Ka Pewa by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

Ka Pewa Episode 9: Rethinking Maui’s Healthcare System

In this episode of Ka Pewa Podcast, host Kanoa Leahey sits down with Wes Lo, President & CEO of Ohana Pacific Health, to discuss the topic of rethinking our healthcare delivery system — exploring how housing access improvements and job training can reshape the way care is provided, especially here on Maui.  Together, they explore how investing in people and place can help create a healthier, more connected Maui — one built on care, opportunity, and resilience. Guest: Wes Lo, President & CEO of Hale Makua Rehab & Nursing, Ohana Pacific Health Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit & Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Ka Pewa Episode 8: U.S. Senator Brian Schatz

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, host Kanoa Leahey sits down with U.S. Senator Brian Schatz for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping Hawai‘i’s future. Senator Schatz shares candid reflections on the evolution of political leadership in Washington, the growing polarization fueled by social media, and the urgent need to rethink how we approach housing, sustainability, and progress in the islands. This is more than politics—it’s about values, resilience, and ensuring that Hawai‘i remains home for generations to come. Guests: U.S. Senator Brian Schatz  Follow us on Social Media: Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Yasu Yokoyama Audio & Mix Producer: Yasu Yokoyama  Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Ka Pewa Episode 7: Stefan Pellegrini: A New Vision for Housing Affordability on Maui

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, Stefan Pellegrini, Principal and VP at Opticos Design, shares insights from the Missing Middle Housing Scan Analysis and Definition of Barriers completed for Maui in September 2024. As a leader in the Missing Middle Housing movement, Pellegrini explains why this approach is key to addressing Maui’s housing challenges, how regulatory barriers stand in the way of progress, and where this strategy could have the greatest impact. He also explores how design, zoning, and transportation realities intersect with housing access and affordability, offering a clear vision for creating more livable communities on Maui. Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Ka Pewa Episode 6: Sterling Higa: A Better Way Forward for Housing in Hawai‘i

In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, we sit down with Sterling Higa, Executive Director and co-founder of Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future, a nonprofit movement dedicated to ending the workforce housing shortage for Hawai‘i’s next generation. Sterling brings a deep background in policy, education, and community leadership. Prior to co-founding Housing Hawai‘i’s Future, he was a lecturer at Hawai‘i Pacific University and a writer for Honolulu Civil Beat and Hawaii Business Magazine. He currently serves as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and sits on advisory councils for House Maui and EAH Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. We explore the key challenges and opportunities around housing in Hawaiʻi, how communities can respond to the affordability crisis, and what it will take to ensure a future where local families can thrive. Whether you're a policymaker, community advocate, or simply care about keeping Hawai‘i livable for all, this episode is for you. Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

Ka Pewa Episode 5: Roots Reborn: Uplifting Maui’s Immigrant Community Through Resilience and Partnership

Roots Reborn is a community-led nonprofit born from shared immigrant experiences and a deep commitment to serving Maui’s migrant and immigrant families impacted by the fires. With support from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, Roots Reborn has expanded its services, launched vital recovery programs, and empowered those often overlooked. In this video, the team shares their journey, the real-life impact of this partnership, and how they’re building long-term resilience for generations to come.