Our Hui

Originally from Mililani, Oʻahu, now residing in Kailua-Kona, Joey brings over five years of experience as a property manager and maintenance professional. Known for his friendly demeanor and a heart full of aloha, Joey is a valued member of the L2020 team. Beyond his professional expertise, he enjoys coaching youth football, where he mentors and inspires the next generation. With a strong focus on family and community, Joey embodies the spirit of aloha, making him a trusted and approachable presence at L2020 and beyond.

From Kohala, now residing in Kailua-Kona, Sharon serves as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of L2020 and is a key member of the grant writing team. With a background in journalism and editing, she brings strong communication skills and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. Sharon manages executive tasks, handles public communications, and contributes to grant writing and reporting, ensuring the smooth operation of L2020. Her commitment streamlines workflows and supports key initiatives driving the organization’s success.

From Waikapū, Maui, now residing in Kailua-Kona, Michelle is an experienced project manager known for her clear communication and efficient workflows. She excels in solving organizational challenges and delivering practical solutions. Michelle brings a versatile skill set that includes digital marketing, content creation, graphic design, and customer service. 

From Kailua-Kona, Anuhea brings a wealth of administrative expertise to Laʻiʻōpua 2020, with 15 years of experience as a judicial clerk. As the Office Administrator, she ensures the seamless operation of the organization’s internal administrative activities, managing data entry, record-keeping, and research with precision. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail streamline processes, helping maintain smooth workflows. Anuhea’s commitment to operational efficiency and ability to handle complex tasks are vital in supporting L2020’s mission and community-focused goals.

From Moloka'i and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools-Kapālama Campus, Tracey brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to Laʻiʻōpua 2020. Her journey in the culinary world has been marked by more than a decade of success in the food industry. Tracey's culinary style is rooted in "plantation comfort food," honoring her Hawaiian heritage. Known for her keen attention to detail, she is highly organized and meticulous. Tracey thrives on sharing her food knowledge through teaching and mentoring.

From Kosrae, FSM, Bright has called Hawaiʻi home for over 15 years. A decorated basketball Olympian, he represented FSM for 10 years in the FSM Olympics, Micronesian Games, and South Pacific Games. Bright teaches culinary courses, assists with community projects, and supports the Native Hawaiian programs offered by L2020. His culinary style is a unique fusion, blending the flavors of Kosrae with the local tastes of Hawaiʻi. Brightwell's warm and gracious spirit contributes to his success in the kitchen.

From Keopū, Kona, Kamuela Meheula, who was raised near the historic Kūāhewa field system, brings her passion for ʻāina-based education to L2020. As an ʻāina educator, she leads hands-on teaching in māla and ʻāina activities, sharing her knowledge of kalo farming and sustainability practices with keiki and the community. Kamuela is dedicated to preserving kūpuna kalo varieties and fostering a strong connection between ʻāina and kānaka. Her vision is to cultivate a future where community nourishment and cultural practices thrive.

From Lāʻie, Oʻahu, and now residing in Honokōhau, Kona, Keahi Tomas spent his childhood farming and fishing, developing a deep connection to the ʻāina and kai. Today, he is a woodworker and carver, crafting tools for traditional cultural practices, particularly papa and pōhaku used for kuʻi ʻai. Recently, Keahi fully embraced his dream of becoming a full-time kalo farmer, dedicating his work to educating others on the importance of mālama ʻāina and sustainable land stewardship.

From Honolulu, Oʻahu, and now residing in Kailua-Kona, Rusty is the captain of Waʻa Laʻiʻōpua, where he shares his extensive waʻa and wayfinding skills with youth and the community. He discovered his passion for sailing as a student at Kū Mana Public Charter School and gained valuable experience working with the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy. In 2017, Rusty sailed from New Zealand to Hawaiʻi aboard Okeanos-Marshall Islands, accompanying Hōkuleʻa. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license and was instrumental in building Waʻa Laʻiʻōpua.

From Kailua-Kona, Uʻi was introduced to sailing in 2007 as a haumana of the voyaging canoe Makaliʻi. She spent time learning and sailing aboard Kānehūnāmoku, a 29-foot double-hull canoe. Uʻi is a Captain and Kumu for Waʻa Laʻiʻōpua, where she enjoys introducing keiki and the broader community to traditional wayfinding and voyaging culture.  She holds a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license and has sailed throughout Hawaiʻi and the South Pacific.  

From New Jersey, Diane Spencer has been a resident of Hawaiʻi for over 36 years, where she raised her family. She retired from the Hawaiʻi Department of Education after 33 years of service as a teacher and administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels. Diane earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (NJ) and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Chaminade University. She now brings her extensive experience as a liaison and assistant program coordinator with the L2020 Waʻa Program, contributing to its success.

From Kawahine, Oʻahu, Tamar deFries is a dedicated servant leader with nearly three decades of experience in socioeconomic development. She holds an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Tamar specializes in securing capital and implementing projects that benefit Native Hawaiian communities. Passionate about her culture, family, and community, she is committed to fostering growth and development for the betterment of those she serves.

From Kohanaiki, Kona, Dr. Inaba has a diverse educational background and extensive leadership experience, blending his Hawaiian heritage with a forward-thinking vision. He holds a B.A., M.S., and Ed.D., and currently serves as the Assistant Project Director for Laʻiʻōpua 2020’s Enrichment Program, overseeing program development and curriculum implementation. Dr. Inaba also contributes to strategic planning for the program’s growth. Beyond his professional duties, he volunteers with community organizations, reflecting his commitment to education, cultural preservation, and community service.

From Honokaʻa now residing in South Kona, CarolLyn serves as the Program Coordinator and Curriculum Development Specialist for Laʻiʻōpua 2020’s Enrichment Programs at Kealakehe and Konawaena Elementary Schools, overseeing all activities at both sites. With a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, she brings extensive expertise to her role. A veteran elementary school teacher with the Department of Education, CarolLyn is deeply committed to supporting student growth and fostering enriching educational experiences.

From Papakōlea, Oʻahu, Kahanuola is an educator passionate about preserving and teaching the Hawaiian language. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Studies, and a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Kahanuola currently teaches Hawaiian Language at Kamehameha High School’s Kapālama campus, is a member of the Hawaiian musical group Keauhou, and is the founder and kumu of E Hoʻopili Mai, a Hawaiian language learning program.

From Hōnaunau, Moani has more than 21 years of work experience with the State Department of Education and has been a part of Laʻiʻōpua 2020's Enrichment program since 2020. Moani says she is privileged to be able to live, work and raise her family in Hawaiʻi. She is currently the site coordinator for L2020’s Enrichment program at Konawaena Elementary and looks forward to continuing to educate, nurture and enrich the lives of the haumana the Enrichment program touches.

From Honokaʻa, now residing in Kailua-Kona with her family.  She has worked at Kealakehe Elementary School for the past 10 years, serving as both an educational assistant and office assistant. An experienced after-school program coordinator, Krystal has spent the last four years working with haumāna in L2020’s Spring and Summer Enrichment programs. She currently serves as the site coordinator for the Kealakehe Elementary L2020 Enrichment programs, continuing her dedication to supporting students and their growth.

From Hōlualoa, Jeff is an external evaluator, team development specialist, and grant writing team member with L2020. With over three decades of experience working in DOE schools and non-profits, he has cultivated expertise in helping organizations grow and thrive. As the founder of Empower Consulting, Jeff is dedicated to leadership development and advancing non-profits that serve marginalized communities. His work focuses on building strong leaders, fostering professional growth, and empowering organizations to better meet the needs of the communities they serve, driving positive change and lasting impact in their missions.