Restoring cultural connections between land and

our community and ‘Ohana since 2010

JONATHAN KANEKOA KUKEA SHULTZ

Executive Director

Kanokoa has served as Executive Director of Kako’o’Oiwi since 2009.  Together with local area kupuna and community members, Kanekoa led the creation of the Mauhuahua ‘Ai o Hoi project which encompasses the ecological and agricultural restoration of a nearly 405 acre parcel situated within the wetland alluvial plains of the ahupua`a of He`eia, Oahu.  Kanekoa is a native of Aiea, Oahu and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, Occidental College (BS Marine Biology) and the University of Manoa (MS Botany, Phycology aka Lumu-ology).  Alongside his work with Kako’o’Oiwi, Kanekoa serves as the Kaneohe Bay Marine Coordinator with The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.  

Farm Director

Born and raised on O‘ahu, Nick has a lifetime of agricultural experience. Growing up on a highly diversified family farm gave Nick an intuitive understanding of cultivating and caring for the land. After graduating from Occidental College with a BA in Visual Arts, Nick’s creativity took root once again in agriculture, working on the family farm.  Since then, Nick has worked on a wide range of agricultural projects including:  retail potted plant sales, loi kalo at educational non-profit Papahana Kuaola, diversified vegetable farming in New England, grass fed lamb production in New England and Hawaii, as well as supporting the family farm.  In 2014, his pursuit of knowledge led Nick on a six month journey across the US to interview and work with farmers.  Nick’s work at Kako’o’Oiw focuses on wetland kalo production and agroforestry as part of a diversified system of agricultural, ecological and cultural restoration in He‘eia, a place that once sustained 200+ acres of loi kalo.

Value Add Director 

Lindsey is a great chef who ran several successful kitchens and decided to move into farming.  Kako’o’Oiwi was fortunate to benefit from Lindsey’s exceptional culinary skills as Lindsey helped to really connect the farm to table concept at Kako’o’Oiwi.  He encouraged Kako’o’Oiwi to grow produce which chefs utilize in their restaurants.  In addition, Lindsey has hosted a few Farm to Table Fundraisers at Kako’o’Oiwi that have wowed our donors with his exceptional cooking skill.  He currently lives in Manoa, believes in Hawaiian sovereignty, and hates bananas.

Operations Director

Conservation Director

Education Manager

Kahiau hails from Kahana, Koolauloa, Oahu. Na na kupuna e wehe i ke ala, na makou e hele. Aloha nui ia kakou! (We trust that our ancestors guide us on the path and we commit to walk. Aloha to us all!)

MeaHawaii Manager

Aloha Aina mau a mau.  Ohana is the greatest gift.  Mahalo Heeia for helping raise me spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.  Aloha kekahi I kekahi. 

Farmer and Operations Specialist

Brandon is from Mānoa, Kona, and Oʻahu.  He works tirelessly everyday to clear land and build roads in an effort to build a sustainable Hawaiʻi that future generations can benefit from.

Farmer and Operations Specialist

Dedicated to restoring aina (land) and wai (water) within the ahupua’a of He’eia.  And providing sustainable food systems for our kupuna and Keiki.  

Aina Fellow

Rosie is a Fellow with Kako’o’Oiwi.  She spends much of her time supporting our partners at The Nature Conservancyof Hawaii and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration partners.  But you can also find Rosie digging around in the wetland muds of Kako’o’Oiwi doing restoration work, counting fish and vegetation in our streams, or learning to operate machinery. Prior to the fellowship at Kako’o’Oiwi, she was in Hilo, HI getting her degree in Marine Science.  

Aina Fellow

Melissa is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Natural Resources & Environmental Management with a specialty in coastal management.  In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her three kids.   

SAM SANTOS

Farmer Specialist

TAKI TAIRA

Farmer Specialist

KAPAIHILAUOKALANI UMEBAYASHI

Farmer Specialist

Conservation Specialist

ZEA NAUTA

Farmer Specialist

IKAIKA BISHOP

Farmer Specialist

A He`eia resident and life long learner, Ikaika offers to help the team in any way that he can.. He believes growing good food bring happiness. health, and prosperity to everyone.