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In order for our community to take action to heal our ʻāina, uphold traditional practices, and determine how we make decisions as an island for present and future generations, we need your manaʻo and active participation.
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Volunteer link coming soon.
MOLOKAI HERITAGE TRUST
Community-led, community-driven
Our Objectives
The Molokai Heritage Trust is not a new idea. It is as old as the first prayer uttered to protect Molokai. The Trust’s purpose is to help our people achieve what this island has called on us to do for generations—mālama this land and its people to create ʻāina momona. We exist as we are because kūpuna both living and passed protected this ʻāina and our ways. They acted with intentionality so that we could enjoy it as they did.
Our island also knows what it is to be divided and we know the threat that division creates for our people, our values, and our āina. That is why we stand united in our commitment to this ʻāina and each other. It is our kuleana to bring these blessings forward for our keiki and moʻopuna while embracing the unique challenges of our times—just like our kūpuna did for us.
The Trust focuses on four interrelated objectives to advance its purpose:
1. Acquisition.
The Trust actively explores acquisition of lands, including Molokai Ranch and other areas on Molokaʻi. This strategy may involve various funding sources such as bonds, loans, grants, and private philanthropic funds, representing the interests and goals of the Molokaʻi community.
2. Community Governance and Ownership.
The Trust shall actively solicit community input so that it can undertake the future stewardship, access, management, and restoration of lands in alignment with long-term community goals.
3. Community and Economic Development.
The Trust shall guide and provide direction on community development initiatives, appropriate sustainable economic development, local workforce development, housing, education, capital improvements, etc. This oversight extends to Molokai Heritage Trust lands and may include, but is not limited to, acquiring grants, fostering partnerships, initiating capital projects and leases that are grounded in the Trust's Vision, Mission, and Values.
4. Prioritize Molokaʻi Heritage and Culture.
Recognizing the foundational importance of Molokaʻi's cultural heritage and native traditional lifeways, the Trust shall prioritize preserving and promoting the island’s unique culture, traditions, and customs.
In 2017 when Molokai Ranch went up for sale our community saw it as an opportunity to start healing past wounds between friends, neighbors, and ʻohana. The Molokaʻi Pule Oʻo Unity march represented the peaceful coming together of community members from both sides of the divide to heal the ‘eha existing both the land and the people.
In 2021 and after many discussions amongst and within the community, an informal working group was formed to pose a single question to the community-at-large that would change the trajectory of our collective future indefinitely: Rather than placing our hopes in a benevolent buyer, did we want to buy and maintain Molokaʻi Ranch ourselves as a community?
The answer was an overwhelming YES— but not without reservations and many more questions that ultimately came to three big questions: How would we buy the lands? How would we govern the lands? How would we maintain the lands?
History.
Through this process, we saw our greatest strength: unity.
We’re often labeled as protestors, but those of us who live and love Molokaʻi know the truth—we only protest what’s not pono for our ʻāina and people. Just as fiercely as we protect, we also build.
From the Molokaʻi General Hospital to the library to the Hikiʻola Farmers Co-op—our community has always created what we needed, together.
That’s why we chose to form a member-managed nonprofit—a structure that honors community voice and makes room for shared kuleana. It gives us accountability to our people and the flexibility to lead in ways that make sense for us.
This is how Molokai Heritage Trust came to life: Rooted in ʻāina, powered by community, and guided by generations of deep aloha for this island.
We started with educating ourselves by learning from what other communities have done to reclaim their lands, and together learned about the many different strategies, tools and solutions that have helped other communities to answer similar questions. We spent over a year learning together, everything from capital stacks to unique governance structures so that we could be confident in our commitment to buy back Molokai Ranch as a community.
We didn’t rush. We listened, learned, and showed up.
Over the course of two years, we held over 150 open community meetings—over Zoom and at every community center on the island. Every decision, every document, every step forward was shaped by voices from across Molokaʻi. Our founding bylaws weren’t written behind closed doors—they were built in community, line by line, with patience and aloha.
Board of Directors
The Molokai Heritage Trust Board of Directors is elected by the Voting Membership of the Trust. All Voting Members must be residents of Molokaʻi, many of whom come from generational families with deep cultural and ancestral ties to the island. Members commit to upholding the community-created Vision, Mission, Values, and Objectives of the Trust.
All binding decisions of the Trust must be made during properly noticed, regular Board meetings in accordance with the Trust’s Bylaws. These meetings are always open to Members, who are not only encouraged to attend and observe but also welcomed to share their manaʻo (thoughts, insights, and concerns) as part of the decision-making process. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with the needs and values of the Molokaʻi community and ʻāina. Decisions are made through open dialogue, with a focus on consensus and cultural integrity.
Board of Directors’ Bios
James Espaniola
“A dream is a dream if no action is taken. Action taken makes it achievable, so take action and join us, and we shall achieve together.”
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Raised on Moloka’i, primarily in Maunaloa, James has been involved in various conservation and environmental projects since 1999 after graduating from Kamehameha Schools on Oʻahu. Since 2016, he has been a State of Hawaii employee with the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DoFAW), Native Ecosystem Protection and Management (NEPM).
James has led stream monitoring, animal and weed control; outplanting of native plants and building ungulate control fences to protect conservation areas across the state and is currently tending to a few different fencing projects within the East Molokaʻi watershed partnership as well as building the NEPM program on Moloka’i.
Malia Akutagawa
“This is about exercising our self-determination as an island. It is for our ʻāina kupuna, our keiki, and our moʻopuna to come.”
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Malia Akutagawa, JD, ESQ, is from Manaʻe and was born and raised on Molokaʻi. Her ʻohana is of Molokaʻi since time immemorial, with roots in Pelekunu, Wailau, Kamalō, Manawai, Kahananui, ʻUalapuʻe, Kaluaʻaha, Pūkoʻo, Puʻu o Hoku, Hālawa, and Maunaloa.
As a child, Malia’s kūpuna and mākua inspired her to become a native rights and environmental law attorney. A graduate of Molokaʻi High and Intermediate School (1989); she pursued higher education and earned baccalaureate degrees in Philosophy and Biology from Whitworth University (1993) and a Juris Doctor and Environmental Law Certificate from the William S. Richardson School of Law (1997).
Zhantell Dudoit Lindo
“Wehe ‘ia ke alaula. No nahanauna nei”. (Opened the path of life. For the generation of this land)
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Zhantell is a descendent of 7 generations of East Molokai ʻOhana and 4 generations of Hoolehua homestead. Her genealogy to Molokai and her advocacy for Molokai’s people and ʻāina is indisputable.
She is a bridge builder, teacher, community advocate, visionary and ‘āina warrior who has dedicated her life, skills and experiences to ensuring Moloka’i is well protected, properly managed, responsibly thriving and upholding the integrity of what it means to come from this land.
Hawaiʻiloa Mowat
“He Ali'i Ka 'Āina.He Kauwā ke Kanaka
(The Land is Chief, Man is its Servant)”
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Aloha. My name is Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat. Many call me Hawai’i or Hawai’iloa. I was born and raised on Kapa’akea Hawaiian Homestead, Moloka’i where I reside still today. I am a 4th generation homesteader here in Kapa’akea with a beautiful wife and 3 beautiful children. I was born and raised to two amazing Aloha Aina warriors who played big roles in the protest against the bombing if Kaho’olawe and other big land battles of those days. Prior to the homestead life my Papa James “Jimmy” Lewis was born in Moanui, Moloka’i where several generations of Kupuna came from before him. Naming some of my kupuna in Kamehamehanui ailu’au, Kapaliauweloa, Palemo, Lu’ukia and Kekio who were generational Konohiki from the east side of Moloka’i. From the east side to the south side one thing that never changed in my ohana is land stewardship. Aloha Aina was life and is life for me and my ohana. As an adult I served as Moloka’i’s first ever Maui County Park Ranger where I introduced the Park Ranger position to the Moloka’i community and worked with the community in the area’s of overall county parks safety, code enforcement and permits for over 30 parks and public right of ways here on Moloka’i. Some of my passion projects that I have been working on for the ahupua’a of Kapa’akea are Loko i’a restoration, limu restoration and cultivation, reforestation and axis deer herd management. I am excited to continue on the road of Aloha Aina o Moloka’i in a more organized and effective approach to preserve Moloka’i lands for our future generations. Aloha.
Hanohano Naehu
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For the last 20 years, Hanohano Naehu has been a kia‘i loko, a fishpond guardian on the island of Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i. He is the caretaker of this environment in which he restores an aspect of Hawaiian aquaculture: a traditional, sustainable, ocean fishpond that itself presents other opportunities for creativity through the healing arts, sciences, and feeling spirituality.
Hano, as he is referred to, is also a community educator, teaching ancient concepts in land stewardship and resource management. His ocean conservation work has allowed him to represent and be a voice for Hawai‘i and indigenous Pacific islanders alike. Hanohano is also the director for Hui O Kuapā 501c3. As an avid activist and artist for aloha ‘āina, he translates his passions through hip hop and lyrical messages under his MC name The Paniolo Prince.
Nanette Grambusch
“Ma ka hana ka ike.”
-Pukui
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In doing so, knowledge is gained. My kupuna and makua taught me that when an opportunity presents itself, you have to make a choice, study the situation thoroughly, ask for clarity, and make the best choice based on the facts presented. Do your part, do what is right. Trust your naau. Malama ka aina and the aina malama you! It is a reciprocal relationship - known as aloha aina.
Born on Oahu at Kapiolani Hospital, raised on Molokai. Kaunakakai and Kualapuu School alumni. Graduated from MHIS 1978. Earned a BA in Hawaiian Language; MEd in Secondary Ed-Social Studies-US History; licensed to teach at the secondary and post-secondary levels in Hawaii. Served the Hawaiian community as an educator, researcher, community organizer, program organizer, and grant writer.
My most important roles in life - granddaughter, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.
Raymond Hiro
Shanna Willing
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Shanna Willing, of native Hawaiian ancestry, is a devoted mother of five and a passionate advocate for family values. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from Chaminade University, achievements that underscore her commitment to education and professional excellence.
Shanna dedicated 12 years of her career to the health care industry on Molokai, previously serving as the Interim Executive Director of the Molokai Community Health Center. Her work in this role highlighted her leadership skills and dedication to community well-being.
Currently, Shanna serves as the Director of Finance for Sustainable Molokai, where she contributes to initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices for her beloved island community. Balancing her cultural heritage, professional life, and family commitments, Shanna continues to inspire those around her with her resilience, ambition, and dedication.
Wannette Lee
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Wanette Lee, born and raised on Puʻukapele Avenue in the Hoʻolehua Homesteads, is a dedicated kiaʻi of Molokai’s ʻāina and culture, with deep ancestral ties to Moʻomomi, where her intimate connection to the land and ocean was nurtured from a young age. The daughter of Wilford Leiala Lee Sr. and Jane Pahula Lee, and granddaughter of Mary Wahineokalani Lee—a spiritual leader during the Hawaiian Renaissance—Wanette was raised in a lineage rooted in service, spirituality, and aloha ʻāina. A graduate of Molokai High School, her early life was shaped by working the land, tending to animals, and learning the values of resilience, kuleana, and communal responsibility. Over the years, she has stood at the forefront of many movements to protect and uplift Native Hawaiian rights and sacred spaces, including Hui Ala Loa, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, the Molokai Burial Council, and as a delegate in the Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi Constitutional Convention. As a founding board member and treasurer of Hui Mālama o Moʻomomi, she helped lay the foundation for community stewardship of Molokai’s north shore resources. Professionally, Wanette has been a trailblazer in the field of substance abuse counseling on Molokai, integrating traditional Hawaiian values into healing-centered programs for individuals and families. She played a key role in the establishment of the Molokai Drug Court, school-based prevention efforts, and programs rooted in Ho‘oponopono and ʻōiwi healing practices. Wanette also served as a founding board member of Pouhana o Nā Wāhine, helping create culturally relevant responses to domestic violence in Hawaiian communities. Her advocacy expanded nationally through her nine-year role with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, where she represented Hawaiʻi and helped secure major funding for Native Hawaiian healing curricula. Today, Wanette continues to serve her community as a certified substance abuse counselor, guided by the strength of her ancestors and a lifelong dedication to healing, justice, and the perpetuation of Molokai’s cultural legacy.
Advisory Directors’ Bios
Jason Sykes
“This can be Moloka'i's defining moment—a chance to shape our own destiny and preserve the soul of our island for future generations.”
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Jason grew up in Wailau, loves the valley, and hopes to return to Molokai full-time someday. In the meantime, he is using his legal and communications background to help protect the land and empower the people to let our community control its own destiny and keep Moloka’i, Moloka’i.
Kaiuwailani Pettigrew
“Stay the course, but adjust
Stay yourself, but evolve
Stay humble, but lead
Stay hungry, but be grateful
Stay focused, but explore
Stay awake, but dream”
-Eddie Pinero
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After graduating from Molokai High School, Kaiu relocated to Honolulu, Oahu at which time she worked for First Hawaiian Bank prior to making the big move to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kaiu attended Community College of Southern Nevada while working for The Venetian Hotel & Casino.
Kaiu is a proven executive level professional with progressively 22+ years of experience in the gaming, hospitality, and financial industry. Experience includes IT Compliance, IT Operations, IT Security & Cyber Security, IT Project Management, Finance Compliance, Anti Money Laundering (AML), Internal Audit, Finance Operations, Procurement, Warehouse Management and Gaming (Casino Administration, Players Club, Slot's, Casino Special Events).
Kaiu has held positions in Las Vegas, Macau, SAR and more recently returning to First Hawaiian Bank here in Hawaii and has a successful track record of visionary, forward-looking leadership, execution, and delivery. Kaiu has extensive expertise in leading organizations in applying innovative solutions in support of the business by collaborating, recommending, and influencing decisions based on strong business cases and communication.
Giving back to our younger generation is a passion of Kaiu’s. She continues to mentor, build, and support careers of our young Hawaii students whether in High School, University or in Entrepreneurship.
What is the VISION of the Molokai Heritage Trust?
ʻĀina Kupuna
(Ancestral ʻĀina)
Our recognition of this lands as our ancestor and an acknowledgement of the generations that protected and stewarded these lands before us.
ʻĀina Aloha
(Beloved ʻĀina)
Our commitment to each other and our lands today. It is our reason, helping to ensure we are pono to who we are, in service to ʻāi
ʻĀina Momona
(Abundant ʻĀina)
This is what we are striving for, this is our future.
What are the VALUES of the Molokai Heritage Trust?
Mālama ʻĀina; he aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka
We recognize the inherent truth of he aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kānaka–the ʻāina is the chief and the people, its servants.
Kuleana
We understand that our moʻokūʻauhau comes from and is inseparable from ʻāina, thus we are guided by and act with responsibility to all creation and to our piko–our ancestors, those present in this physical realm, and our keiki and moʻopuna to come.
Ea
We are guided by our kuleana and recognize and assert our right to self-determination–to direct our own destiny as we steward our lands, mālama our people and honor our Akua.
Kiaʻi
We are kiaʻi, children and fierce protectors of Molokaʻi Nui A Hina, and dedicate ourselves and our generations to remain steadfast in our kuleana to mālama ʻāina.
Mauli Ola
We commit to the restoration, well-being, and sacredness of kānaka, ʻāina, Akua and the eternal bond between us.
Kūkūlu
We commit to excellence and continuous improvement as we educate, awaken, and revitalize our understanding of our moʻokūʻauhau and kuleana in order to create a strong and paʻa foundation for the care of land, people and Akua.
Aloha kekahi i kekahi
We face each other, sharing life-giving breath, dedicated to pono and reciprocity to strengthen kaiāulu and to aloha and mālama ʻāina.
What is the MISSION of the Molokai Heritage Trust?
As kiaʻi of Molokai, we recognize and honor the truth reflected in our moʻokūʻauhau and we know that protecting the health and vitality of our ʻāina is essential to our island’s well-being and our future.
Together, we will aloha this ʻāina, working with humility, openness, and tenacity to ensure that what makes Molokai special will survive and thrive for generations to come.
We dedicate ourselves to recover, restore, and revive all of Molokai– kahiki kū i kahiki moe.
Staff
Kawaipuna Kalipi
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Born and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Kawaipuna “Puna” Kalipi has ties to Manaʻe and Hoʻolehua. Puna is the daughter of William “Tubz” Kalipi Jr. and Barbara Leinaʻala Hanchett Kalipi. As General Manager of the Molokai Heritage Trust, Puna brings deep cultural grounding, community connection, and a steadfast commitment to protecting what makes Molokaʻi, Molokaʻi.
With a strong foundation in community and ʻike Hawaiʻi, Puna is a proud graduate of Pūnana Leo o Molokai, Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapuʻu, and Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Hawaiian Studies and Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science.
Puna’s leadership is rooted in the understanding that the relationship between ʻāina and kānaka is inseparable. She previously served as the Land Back Manager for Sustʻāinable Molokai, helping guide the community-led effort to return lands to local stewardship—an initiative that resulted in the formation of the Molokai Heritage Trust. Today, she continues to steward this vision, ensuring that the voices, values, and knowledge of the Molokaʻi community remain at the heart of decision-making for generations to come.