About Us
At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to replant and rebuild Lahaina. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN #99-4608757), Kaiāulu Initiatives is dedicated to fostering sustainable regeneration—enriching both the environment and the community that calls this land home. We invite you to join us in this meaningful pursuit as we unite under a shared vision of revitalization and nurturance that will echo through generations. Together, we are not just planting seeds in the soil, but sowing the seeds of hope, growth, and long-term sustainability for the entire Lahaina community.
Meet Jeremy, aka “Romes”
BOD President
Jeremy is a steadfast leader committed to rebuilding and restoring his community. After losing his home to the devastating Lahaina fire, he worked tirelessly to help residents rebuild their homes and prepare for future challenges, transforming tragedy into action.
With 22 years of experience as a high school carpentry and construction teacher, Jeremy has been a driving force for educational opportunity and community advocacy in Lahaina. His dedication to empowering youth and preserving Hawaii's natural resources and traditional practices reflects his unwavering commitment to a stronger, self-sustaining future for his community.
Beyond the classroom, Jeremy has taken on multiple leadership roles. From coaching youth and high school soccer teams to serving as president and head coach of a local canoe club, he has inspired countless individuals. His passion for woodworking evolved into a construction career, and today, he is focused on helping homeowners rebuild affordably after the Lahaina fire.
Moved by the environmental transformation of West Maui’s landscapes after the sugar industry shutdown, Jeremy founded Kaiāulu Initiatives. This organization addresses community resource management by revitalizing natural landscapes and working to restore the depleted aquifer. Jeremy’s hands-on leadership and determination keep this vision alive; his efforts include collaborating with government officials, organizational leaders, and community members to ensure the initiative’s success.
Jeremy is a resourceful leader and unwavering advocate for community resilience. His ability to mobilize action, foster unity, and resourcefully manage critical needs makes him an invaluable figure in rebuilding Lahaina and inspiring change for future generations.
Meet Shannon
BOD Vice President
O au o Shannon Kalepa Kaleipoaimokuho'ohenoikapolilaua'eomakana I'i. No Haleakala ku'u mauna, no Kahoma ku'u kumuwai, no Pa'upili ku'u ua, no Ma'a'a ku'u makani, no Pu'unoa ku'u kai, noho au ma Lahaina.
Shannon is deeply rooted in her heritage and committed to the stewardship of 'āina. She carries a deep connection to the land, sea, and elements that define her home. Her passion lies in preserving and nurturing her one hanau through Hawaiian practices, ensuring that the 'ike passed down from her kupuna and kumu continues to thrive.
Through Kaiaulu Initiatives, she helps to lead efforts to reforest and regreen Lahaina, emphasizing sustainability, fire mitigation, mauli ola, and cultural education. By fostering a community that treats 'āina as 'ohana, Shannon hopes to heal and revitalize the land, creating a space for future generations to grow and flourish.
Meet Katie
BOD Secretary
Meet Katie Austin — a long-time paddler, community advocate, and environmental leader with a deep love for the ʻāina. As a dedicated member and board leader of Kahana Canoe Club, Katie brings the same discipline and teamwork she’s learned on the water into her work on land. She’s passionate about native plants—their survival, their stories, and the systems that help them thrive.
Katie has a sharp eye for detail and a genuine love for studying and tracking data, using it to guide restoration work and strengthen long-term sustainability efforts. Her approach blends science, organization, and aloha, always centering the well-being of both people and place.
When she’s not paddling or out in the field, Katie expresses her creativity through painting, capturing the colors, textures, and spirit of Lahaina. Her work reflects a deep commitment to community, culture, and the living landscape that connects them.
Meet Gracie
BOD Treasurer, Director of Operations
Gracie is passionate about bringing people together and turning ideas into action. A graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies, she’s blended her academic foundation with years of experience in hospitality and business to create meaningful, community-driven impact.
She’s known for her ability to organize teams, build strong partnerships, and design systems that help others thrive. Whether managing day-to-day operations, coordinating projects, or securing grant funding, Gracie leads with empathy, clarity, and accountability.
Rooted in community and culture, her work reflects a deep commitment to mālama ʻāina and to uplifting the people around her. Above all, she believes that progress starts with connection—and she’s dedicated to helping both people and places flourish.
Meet Kainoa
Plant Guru, BOD Member
Kainoa Marchello, born & raised in West Maui, has dedicated his career to enriching natural resource management in Mauna Kahalawai. As a father and husband with a passion for community empowerment and sustainable development, he is committed to making a meaningful difference in Lahaina through his leadership in Kaiāulu initiatives. Kainoa's work not only promotes environmental stewardship but also strives to foster strong community partnerships that drive positive change.
Meet Kalena
Kaiaulu Team
Kalena Shim is an 8th-generation caretaker of Punalau Farm in North Lahaina, where she and her ʻohana have worked to breathe new life into their ancestral lands. She raises pigs, goats, and free-range game birds with a hands-on approach that blends traditional Hawaiian values with modern, sustainable farming practices.
Over the past four years, Kalena has transformed the farm into a thriving source of local food and community connection. Her commitment goes beyond raising animals—it’s about nurturing the land, feeding her community, and carrying forward the practices that have sustained her family for generations.
Kaiāulu Initiatives is proud to carry her experience and manaʻo forward, knowing that her work represents the heart of what it means to mālama ʻāina and build community resilience.
Meet Riley
Kaiaulu Team
Aloha, I’m Riley Bond, a mom of two from Lahaina and a proud Lahainaluna graduate. With a background in early childhood education and social work, I’ve seen how many of the social issues we face are tied to our disconnection from the land and prioritizing profit over people.
In my free time, I love making lei, camping, and taking care of my family. I currently work helping Lahaina homeowners navigate the rebuild, so getting away and connecting with my community up Mauka is essential for my well-being in this post-fire climate. Being part of Kaiāulu Initiatives lets me give back to the land and community that mean so much to me. It’s all about reciprocity—taking care of the ‘āina and each other.
Meet Steph
Kaiaulu Team
Meet Kristen
Aloha, my name is Kristen. I am a teacher at King Kamehameha III Elementary School, in Lahaina. Surrounding myself with the community and those who are also passionate about rebuilding Lahaina’s landscape to what it once was has strengthened my connection in countless ways. I am truly honored to be a part of such an amazing organization; and, I look forward to seeing the growth that future generations will benefit from.
Meet Mitch
Kaiaulu Team
Meet Charlie
Kaiaulu Team
Meet Poppy
Kaiaulu Team
Poppy is one of those volunteers who truly embodies the spirit of Kaiāulu. Always showing up with a smile and a willingness to help, she supports our work in every way she can. On top of her dedication in the field, Poppy is an incredible cook—known for bringing healthy, yet downright delicious treats to share after a long day of hard work. Her presence nourishes both the body and the spirit, reminding us that community is built not just through labor, but through care and aloha.
