowerment, and meaningful, place-based knowledge sharing. Outside of work, she enjoys training in Muay Thai and spending time with her dog, Buster.
Agriculture Program Specialist, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands | O‘ahu
Lehua was born and raised in Wai‘ānae and earned her degree in Hawaiian Studies from UH-Mānoa. With 20 years of experience in grant management, grassroots efforts, mālama ʻāina and nonprofit work with Hawaiian communities, she understands that meaningful change comes from relationships built on trust and cultural respect. As the Agriculture Program Specialist at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Lehua acts as the liaison for Native Hawaiian agriculture beneficiaries, understanding their needs and ideas. She connects them with resources, funding opportunities, community partners and coordinates training workshops and technical assistance. Her kuleana is to support and empower homesteaders and their ʻohana in cultivating their ʻāina to thrive. As a homesteader herself, Lehua is committed to revitalizing ʻāina momona and ensuring future generations can mālama the land. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her ʻohana and making lei.
Ag Program Director, Pacific Gateway Center | O‘ahu
Bonarath “Bo” Bory is Pacific Gateway Center’s (PGC) Ag Program Director, Social Entrepreneurship Specialist, and Farm Manager for PGC’s 176-acre Ag Park for immigrant and refugee farmers on Oʻahu. Born in Cambodia, Bo fled genocide as a child, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and has over three years of experience managing the day to day operations of the Kunia Farm. Bo oversees all aspects of PGC’s Ag Program, supporting both new and experienced underserved farmers across Hawaiʻi. With a new Ag Park opening in Haleʻiwa in 2025, Bo aims to apply insights from the Agricultural Leadership Program to further develop and empower PGC’s marginalized farmers, while also advocating for and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s food sovereignty and food security for both the ʻāina and its people.
Farm Supervisor, Corteva Agriscience| Kaua‘i
Justin was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Growing up on a row crop and livestock operation ignited his passion for agriculture. Wanting to further his knowledge in agriculture he attended South Dakota State University and obtained a Masters in Plant Science. The project he studied focused on cover crop use in dryland farming and nutrient cycling. Curious about the world of agriculture and ready to embrace something new, he accepted a job on the island of Kaua‘i. He has been with Corteva Agriscience as a Farm Supervisor for 5 years now and is excited to continue soaking in more of an understanding of the culture of agriculture in Hawai‘i. Soil conservation is in his background, but is also something he is passionate about. In Justin’s free time, he can be found gardening, hiking, fishing or working on DIY remodeling projects.
Farmer Grant Writer, Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council | Hawai‘i Island
Born and raised on Oʻahu in Mililani and Kapahulu, Rachel now calls Puna on Moku O Keawe home. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Creighton University and a Masters of Science in Natural Resource and Environmental Management from UH Mānoa. A graduate of GoFarm Hawaiʻi’s Waimanalo Cohort 12, Rachel has hands-on experience as an AgIncubator, and she has worked as a tea (Camellia sinensis) farmer and producer in Kapuʻeuhi, Hawaiʻi. Rachel’s background includes work in Native Hawaiian forest conservation, energy efficiency, entrepreneurship, and even pastry. Rachel is passionate about supporting local producers and building resilient communities through her work in agriculture and grant writing.
‘Elepaio Social Services, Indigenous Food System Manager | O‘ahu
Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku serves as the Indigenous Food System Manager for ʻElepaio Social Services, leading initiatives that strengthen food security, restore cultural foodways, and expand backyard gardening efforts in Waiʻanae. He holds degrees in Sustainable Community Food Systems and Political Science. His work bridges academic insight with hands-on experience gained through work with Mālama Learning Center, CTAHR, and the NIU NOW Coconut Program, where he contributed to research, education, and restoration of Indigenous food systems. Jesse’s professional goal is to advance food sovereignty in Hawaiʻi by weaving Indigenous knowledge with contemporary agricultural practices and western acadamia to strengthen Indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. In his free time, he finds peace gathering limu, spending time with his family, and enjoys woodworking, crafting cultural tools and implements that honor ancestral traditions.
Director of Operations, Kahuku Farms | O‘ahu
Judah Seth Lum is Director of Operations at Kahuku Farms on Oʻahu’s North Shore. He’s passionate about connecting people to the land through education and food. He leads efforts in agritourism, product development, and sustainability, helping evolve his family’s legacy into a modern, values-driven farm. Known for his creativity, humor, and heart-centered leadership, Judah’s education has come through lived experience — learning the real difference between a good idea and a good plan. His work is grounded in humility, responsibility, and aloha ʻāina. He’s participating in the Agricuultral Leadership Program to grow as a leader, contribute to Hawaiʻi’s agricultural future, and connect with others who care about land and legacy. A lifelong learner, Judah believes stewardship begins with respect — and that laughter helps everything grow.
O‘ahu Irrigation District Manager, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity | O‘ahu
Shaun is the Oʻahu Irrigation District Manager for the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; where he oversees the operation and maintenance of all the department water systems on the island of Oʻahu, ensuring that famers and ranchers have reliable water delivery to water their crops and irrigate their fields. Shaun was raised in the Hawaiian Homesteads of Waimānalo, on the island of Oʻahu. He recalls, as kamaliʻi (children), he and his triplet brothers waking up early every morning before school to work on his ʻōhana (family) piggery. He serves as Director on the Windward (Oʻahu) Soil and Water Conservation District Board. He is a Kahu (Pastor), leading a small Hawaiian church where the songs and sermon are done in English and Hawaiian. Shaun enjoys fishing and turning landscapes to foodscapes. He continues to champion for our precious water resource everyday.
Lydgate Farms, Tour Guide | Kaua‘i
For the past three years, Mason has worked as a Tour Guide and Farmer at Lydgate Farms on Kaua‘i, sharing the story of Hawaiian cacao and chocolate with visitors. He holds a Master’s in Outdoor Adventure and Expedition Leadership from Southern Oregon University, reflecting his passion for experiential education and connecting people to the land. He also brings 12 years of leadership experience from the U.S. Army Reserves, where he concluded his service as a Captain and Company Commander. Before his current role, he managed a lavender farm in the San Juan Islands, WA, gaining hands-on experience in specialty crops. Mason’s goal is to help grow Hawai‘i’s agricultural tourism industry, especially in cacao and chocolate. Outside of work, he enjoys being a father to his son, exploring food science and wine, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
General Manager, Reyes and Hall | Maui
Clayton is the General Manager of the Hawai‘i branch of Reyes and Hall Agriculture. He is a 2002 graduate of King Kekaulike High School on the island of Maui. Clayton’s professional goal is to make Reyes and Hall the leader in agricultural labor, not just on Maui, but in all of Hawai‘i. His personal goals are to get a Bachelors degree in Business. Clayton’s hobbies include officiating USA Boxing as well as being a crew member of the USA National Boxing Ring.
Farmers Market General Manager, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Federation | O‘ahu
Jessica is currently the Farmers Market General Manager at the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, where she oversees various market operations and promotes local agricultural initiatives. Originally from Chicago, Jessica moved to Hawaiʻi in 2010, having attended the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, the only farm in Chicago. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture and is certified as a Master Gardener through CTAHR. Additionally, Jessica is a certified Aquaponics Technician and is certified in Sustainability practices. With a strong passion for native plant conservation and sustainably growing food, she is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of our islands and fostering a sense of community around local food production. In her free time, Jessica enjoys fiber arts as a member of the Hawaiʻi Hand Weaver’s Hui and teaches Macramé classes at the Downtown Art Center, crafting a connection between creativity and sustainability.
Hawai‘i Good Food Alliance, Kuina ‘Ai Program Manager | O‘ahu
Born and raised on the Island of Oʻahu, Christen Noelani Oliveira Reppun brings with her the legacy of her kupuna and commitment to food sovereignty for the future generations of Hawaiʻi. With a Bachelors in Interior Architecture Design and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, Christen blends together the multifaceted layers of regenerative design, indigenous planning, and creative storytelling into her work. Over the past decade, she has developed various programs throughout Kalihi and Hawaiʻi, most notably, the Cultural Food Hub and Mobile Market Program at The Roots Program of Kōkua Kalihi Valley and the Alakaʻi ʻAi: Food Hub Leader Fellowship. Since 2024, Christen works as Program Manager at the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance where she focuses on nurturing relationships and facilitating resources amongst local farmers, food hubs, and organizations across Hawaiʻi. Christen is a loving mother, daughter, wife, sister, mahiʻai o Waiāhole + Waianu, and all around wahine o ke kai.
Agricultural Loan Officer V, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity | Hawai‘i Island
Jill has a work background in commercial apiary and poultry operations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from East Texas A&M University and a graduate certificate in Sustainable Food Systems. She is pursuing a Masters in Agricultural Science as well. Presently, she is employed with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as an agricultural loan officer where she strives to support agricultural producers and food production of all types. Since support comes in many varieties, her duties include assisting with agribusiness planning and record keeping, finding alternative solutions to funding needs, and promotion. In her free time she maintains a small poultry and bee operation with her partner and children, while furthering her fiber craft habit with angora rabbits.
Director of Healthy Food Access Initiatives, The Food Basket Inc. | Hawai‘i Island
Chelsea Takahashi was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She holds a Masters of Agribusiness from Texas A&M University (class of 2015) and has over a decade of professional experience in food systems, including serving as a Community Development Specialist for USDA Rural Development in Washington, DC. In 2016, Chelsea joined The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank, where she has co-led the establishment and growth of Hawaiʻi’s statewide SNAP nutrition incentive program, DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks. As part of her long-term career goals, Chelsea is deeply committed to advancing The Food Basket’s 24.5-acre food system campus, which will directly support the production, aggregation, processing, and sale of local agricultural products. Chelsea’s personal interests include martial arts, cats, and traveling to Japan.
Ramsey Kanoa Brown, VP of Diversified Agriculture | O‘ahu
Ramsey was born and raised in Honolulu, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Power Generation from the California Maritime Academy. Passionate about sustainability, Ramsey worked in the energy efficiency sector for 10 years before becoming the Vice President of Diversified Agriculture for Pono Pacific. In this role, Ramsey is primarily responsible for the operation of the 468-acre Kuilima Farm at Turtle Bay Resort. The USDA GAP-certified farm connects the community and Hawai‘iʻs visitors to local farming, growing a wide variety of produce that is proudly served at Turtle Bay Resort and sold through several grocers. Under Ramsey’s leadership, the team is working to expand access to land and markets for more farmers. His experience includes farm development under a conservation easement, diversifying revenue streams including production and agritours, and managing tenant farmers. Ramsey loves Jesus and enjoys leading in his church. He also serves on the board of the O‘ahu Agriculture and Conservation Association. Ramsey stays active dancing hula, trail running, and surfing with his wife, Lauren.
ALFH Vice President
ALP Class XIV
North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership
Executive Director
Lisa was born and raised in the Mid-Atlantic region. Her early interest in marine life led her to a college internships at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. These internships helped her achieve a full time position at the National Aquarium in Baltimore which she held for 6 years. After graduating with an MSc in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, she traded the aquarium in for the real deal when she moved to Hawai‘i in 2005. Growing up in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Lisa had loved visiting a friendʻs family farm and worked there for several summers as a teenager. Lisa began her career in Hawai‘i as a conservation planner working with farmers across Oahu. She then managed agronomy and conservation practices for a seed corn operation before managing 24 farmers at the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation Ag Park in Kunia. Gaining experience in Hawai‘i in distribution, farm management, and agronomy, Lisa has become passionate about locally grown food and on farm food safety as foundational to Hawai‘i farmers achieving greater market share and reducing imports.
Lisa is the Executive Director of North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership (North Shore EVP). North Shore EVP pioneered USDA GroupGAP in Hawaii and now assists farmers and food hubs statewide in achieving USDA Harmonized GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) food safety certification. The Hawaii GroupGAP food safety training program is available in English, Mandarin and Thai languages. Although it is a one of a kind training program locally, the North Shore EVP food safety team maintains close working relationships with GroupGAP practitioners across the country to bring resources and best practices to Hawaii producers.
Lisa is a graduate of the Hawai‘i Agricultural Leadership Program, Class XIV, and serves on the ALFH board. She resides on Kauaʻi with her husband and son, where they enjoy hunting, fishing, and family time.
ALFH Secretary
ALP Class XIV
Ocean Era
Research Director
Jennica joined the ALFH Board in 2023 and is an alumnus of ALP Class XIV. She grew up in South Florida and has been smitten with marine biology and aquaculture since she was a teenager. She received her B.S. in Marine Biology from Florida Atlantic University, and her M.S. from the University of Florida with a focus on fish health and aquaculture. She assisted Florida’s Cooperative Extension Service after graduate school, then spent two years raising marine ornamental fish in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Jennica moved to Kona, Hawai‘i in 2006 to work with the Nation’s only open ocean fish farm. In any small business employees wear multiple hats, so for over nine years Jennica served as fish health manager, hatchery technician, research manager and environmental monitoring and permitting coordinator. From 2016 to 2021 she served as a contractor with NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Coastal Aquaculture Siting and Sustainability team in Beaufort, NC. In 2021 Jennica and her family came back to Kona. She currently works as Research Director for Ocean Era, a small business focusing on developing and commercializing ways that aquaculture (farming fish and seaweed) can provide healthy food for people, while also helping the planet. In March of 2024 she’ll be completing a 600-hr course of study to become an Ayurvedic Health counselor.
Jennica’s greatest achievement is becoming a mom to an incredible boy, who teaches her new things every day. Spending time with her husband and son and being in the ocean are her favorite pastimes.
ALFH Director
ALP Class XVIII
Hawaiian Earth Recycling
Manager, Business Development
Born and raised on the eastside of O’ahu, Austin is the current Manager of Business Development at Hawaiian Earth Recycling, where he leads efforts in business growth, quality control, and government affairs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems from the University of California, Santa Cruz. With nearly ten years of experience in agriculture, Austin has worked across a variety of fields, from aquaponics and orchards to market gardens and livestock operations.
In 2018, Austin returned to O’ahu and started Punalu’u Pastures, a small farm business focused on pastured poultry and egg production. He successfully ran the business for three years before deciding to pursue new opportunities. Before joining Hawaiian Earth Recycling, Austin was the Diversified Agriculture and Small Livestock Manager at Kualoa Ranch, overseeing a range of agricultural and livestock operations in Ka’a’awa Valley, including row crops, orchards, nursery, pastured pigs, poultry, and sheep.
Austin is a graduate of the Agricultural Leadership Program, Class XIII, and serves on the board for the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i (ALFH) as a director. Austin also serves as a Trustee for the Hawai’i 4H Foundation. In his free time, Austin enjoys surfing, farming, and going on long walks his family.
Keaʻahuli O Panaʻewa, Project Director Keaukaha-Panaʻewa Farmers Association | Hawai‘i Island
Justine is a Native Hawaiian Homesteader. She was born and raised on the southwest side of Oʻahu and currently resides with her ʻohana in the Panaʻewa Agricultural Homesteads on Hawai‘i Island. For five years she has served as the Site Manager at the Panaʻewa Resilience and Agricultural Innovation Hub (Panaʻewa Hub) and recently as the Project Director of Keaʻahuli O Panaʻewa, a agroforestry and climate dashboard project in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In her spare time Justine enjoys farming with her ʻohana, hand appliqué, and Hawaiian quilting.
Culinary Director, Farm Link, Hawaiʻi | O‘ahu
Faun has over twenty years of experience working in sustainable and equitable food systems. She served as the Specialty Grocery Buyer for Oakville Grocery in Napa Valley, the founder of Los Gatos Gourmet, and the Store Manager at San Francisco’s beloved Bi-Rite Market. During her tenure at Bi-Rite Market, she ran a whole animal butchery program and served as their Recruiter, developing their second chance hiring program.
Her background is rooted in farming and ranching and she holds degrees from Diablo Valley College and the California Culinary Academy. Faun’s connections to Hawaiʻi are deeply personal—her father’s native Hawaiian heritage traces back to He’eia, and her mother’s upbringing was on the Big Island. Four years ago, she started paddling outrigger canoes, which ignited a strong desire to return home to be closer to family and use her skillset to make a meaningful impact on the food system.
ALFH Director
ALP Class XIII
Kamehameha Schools
Senior Land Asset Manager
Perry is a graduate of Honoka‘a High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i Hilo Campus. He has 22 years of experience in managing agricultural and pastoral leases. Perry is also an alumni of ALP Class XIII. His current interests include creating sustainable living communities that integrate housing, agriculture, education, traditional practices and recreation.
Diversified Agriculture and Small Livestock Manager,
Kualoa Ranch | O‘ahu
Austin was born and raised in Kailua, O’ahu and earned his bachelor’s degree in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During his time at university, Austin worked in a diverse set of agricultural operations, ranging from aquaponics and hydroponics, to market gardens and livestock ranches. Post Undergrad, he moved back home to begin his own farm on O‘ahu, Punalu’u Pastures, where he specialized in raising pastured poultry and egg production. After owning and operating a successful egg business for 3 years, he decided it was time to pursue a new venture. Austin currently works for Kualoa Ranch and manages the small livestock and diversified agriculture operations in Ka’a’awa Valley.
Farming Operations Manager, Mahi Pono, LLC | Maui
Justin Teixeira works at Mahi Pono as the farming operations manager. He spent six years in the United States Air Force where he received a lot of leadership and organizational training. Justin has been working in ag since he was 14 years old harvesting pineapple during the summer and after school. His career goals are to create a modernized and sustainable agriculture business by introducing new scalable crops and techniques to agriculture in Hawai‘i. As a hobby, Justin enjoys coaching and supporting youth boxing.
Business Development Manager, Meadow Gold Dairies Hawai‘i | O‘ahu
Born in Waimea, Kimia’s passion for agriculture grew watching her father overcome challenges in dairy farming. She graduated in Business from Babson College, and when her father bought Meadow Gold from bankruptcy in 2020, she returned to Hawai‘i to help revive it. Since joining Meadow Gold, she launched initiatives upholding values of supporting locals, serving the community, and sharing Aloha. Her goal: stewarding Meadow Gold’s legacy and revitalizing Hawai’i’s agricultural industry. Beyond work, she’s passionate about reimagining education and enjoys surfing, reading, and learning new skills.
Senior Agronomist, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. | O‘ahu
Christian was born and raised on O‘ahu. He graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a Bachelor of Science in Tropical Plants and Soil Sciences from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. While attending UH he worked as a student assistant helping with projects that studied Integrated Pest Management strategies for crop production and native plants in Hawai’i. After graduating he worked as a summer student at CABI’s Swiss Centre on biological controls for invasive species. Since returning to Hawai‘i, Christian has worked in the seed corn industry at Pioneer Hi-Bred in Waialua. In his current role he oversees field operations. When not at work he enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and working out.
Community Innovation Connector, Oʻahu Economic Development Board | O‘ahu
Molly Noelaniokekai Gismervik Mamaril serves as the Community Innovation Connector for the non-profit Oʻahu Economic Development Board. She was born in Honolulu, raised in Minneapolis and returned to Hawai‘i in 2012 after feeling drawn to explore her family’s heritage. Molly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism from the University of St. Thomas and Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She has enjoyed working in conservation management, ʻāina-based education and evaluation, and community public health. She believes that the foundation for a thriving Hawai‘i is healthy land and people, grounded in aloha. She loves podcasting, learning the stories of places and people, and traveling to Scandinavia with her family.
Farm Coach, Go Farm Hawai‘i | Kaua‘i
Jin-Wah Lau was born in California and moved to Oʻahu after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara. While studying flora, she fell in love with weeds and is still impressed by their ingenuity, recovery, and persistence. She has worked with the Maui and then Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committees, the Hawai‘i Department of Forestry and Wildlife and the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Jin-Wah earned an Associates of Science in Tropical Agriculture and Plant Biosciences from Kauaʻi Community College (Kauaʻi CC), studied plants at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and completed a Masters of Science in Tropical Plant Pathology. Jin-Wah has taught Agriculture for the Kauaʻi CC Office of Continuing Education and Training and managed The Farm at Kauaʻi CC. Jin-Wah serves as Farm Coach for GoFarm Hawai‘i where she manages and teaches at the Kauaʻi site. Jin-Wah loves to conduct kitchen experiments to sneak farm food into favorite foods to win over her son’s palate. Jin-Wah seeks to educate aspiring farmers so that small farms are so ubiquitous that the current generation will redefine their comfort foods with Kauaʻi grown.
Asset Manager, Kamehameha Schools | Hawai‘i Island
Billy was born and raised in Kona and a proud graduate of Kealakehe High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Hawaiian Studies from UH Mānoa. Billy is currently an Asset Manager for Kamehameha Schools (KS) in Kona where he oversees a blended portfolio including various agricultural, commercial, conservation, and cultural/educational leases. Prior to joining KS in 2015, he worked as a research consultant on various projects with KS, Townscape Inc, The Kohala Center, and the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Mānoa. While not at work, you can find him surfing, fishing, farming, and spending time with friends and family.
Research Assistant, Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center | O‘ahu
Juli Burden earned a Bachelor of Science in Tropical Agriculture and Environment with a concentration in Environmental Soil Science from the University of Hawai’i, and a Masters of Science in Agroecology from UH Mānoa, specializing in agriphotovoltaic systems. Since 2012, Juli has worked as a research technician at the Hawai’i Agriculture Research Center (HARC) where she has gained experience with a wide range of crops, with a particular specialization in coffee agronomy. More recently, Juli became a Research Assistant, where her primary focus has shifted to researching the nexus of water conservation, increasing local food production, and helping O‘ahu meet our renewable energy needs in agriphotovoltaic systems. She tests and maintains different types of crops in megawatt-scale photovoltaic farms in Mililani. One of Juli’s hobbies includes managing a 1.5-acre diversified agroforestry coffee orchard in Maunawili where she focuses on improving quality through sustainable nutrient management and advanced post-harvest processing techniques. She has also been an avid film photographer since her teens, specializing in color, black & white, street, and abstract photography.
Orchard Manager , Kaua‘i Coffee Company, LLC | Kaua‘i
Bronson Yadao was born and raised on the North Shore of Kaua‘i. He graduated from Kapa‘a High School in 2005 and the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in 2010 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Tropical Plants and Soil Sciences. After working at The Marimed Foundation as an Ag Teacher and Lyon Arboretum as a Research Assistant on O‘ahu, Bronson returned to Kaua’i in 2013 to head the Irrigation and Crop nutrition team at Kaua‘i Coffee Company, LLC. Bronson currently manages the orchard operations spanning over 2,800 acres on the Westside of Kaua‘i. He wants to continue to establish Kaua‘i Coffee as a premiere brand in Hawai‘i’s market and beyond. He feels a strong sense of pride and responsibility of being a steward of the land that so many have farmed before him. He is a second generation farmer as well as a second generation ALFH member. Bronson is an alumni member of Leadership Kauai, Class of 2020 and an active member of the Kaua‘i Farm Bureau and Hawai‘i Coffee Association. In his spare time he enjoys free-diving, golfing and riding motorcycles. He shares his life with his wife and their 4 cats, two tortoises, a rooster and a puppy.