Alakaʻi

As the Executive Director of Laʻiʻopua 2020 (L2020), Kawehi’s kuleana is to work with the organization’s board of directors and lead a team of professionals to ensure L2020’s mission and goals are met. To fulfill the mission of L2020, Kawehi draws on her culture as a native Hawaiian and uses “Hawaiian Values” as a foundation to serving the community. She oversees the operations, programs, and projects of the organization. Leadership, business, and human resource management skills obtained as a pilot/flight instructor, founder and former CEO of Mokulele Airlines, Founder & CEO of Kūpa’a Business Planner (a strategic business planning firm) and former Director of the County of Hawaii’s Department of Research and Development have provided Kawehi with an instinctive ability to support her team of experienced and passionate L2020 staff.

Kawehi currently lives with her family on the slopes of Hualālai in the ahupuaʻa of Kohanaiki, Kona. Her dedication to her work and community is featured in Ka Wai Ola in an article titled “A Responsibility to Succeed”, highlighting her journey and commitment to serving Hawaiʻi. 

Malia oversees the Mokulele Airlines Hawai‘i and California Operations. Malia is an experienced administrator with a demonstrated history of work in the visitor industry, the social service and business industries, and the nonprofit sector. Malia is a strong professional, skilled in nonprofit organization and operations, business planning, community/youth development, and event management.

Merrick is a Kealakekua native who also sits on the Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. A graduate of Konawaena High School and Bucknell University, Merrick has was a consulting and regulatory civil engineer and project and construction manager for the County of Hawai‘i for 14 years and was also an operations and facilities manager for a private water company.

Gayle is a Management Consultant and project manager to local business owners. A former Executive for major publishing companies, Gayle lends her expertise to Ke Ola Magazine as General Manager and writer. Her passion for Hawai‘i is deeply rooted in the community through business partnerships, kōkua (service) associations, hula, and Hawaiian cultural arts.

Maggie is a visionary leader from Hilo, Hawaii, dedicated to positive community change. Returning to Hawaii in 1998, she aimed to heal indigenous trauma. In addition to studying psychology at UH Hilo, Maggie excels in entrepreneurship, business development, and real estate. As an Expedia Local Expert, she promoted responsible tourism. A licensed Surety Agent since 2017, Maggie advocates for criminal justice reform. She founded a business based on 'āina aloha principles, striving for a regenerative economic model in Hawaiʻi. Beyond her diverse interests, Maggie cherishes her role as a mother.

Kalei oversees Hawaii Community College Pālamanui and the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaiʻi. With over three decades in higher education, Kalei, a Konawaena High School graduate, holds a Bachelor's in Sociology and a master’s in higher education. Committed to community service, she's a UH President's Emerging Leaders Program alumni and the first Kona resident to receive the Chancellor's Award. Kalei resides in Kalaoa and actively contributes to academic counseling, student support, grants administration, and various committees.