How do you support local businesses?
Supporting local businesses is integral to my personal and professional philosophy. I actively engage with local enterprises by collaborating on various levels, from sourcing products and services to forming strategic partnerships. For instance, at the Maui Pineapple Store, we prioritize local suppliers and vendors. This approach not only ensures the quality of our products but also helps stimulate the local economy and fosters a vibrant community ecosystem. My commitment extends beyond our business practices.

I serve on several boards that align with the mission of supporting local businesses, including the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Restaurant Association, the LahainaTown Action Committee, and the County of Maui Workforce Development Board. Each of these roles allows me to connect with and support businesses of all sizes, sharing ideas and resources to foster their growth and success.

One of my favorite ways to support local businesses is by participating in the Made in Maui County Festival. This annual event celebrates Maui’s entrepreneurs and provides a platform for showcasing local products. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to discover new products to feature on our tours and in our stores, while also contributing to the visibility and success of local businesses.

Supporting local businesses is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships and contributing to a thriving, interconnected local economy.

What makes Hawai‘i a great place to live and work?
Hawai‘i’s unique charm lies in its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and the warmth of its communities. Maui’s stunning landscapes offer outdoor activities that make living here an adventure, and I love to hop over to enjoy O‘ahu’s dining and shopping scene. Professionally, Hawai‘i benefits from a supportive business climate and a strong sense of local pride that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Living in such an inspiring environment, where you can contribute to preserving the island’s distinct culture and natural resources, makes Hawai‘i exceptional. The sense of community and mutual support, especially evident in times of crisis, adds to what makes this place truly special. Following the fires in August of last year, I witnessed an outpouring of support that was deeply moving. From providing immediate aid to survivors to state-wide initiatives supporting Lahaina’s small businesses during the holidays, the collective effort to come together and uplift one another highlights the spirit of Hawai‘i. This sense of unity and resilience is one of the most rewarding aspects of living and working here.

What is a cause or purpose you deeply believe in?
I am deeply committed to both environmental and food sustainability. Protecting our planet’s natural resources is essential for ensuring a healthy future for generations to come. At Maui Gold Pineapple, we are dedicated to preserving agriculture on Maui by implementing sustainable farming practices that minimize our environmental impact while maintaining the island’s natural beauty. This includes exploring eco-friendly farming techniques, reducing waste, and supporting conservation efforts.

In addition to our environmental commitments, we recognize the importance of addressing food insecurity. We donate thousands of pounds of pineapple annually to organizations such as the Maui Food Bank and Kau Kau for Keiki programs across the state.

Beyond our business practices, I am actively involved in broader environmental initiatives. I have organized the annual LahainaTown Cleanup for the past six years, with the 20th Annual event scheduled for this September. This event aims to engage the community in environmental stewardship and raise awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings, especially our ocean and waterways, clean and healthy.

It is crucial that we support and protect agriculture, particularly given the statistic that approximately 90 percent of the food consumed in Hawai‘i is imported, and that nearly one in three households in Hawai‘i are food insecure. Ensuring we live in harmony with our environment and address these critical issues is not just a responsibility but a moral imperative. By integrating sustainability into our business practices and community efforts, we strive to create a better future for both our environment and our local communities.

Are there any community programs or initiatives you find particularly valuable?
Several community programs stand out for their impact. One notable program is the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, dedicated to protecting and restoring marine environments around Maui. We recently partnered with them and SoilThrive Hawaii to pilot a reef-safe landscaping program, promoting sustainable practices that benefit marine ecosystems and the community.

I am also inspired by local initiatives focused on education and youth empowerment, such as the recent youth entrepreneurship program at the Maui Food Innovation Center, involving Baldwin High School culinary students. This program provides valuable resources and opportunities, nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Supporting these programs aligns with my commitment to giving back and fostering future leadership. These initiatives address pressing environmental and educational needs and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your life or career?
One piece of advice that has consistently resonated with me is, “Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth.” This mindset has guided me through various stages of my career, encouraging me to view obstacles as chances to learn and develop. By approaching challenges with resilience and a positive outlook, I have overcome difficulties and achieved personal and professional growth.

As we approach the 1-year anniversary of the Lahaina fire, this advice feels especially relevant. The past year has brought profound challenges to our community. Embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth remains crucial. This perspective reinforces the importance of perseverance and adaptability, helping us navigate trying times with hope and resilience. Even in significant adversity, there is always potential for learning and positive change