Staff
Tiani Cook
Executive Director
Tiani Pua’a Kawaauhau-Cook, known as “Ani,” is a passionate young leader dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of her beloved Molokai, Hawaii. Born and raised on the island, Ani’s journey with Ka Honua Momona International (KHM) began in her teens as a pond intern, before working her way up to office intern and eventually executive assistant. After a brief hiatus, Ani returned to KHM in 2018 and is now the executive director, using her deep connection to the ‘Aina to guide the organization’s mission. As a wahine entrepreneur, Ani’s all-time goal is to soak up the wisdom of her kupuna and pass it down, ensuring the next generation becomes the true caretakers of Molokai.
Shaye Lauifi
Executive ASSISTANT
Shaye Kaililani Lauifi was born and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, from the ahupuaʻa of Kaunakakai, and currently serves as the Executive Assistant at Ka Honua Momona International. Guided by a deep love for her community, ʻāina, and kai, she is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture while promoting responsible stewardship of the natural resources that sustain island life. As a lifelong learner, Shaye believes that ʻike carries a kuleana to be shared, and she is passionate about passing knowledge and cultural practices on to future generations. She holds degrees in Hawaiian Studies and Liberal Arts, along with a Certificate in Vocal Performance, and actively serves her community through cultural work, loko iʻa restoration, mālama ʻāina efforts, and music. Through both her professional and personal endeavors, Shaye remains committed to uplifting her community and ensuring that Hawaiian traditions and values continue to thrive.
Kylan-Jo Tanaka
Program Coordinator
Aloha! My name is Kylan-Jo Tanaka, also known as “KJ”. I was raised in Manaʻe, Molokaʻi and spent most of my early childhood in the beautiful valley of Honouliwai. In the valley I grew and witnessed my paternal grandparents be stewards to the ʻāina. Honouliwai shaped my profound love for ʻohana, mālama ʻāina and my community. As the Program Volunteer Coordinator, I am excited to make new connections, expand my cultural knowledge, and foster my love for people and community. As a mother of 3 from Molokai, my hope is to instill the same values in my children so that they always stay rooted.
Torae-Brooke Kawa'auhau-Pua'a
Office Intern
Aloha! I’m Torae-Brooke Kawaauhau-Puaa. As a dedicated volunteer at KHM since 2017, every moment I spend here deepens my connection to the culture, community, and Āina. Whether I’m listening to inspiring moʻolelos, rejuvenating the land from mountain to sea, or connecting with fellow peers who share my fervor for this work, I am in my element. With roots deeply intertwined with the rich soil of Hawaii, I bring a unique perspective to everything I do. My passion for preserving our culture and environment drives me to make a meaningful impact wherever I go. Through dedication and unwavering commitment, I strive to honor our past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Hoku Luʻuloa
ʻĀina Supervisor
Born and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Hoku Luʻuloa is a proud member of the Kamiloloa ahupuaʻa community. Hoku spends her days collaborating with her family on carpentry and construction projects. In 2023, Hoku’s passion for community service led her to an internship at Ka Honua Momona through the UH Workforce Development Program’s Overdose Data to Action initiative. During her time there, Hoku immersed herself in the organization’s important work, exploring the island and forming meaningful connections with fellow volunteers. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of the KHM ʻohana, Hoku is eager to continue learning and contributing to the betterment of her community.
Keoni Duffy
ʻĀina Maintenance
Born and raised in the East (Mana’e) of Molokai, I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and community from an early age. Under the guidance of my father, I honed my carpentry skills, learning the value of hard work and creativity that comes with shaping materials into functional art. This foundation not only shaped my abilities as a carpenter but also instilled a strong sense of pride in the art of building. As I grew, I deepened my connection to the ‘aina (land) and embraced the principles of sustainability and stewardship that are vital to our culture. Today, I am proud to be an active member of our hui (community), dedicated to building bridges through shared passion and purpose. Together, we work towards fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that our traditions and values continue to thrive for future generations.
Kandis Phillips
ʻĀina Maintenance
Meet Kandis Phillips, a proud Molokai native with a heart brimming with love for her island and its future generations. As a devoted mother of four, Kandis has made it her mission to instill the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship in her children, spending countless hours teaching them to cherish and care for the land and sea. Her passion extends beyond her family; she is a longtime volunteer at Ka Honua Momona, where she has had the honor of learning from the wise kupuna and working to preserve the rich cultural traditions of her beloved island. This year, Kandis is especially excited to focus on two core values at KHM: Mahuaola (Health & Wellbeing) and Ka ‘Imi ‘Ike (Lifelong Learning). She finds peace and purpose in nurturing the ‘āina, often seen rebuilding rock walls and engaging in other hands-on tasks that honor her commitment to malama ‘āina and Kai. Kandis embodies the spirit of community, resilience, and love for nature, and her journey is a testament to the power of caring for both people and place.
Maika Rawlins
ʻĀina Maintenance
Maika Rawlins was born on Molokaʻi and raised in the ranching community of Manaʻloa, where life revolved around cattle, fences, and the hard work that came with caring for the land. From a young age, he learned the value of perseverance, whether it was moving cattle, repairing fences, or later handling heavy machinery. In time, Maika made his way down to Kaunakakai, where he took on work as a tire technician, always ready to put his hands to work and keep things rolling. In 2019, his journey led him to Ka Honua Momona through a six-month program, where he discovered a deeper calling. After spending time working across different trades, Maika found himself drawn back to Ka Honua Momona, eager to reconnect with the ʻāina and immerse himself in Hawaiian culture, carrying with him both his ranching roots and the experiences he gathered along the way.
Tehani Kawa'auhau-Pua'a
Summer Intern
Hello, my name is Tehani Kawa’auhau-Pua’a. I was raised in Kaunakakai, Hawaii and currently reside in Flagstaff, Arizona, where I attend Northern Arizona University pursuing a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. I have been involved with the fishpond since early childhood and return each summer to mālama both Aliʻi and Kalokoʻeli Fishponds. Through this work, I have developed a deeper appreciation for our people’s history and the importance of sustainable stewardship to ensure these resources thrive for future generations.
Ethan Workman
Summer Intern
Aloha, my name is Ethan. I am currently studying mechanical engineering while pursuing opportunities to serve and learn within my community. Growing up in Arizona with a love for the outdoors, I have always enjoyed spending time in nature and gaining hands on experience through service and stewardship. My time with Ka Honua Momona has strengthened my appreciation for the connection between people, culture, and ʻāina. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from those around me and contribute to efforts that help preserve Molokai’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Board of Directors
Brandon Choy
Acting President
Brandon Choy grew up in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He is the director of program management for Tyco Integrated Security. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri. He is the Advancement Committee chair of the University of North Florida Foundation, a member of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Artistic Affairs Committee, a member of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Steering Committee. He’s also a past member of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and Art in Public Places Committee.
Mahealani Richardson
Board Secretary
Mahealani Richardson serves as the director of communications and marketing for Shriners Hospitals for Children — Honolulu. Giving keiki opportunities to appear in the hospital’s award-winning local TV ads; seeing physicians honored in the community; and landing patients’ appearances on Hawaii Five-0 were just some of the highlights. While working at Shriners Hospitals, she did some moonlighting by hosting Insights on PBS Hawaii where she moderated forums for the Governor’s and Congressional races. A Kamehameha Schools alum and 2016 cohort of Pacific Century Fellows, Mahealani currently serves on the boards of Friends of Shriners and Ka Honua Momona on Molokai. She has been honored with Pacific Business News 2017 Women Who Mean Business Women to Watch.
Manuel "Manny" Mejia
Board Treasurer
Born in the Philippines and raised in Maryland, Manuel now calls Hawaiʻi his family’s home. As an island boy, he was taught to respect the ocean and care for it since it takes care of us all. Through the Worldwide Voyage, Manuel would like to see communities around the world share their inspiring stories of how to care for our places and be inspired by the mālama honua message. Back in Hawaiʻi, he would love to see the fulfillment of the promises and pledges to mālama honua by the communities that he works with as a the Hawai‘i Community-Based Marine Program Manager with The Nature Conservancy.
Shaun Te Marino Lenihan
Director (Indigenous Epistemology)
Te Marino is currently the Kaiārahi (Director of Māori Achievement and Strategic Relationships) at the Ara Institute of Canterbury. He has been working for over 20 years as an advocate for iwi and hapū values and aspirations in both the natural and built environment realms within rural and urban landscape contexts. From 2006-2016, Te Marino worked closely with developers, local government, NGOs, schools, universities and businesses on behalf of his iwi and hapū to explore how cultural and natural heritage values can be recognised and provided for within the developing landscape and its waterways. From 2013-2016, Te Marino helped spearhead and embed local Ngāi Tahu representation in the redesign and rebuild of greater Christchurch following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. At the end of 2016, Te Marino changed fields from town planning and environmental management to education. He . One of his key areas of focus is the integration of mātauranga Māori (Māori pedagogy and knowledge) as a valued and valuable aspect of mainstream education.
Uncle Kelson "Mac" Poepoe
Board Member
Uncle Mac Poepoe, a Native Hawaiian fisherman and a community leader on Molokai who has dedicated his life to ensuring that the ocean will be well-stocked for generations to come. Uncle Mac Poepoe has spent a lifetime putting traditional fishing practices and resources management into action on Molokaiʻs northern coast. And for that, he was honored with the 2013 Umu Kai Award. Established in 2008 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)ʻs Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region, the award recognizes Native Hawaiian practitionersʻ contribution to modern fisheries conservation.
Nicole "Nikki" Cummings
Board Member
Kupuna Council &
Honored Kupuna
Uncle Bobby Alcain
Uncle Mervin Dudoit
Aunty Vani Ainoa
Aunty Pinky Gaspar
Uncle Saunoa Liva
Want to join our extended 'ohana?
Get involved by volunteering at the Ali’i Fishpond and filling out our waiver below!