Jeremie Makepa

Name JeremieMakepa

Social Media @bornhawaii808, @kauaifiredepartment, @anahola.hope, @aina_alliance, @jeremie_makepa

Age 42

Town/Moku Anahola

Island Kauaʻi

Leadership Category Mālama ʻĀina - Environmental Sustainability

Nominated by Rachelle Nam

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

Primarily I am the Fire Captain for the Prevention Bureau of the Kauai Fire Department in charge of Community Fire and Life Safety programs for the island of Kauai. I am the owner and graphic designer of the clothing brand BORN HAWAI’I. I am the President of the newly formed nonprofit Aina Alliance, who’s mission is to convert land liabilities into community assets. I am also a Coach for the Kapaa High School Warriors football team. None of these would be possible without the unwavering support of my wife, Kahelelani and my three children Wailana, Waika, and Wahianu.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

My work involves protecting and preserving our Community. This work is important so that my children and all future generations can continue to enjoy this island lifestyle. Community partnerships enhance the impact we can have to rehabilitate areas that have been abused and neglected. Together we can restore lost areas and convert them into community assets.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

Great leaders inspire hope, provide vision, develop future leaders, all with a positive attitude. I strive to involve the youth in my activities so that seeds of hope are planted for the future. I express these qualities as a role model for my children, as Fire Captain for my fellow firefighters, as a Coach for my players, and as a Motivator for those who help my nonprofit.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

I was a naughty kid growing up. My sports coaches gave me the structure and guidance I needed to work in a team. Now that I am in multiple leadership roles, I am compelled to pass those gifts on to others.

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Alliance. We are finding commonality instead of difference and working together better.

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Sustainability. We must reduce our dependence on outside resources.