Laʻa Poepoe

NAME Laʻa Poepoe

AGE 36

TOWN/MOKU Koʻolau, Manaʻe, and Palaʻau

ISLAND Molokaʻi

NOMINATED BY Kevin Chang

Leadership Category Mālama ʻĀina - ENvironmental Sustainability

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

Iʻm a Molokai descendant, created & raised here. I do a little bit of everything: kiaʻi loko, kalo planter, native plant grower, conservationist, ahupuaʻa manager, homesteader, gatherer, gardener, executive director, commissioner, council member, board member, first responder, community advocate, volunteer of what have you. I love molokai, and want to preserve our lifestyle forever.

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

The work that I am doing now is for the benefit of several generations into the future. We fulfill that responsibility by drawing from wisdom provided by the generations before us, applied in the present day. I believe this to be the same formula used by many other groups and individuals across our islandʻs communities.

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

Iʻm inclined to follow the pointed finger that has the most dirt under the fingernail.

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

My surroundings have provided a constant source of inspiration for me to continue on with what I find myself doing throughout my life. Iʻm not sure if the sensation can be thoroughly explained in words. The kuaʻaina folks know what I mean. I look forward to being replaced by an even greater person that is inspired by the same surroundings.

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

Presence. Occupying positions of leadership, both in the field and in office.

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

Identity. Now that weʻve made our presence known, do we remember who we still are?