Maui Huliau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2010 to provide unique environmental education programs to Maui’s youth. Read more below about our staff and board.
Our Staff
Malia Cahill, Executive Director & Founder
Photos by Sue Hudelson for Maui Nō Ka ʻOi Magazine article
Malia grew up in “upcountry” Maui where she developed a deep appreciation and love of her island home. After working as an environmental educator and reflecting on her own experience growing up on Maui, Malia became convinced that more needed to be done to educate and involve Maui’s youth in the crucial issues that face our island. She was also convinced that the best way to do this was to create fun, hands-on programs that increase young peoples’ understanding of their environment, while demonstrating the power of team work and creative problem-solving. Through these programs, Malia hopes to share her optimism and enthusiasm, and empower a new generation to mālama this island we all love!
Ina May Hasegawa, Program Assistant
Ina May was born and raised in Kula, and after living on the mainland for several years she has returned to Maui to deepen her roots. After working in early childhood education, she began serving as Program Assistant for our filmmaking program in Fall 2011. Ina May enjoys being a part of Maui Huilau because she loves to see the unique learning process the students go through while making films and learning about Maui’s environment.
Kaipo Kīʻaha, Program Assistant
Kaipo Kī’aha is a native Hawaiian from the area poetically known as Nā Wai ‘Ehā on Maui. He recently graduated in May 2012 with a Film Production degree from Chapman University in Orange, California. After 4 years in mainland America, Kaipo was ready to return to his home and pursue a career in film. His passion for film is only equaled by his love for his Hawaiian culture and the land. He is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences with the keiki of Maui.
Our Board
Alan Hodara, President
Alan is a high school teacher who has lived in the state of Hawaii since 1977. In addition to teaching English, Mr. Hodara has taught classes in sustainability and has been part of community groups involved in promoting sustainable agriculture, protection of native species, and environmental education
Eleanor Dudley, Secretary
Eleanor has been a teacher on Maui for nearly 30 years. She has taught at Hui Malama Learning Center and Haleakala Waldorf School. Eleanor strongly believes that educating Maui’s youth is a crucial part of protecting our fragile environment. Eleanor also loves traveling. Here she is in the Galapagos!
Lehua Simon, Treasurer
Lehua was homegrown in Pukalani, Maui. After returning home from college in 2008, she has served her community as a performing artist and social advocate. She holds a BA in Theatre Directing from Chapman University and a certificate for Not-for-profit Management from Maui College. She loves that MHF engages Maui’s youth in creative and self-empowering programs that will lead to a better Maui for all of us!
Alana Kaʻōpūiki-Pellegrino, Vice President
Alana is a Maui girl, raised in Kihei. Her passion for film began at Maui High, where she took three years of video production. She originally attended Chapman University to pursue film, but instead graduated with an Education Major. Currently, Alana teaches 2nd grade at Kihei Elementary and is actively involved in their school garden. Alana was inspired to join the Maui Huliau Foundation team after attending the first Huliau Youth Environmental Film Festival. She believes Maui Huliau Foundation helps produce future leaders who educate and impact the community with their films.
