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ABOUT

Now is the time for Hawaiʻi to build a more sustainable & resilient food system

As the islands face food system-related challenges, such as the threat of climate change, food insecurity, & diet-related illness, policy change from our lawmakers is necessary. In turn, community support is needed to urge lawmakers to make these changes.

Established in December 2020, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy is a group of students & recent graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu's Sustainable Community Food Systems program who are striving to keep the community updated on food & agriculture policy in Hawaiʻi.  Under the direction of Purple Maiʻa & independent from the University of Hawaiʻi, we specifically endorse & advocate for legislative measures that support the development of a more sustainable & resilient food system. Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy aims to serve as an up-to-date hub for food & agriculture-related bills during the state legislative session, with the hope that the community will actively support these measures too.

Meet the 2024 Team

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Dr. Kelsey Amos
Program Director
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J. Kawika Kahiapo
Lead Advocate
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Janine Mariano
Lead Advocate
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Joseph Ramos
Lead Advocate
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Kaitlyn Shimizu
Lead Advocate
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Timothy Wiley
Intern
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Wailana Purdy-Avelino
Intern
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Elizabeth “Lono” Lynch
Intern
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Zhi Qing "Jessie" Chong
Intern
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Clyds Bautista Manzano
Intern
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Trinity Prudencio
Intern
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Anna Ezzy
Intern
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Hema Kealohanuikaiama Watson
Intern
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Julian Kiyabu
Intern
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Jeanette Burdick 
Intern