Ka Pewa by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

In this episode of Ka Pewa Podcast, host Kanoa Leahey sits down with Wes Lo, President & CEO of Ohana Pacific Health, to discuss the topic of rethinking our healthcare delivery system — exploring how housing access improvements and job training can reshape the way care is provided, especially here on Maui. Together, they explore how investing in people and place can help create a healthier, more connected Maui — one built on care, opportunity, and resilience.Guest: Wes Lo, President & CEO of Hale Makua Rehab & Nursing, Ohana Pacific HealthFollow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by: Kanoa LeaheyProduced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer: Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit & Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, host Kanoa Leahey sits down with U.S. Senator Brian Schatz for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping Hawai‘i’s future.Senator Schatz shares candid reflections on the evolution of political leadership in Washington, the growing polarization fueled by social media, and the urgent need to rethink how we approach housing, sustainability, and progress in the islands.This is more than politics—it’s about values, resilience, and ensuring that Hawai‘i remains home for generations to come.Guests: U.S. Senator Brian Schatz Follow us on Social Media:CreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Yasu YokoyamaAudio & Mix Producer:Yasu Yokoyama Production Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, Stefan Pellegrini, Principal and VP at Opticos Design, shares insights from the Missing Middle Housing Scan Analysis and Definition of Barriers completed for Maui in September 2024. As a leader in the Missing Middle Housing movement, Pellegrini explains why this approach is key to addressing Maui’s housing challenges, how regulatory barriers stand in the way of progress, and where this strategy could have the greatest impact. He also explores how design, zoning, and transportation realities intersect with housing access and affordability, offering a clear vision for creating more livable communities on Maui.Follow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, we sit down with Sterling Higa, Executive Director and co-founder of Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future, a nonprofit movement dedicated to ending the workforce housing shortage for Hawai‘i’s next generation.Sterling brings a deep background in policy, education, and community leadership. Prior to co-founding Housing Hawai‘i’s Future, he was a lecturer at Hawai‘i Pacific University and a writer for Honolulu Civil Beat and Hawaii Business Magazine. He currently serves as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and sits on advisory councils for House Maui and EAH Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer.We explore the key challenges and opportunities around housing in Hawaiʻi, how communities can respond to the affordability crisis, and what it will take to ensure a future where local families can thrive.Whether you're a policymaker, community advocate, or simply care about keeping Hawai‘i livable for all, this episode is for you.Follow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Roots Reborn is a community-led nonprofit born from shared immigrant experiences and a deep commitment to serving Maui’s migrant and immigrant families impacted by the fires. With support from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, Roots Reborn has expanded its services, launched vital recovery programs, and empowered those often overlooked. In this video, the team shares their journey, the real-life impact of this partnership, and how they’re building long-term resilience for generations to come.

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, we sit down with Trey Gordner, Policy Researcher and Data Scientist at UHERO, to explore the economic impacts of the Maui wildfires and what it will take for the community to recover and rebuild. Trey shares key findings from UHERO’s Maui Recovery Report, including insights on housing vulnerabilities, job displacement, and the deeper systemic challenges that existed before the disaster. Together, we talk about the policies, investments, and data-driven solutions that can help shape a more resilient and affordable future for Maui County.Guest: Trey GordnerFollow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

"Kaibigan" means more than just "friend" — rooted in the Tagalog word ibig (love), it speaks to a deep and enduring affection. Kaibigan ng Lahaina embodies that spirit of love and friendship through their unwavering commitment to West Maui’s Filipino and immigrant communities, especially in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires.In this episode, we explore the powerful mission and history behind Kaibigan ng Lahaina and how the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund has helped accelerate healing, case management, mental wellness, and educational support. We dive into the new programs and real-life stories made possible through this critical funding, and how mental health and clinical care have become essential components in the recovery process.We also reflect on the biggest lessons learned during this time of crisis, the unexpected insights that continue to shape their approach, and the collaborations and cultural connections that are paving the way forward. Finally, we share how you can stay connected and support Kaibigan ng Lahaina as they continue their work rooted in love, resilience, and community care.Guest: Kaibigan Ng Lahaina Follow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

In this episode of Ka Pewa by Hawaii Community Foundation, host Kanoa Leahey continues the critical discussion on Maui’s housing crisis, exploring both long-standing challenges and the urgent needs amplified by the devastating Lahaina wildfires of 2023. Joining the conversation is Keanu Lau Hee, Senior Director at the Hawaii Community Foundation, who provides strategic guidance for the House Maui Initiative.Together, they dive into the complexities of housing recovery, policy reform, and infrastructure development while addressing key obstacles such as workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and the high cost of living. Keanu shares insights from her experience in emergency management and government, offering strategies to increase affordable housing, retain local communities, and drive systemic change.Tune in to learn how the House Maui Initiative is working to align resources, empower homebuyers, and influence policy—ensuring a more resilient and stable future for Maui’s residents. Plus, discover ways you can stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard in the effort to secure housing for the people who make Hawai‘i home.Guests: Keanu Lau HeeFollow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

In the debut episode of Ka Pewa, Hawai‘i Community Foundation President & CEO Micah Kāne joins host Kanoa Leahey to discuss House Maui, HCF’s bold initiative to address Mauiʻs housing crisis. With deep personal ties to the issue, Kāne shares their philosophy and approach to this issue, the urgency of building more homes, and why it’s time to accelerate and take a stand for affordability. Tune in for an honest conversation about solutions, commitment, and the future of housing in Hawai‘i.Guests: Micah KāneFollow us on Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_PewaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewaCreditsBrought to you by the Hawai‘i Community FoundationHosted by:Kanoa LeaheyProduced by:Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLCVideo Producer:Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style MediaAudio & Mix Producer:Shawn PimentalProduction Assistants:Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLCTeilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC