BOARD of DIRECTORS
LEILANI RODRIGUES
A native of Ka'ū. Born, raised and currently resides in Waiohinu, in the District of Ka'ū, Hawaii island. She is a mother to four boys and an Aunty to several keiki (kids). Her goals and ambitions are to teach native Hawaiian traditions and practices to keiki including lei making, weaving, hula, fishing, hunting, gatheri
LEILANI RODRIGUES
A native of Ka'ū. Born, raised and currently resides in Waiohinu, in the District of Ka'ū, Hawaii island. She is a mother to four boys and an Aunty to several keiki (kids). Her goals and ambitions are to teach native Hawaiian traditions and practices to keiki including lei making, weaving, hula, fishing, hunting, gathering and to malama the 'aina, makai, and all living organisms including ourselves and our ohana.
Bernard Waltjen
Bernard Waltjen born in Hawaii National Park and was currently reside in Kaʻu. A Kupuna, Cultural Practitioner in Pohaku Carving and historian of the land. He moved and worked in California for 32 years in the Airlines Field and moved backed to Hawaii 10 years ago to give back to his roots and legacy. His vision was to sha
Bernard Waltjen
Bernard Waltjen born in Hawaii National Park and was currently reside in Kaʻu. A Kupuna, Cultural Practitioner in Pohaku Carving and historian of the land. He moved and worked in California for 32 years in the Airlines Field and moved backed to Hawaii 10 years ago to give back to his roots and legacy. His vision was to share the history of Pohaku carving to be displayed in our museum for generation to experience. His love for the outdoors and the land was well inspired . He will be missed (2025ʻ deceased)
TBA
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Terry-Lee Shibuya
Terry-Lee L. Shibuya born and rooted in Kaʻu. One of the original core founders of Hana Laulima Lahui Oʻ Kaʻu Inc. in 1994.
Owner and operator of Masazoʻs Pig Farm which provide a site for an ongoing Cultural Sustainability Education Youth Program that involves Hog Farming/Organic Composting-Imu making and authentic style
Terry-Lee Shibuya
Terry-Lee L. Shibuya born and rooted in Kaʻu. One of the original core founders of Hana Laulima Lahui Oʻ Kaʻu Inc. in 1994.
Owner and operator of Masazoʻs Pig Farm which provide a site for an ongoing Cultural Sustainability Education Youth Program that involves Hog Farming/Organic Composting-Imu making and authentic style Kalua Pig, Haloa Legend, taro cultivating, poi pounding, lei making and weaving along with moʻolelo and chants of the land.
A Kaʻu High School graduate (1986), an Educational Assistance SPED, Substance Abuse Counselor, and her deep commitment and actions to helping the youths in Kaʻu. She always involve in different organizations and churches for the betterment of her community.
Her vision is to promote a Kaʻu Hawaiian Cultural Center that will provide a hub or source for our Youths, Ohana, Kupuna and generations to come an opportunity to be Educated, Experience our Hawaiian Cultural Concept and Values, and to Build Self- Dignity along with Self-Identity to create the sense of awareness that would make all feel proud to be a Hawaiian.
IMUA KAʻU
We strive forward together with Love and Aloha! Positive Impact...
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Naholowaa Murph
Dona Elizabeth (Beth) Naholowaa Murph founded Naholowaa Consulting LLC in 2023, drawing from her nearly 30 years of service in the nonprofit sector. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Beth grew up as an Air Force Brat, living across Mississippi, Washington, Tennessee, Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Cali
Elizabeth Naholowaa Murph
Dona Elizabeth (Beth) Naholowaa Murph founded Naholowaa Consulting LLC in 2023, drawing from her nearly 30 years of service in the nonprofit sector. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Beth grew up as an Air Force Brat, living across Mississippi, Washington, Tennessee, Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, New Mexico, Wyoming, and California before settling back in Hawaii.
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems Science from East Tennessee State University, Beth has worked serving Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the Consuelo Foundation and the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce. Her work spans nonprofit governance, data systems design, grants management, and disaster response. She created pilot projects for Hawaii Island homelessness and managed the Federal ESG grant for Hawaii and Maui Counties during the pandemic. She has served on boards including Hawaii State VOAD, Hawaii Island COAD, and the Hawaii Balance of State Homelessness Continuum of Care Board/ Bridging the Gap focusing on community-driven solutions for homelessness, disaster recovery, and social services at the local community, county and state levels. She currently serves on the boards of Mental Health America of Hawaii, the Hawaii Island YMCA, the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hana Laulima Lahui O Ka`u and Native Hawaiian Philanthropy.
As a multiethnic female kupuna, Beth brings a perspective of inclusion and equity to her work. A breast cancer survivor, she is a passionate advocate for proactive health, promoting regular mammograms and early detection screenings. Her advocacy extends to mental health, where she champions a compassionate and "no shame" approach to treatment and support. Beth is committed to supporting community organizations and promoting meaningful social impact.
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
SHARRA KEAWE-AIKO DANCEL
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TREASURER
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
KAULAHAO BERT DANCEL
Kaulahao Bert Dancel born at Kapiolani Children's Hospital on Oahu. He grew up in Kona and Kaʻu. Married with three children and currently resides in Kaʻu. His self-employed and works three occupations. Graduate of Kaʻu High School (1995). He brings joy and a positive attitude to his actions.
His vision is to provide a
KAULAHAO BERT DANCEL
Kaulahao Bert Dancel born at Kapiolani Children's Hospital on Oahu. He grew up in Kona and Kaʻu. Married with three children and currently resides in Kaʻu. His self-employed and works three occupations. Graduate of Kaʻu High School (1995). He brings joy and a positive attitude to his actions.
His vision is to provide a better future for his childrenʻs and generations to come.