“The OG OG”

What can we learn from the Original Certified Organic Growers

The OG OG

These talk-story events will feature panel discussions on the cutting edge, farmer-enabled conversations to support the growth of local, certified-organic agriculture in Hawai‘i Nei.

Moderator: Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Speakers: Noa Lincoln, Hiʻilei Kawelo, Dean Wilhelm, Kaulana Kealoha-Hanawahine, Cheryse Kaui Sana

**Hiʻilei Kawelo**

Hiʻilei Kawelo was raised in Kahalu'u by her skilled fishing family, she has been a student to the art and science of lawai'a and Kāne'ohe Bay her entire life. Hiʻilei is a 1995 graduate of Punahou School, and also received a Bachelorʻs of Arts degree in Zoology from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Hiʻilei is Founder and Executive Director of Paepae Heeia, a small non-profit that cares for an 88-acre traditional Hawaiian fishpond, Heʻeia Fishpond.

Noa Lincoln

Noa Lincoln is kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) and kama'aina (native born) to Kealakekua on Hawai'i Island. His childhood consists of unique training by Hawaiian elders in la'au lapa'au (ethnobotany) and traditional management methods for agriculture and ocean resources. Noa currently serves as Assistant Professor on Indigenous Crops and Cropping Systems at the University of Hawaiʻi.

**Dean Wilhelm**

Dean Wilhelm is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Hoʻokuaʻāina, a gathering place for people in the community to connect with and care for the ‘āina, perpetuate Hawaiian culture through the cultivation and preparation of kalo, and to be a place that would ultimately bring healing to people, especially at-risk youth.

**Cheryse Kaui Sana**

Cheryse Kaui Sana is the General Farm Manager of MA'O Organic Farms- an organization whose mission is to grow organic produce and empower youth leaders in Waiʻanae, Hawai'i. She manages 281 acres of certified organic farm while mentoring 40-50 young adults and the farm staff team in organic farming, community engagement, and leadership development. Kaui is committed to deepening her practice and understanding of ancestral and modern knowledge to improve Hawai'i's food system.

**Kaulana Kealoha-Hanawahine**

Kaulana Kealoha-Hanawahine is an Alakaʻi Peer Mentor at Hoʻokuaʻāina who has worked his way through every level of programming starting as a volunteer, then Ho‘okua‘āina intern and an ASA apprentice. After participating in MA‘O’s Farm Expansion Experience (FE‘E) program, he is now continuing as an Alakaʻi at Ho‘okua‘āina and is continuing his undergrad education as a student in the Sustainable Community Food Systems at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu.

supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).