Rooted in Community, Led with Aloha
Our team brings together decades of experience in agriculture, education, conservation, and community development—all united by a vision of food sovereignty and cultural connection for Hawaiʻi.
Leadership Team
The people behind Living Pono Project's mission to grow futures for all
Chana Makale'a Dudoit Ane
Executive Director
Makale'a has worked with indigenous communities and government agencies on ocean and coastal conservation issues across Hawai'i for more than two decades. Her work focuses on incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge to facilitate cooperation between government agencies and native people, uplifting indigenous solutions to climate change and mitigation. She leads Living Pono Project's Maui wildfire relief, recovery, climate innovation, and community resilience work.
Neal Hoapili Ane
Founder & Past Executive Director (In Memoriam)
Hoapili had extensive knowledge in kalo cultivation, ranching, and farming, and inspired everyone around him to be better and leave their mark in this world. Born and raised on O'ahu and Maui, he worked at Haleakala Dairy as a youth and on a family ranch in Oregon during college. He brought his deep agricultural expertise back to Maui to help Living Pono Project become a bridge for others to become farmers and ranchers through sustainable practices and a circular economy mindset rooted in Hawaiian culture and community. His vision and leadership continue to guide our work.
Board of Directors
The people behind Living Pono Project's mission to grow futures for all
Anella Saito-Takabayashi, BOD Vice President. is an active member of the community to prevent child abuse and neglect participating in the Ho’oikaika partnership, has a background with work in the substance abuse field, and at-risk youth through Maui Youth and Family Services. Her degree in social services has enabled her to provide services to a multitude of at-risk youth and special needs individuals across the state. Employed at Catholic Charities Hawaii and working closely with the state of Hawaii Child Welfare Services, Anella provides Resource Caregivers with training and support while working with and caring for the foster children in their home.
Kaʻi Herrick, BOD Treasurer/Secretary, Lahaina grown mother of 4, small business owner and lomi practitioner/student with a passion to kokua and uplift our keiki through environmental preservation and stewardship. She has been an annual volunteer at Sacred Hearts School and past Board Member of the Wailuku Hongwanji to help further children’s educational outreach through cultural activities and community events. Since joining LPP the keiki and 'āina are still her main focus helping with after school programs that involve gathering, harvesting and reforestation.
Stand With Our Team
Behind every program is a team member dedicated to creating opportunity through agriculture and cultural education. Your support helps us expand our reach, serve more families, and grow futures rooted in ʻāina.