In this episode, we sit down with David Fuertes, a farmer, educator and advocate for food sustainability, to explore his path of bringing aloha to agriculture. As a community leader and Executive Director of Kahua Paa Mua in North Kohala on Hawaii Island, David has spent the past 15 years cultivating a “backyard revolution” through aina-based education that blends traditional practices with Korean Natural Farming. He shares how the organization supports youth and families in learning to grow their own food, raise animals, and build agricultural businesses. David reflects on rebuilding Hawaii’s Future Farmers of America chapters, his roots in Kaumakani, Kauai, and the importance of pilina (relationships), a value deepened through his friendship with Pono Shim. Through stories of teaching, military service, and reflecting on E Ohana Hou (the eternal unleashing of grace), David reminds us that food and love can be the foundation of a thriving lahui (people).

Episode Highlights

0:24 Introduction to David Fuertes

1:02 Kahua Paa Mua and the "backyard revolution" of learning to grow food

3:15 Rebuilding Future Farmers of America (FFA) Hawaii chapters

5:25 Pandemic pivots on the farm and Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI)

9:32 Roots in Kaumakani, Kauai, a sugar plantation town; learning about hard work

12:41 College, getting drafted into Vietnam War, giving back and lifelong friendships

15:51 Becoming an agriculture teacher

18:21 The best Filipino ringtone ever

20:18 Former students, then and now

22:44 Dream food sustainability scenario - ahupuaa model

26:05 How to make agriculture thrive in Hawaii: a farmer's perspective

27:28 Reading plants and organisms to help them grow and thrive

30:18 Taro: teaching young ones about life

32:15 E OHANA HOU

35:28 Pilina: Friendship with Pono Shim

39:47 Aloha and the lahui

43:05 The universal language of love: food

44:33 The 3 QP (Quality, People, Partnership)

47:21 Aloha + the concentric circle of influence and control

48:33 JFK Hawaii visit

49:23 Driving with aloha

Learn more about Kahua Paa Mua at: https://www.kahuapaamua.org/about

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In this reflective episode, Hye Jung Kim Tano and Miki Tomita Okamoto of Education Incubator come together to share the story of their interwoven careers and their commitment to carrying forward Uncle Pono Shim’s aloha teachings. Hye Jung reflects on finding a sense of "home" in Hawaii and her journey to meeting Miki at the University of Hawaii Lab School - where their shared vision, dedication to students, and sense of humor sparked the beginning of their work together at Education Incubator (EI). EI is a Hawaii-based nonprofit that focuses on innovation, curriculum development, and professional development, encouraging youth and educators to become agents of change. Hye Jung and Miki look back on Hokulea’s Worldwide Voyage with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, sharing about the early days of Google Hangouts streaming video from the canoe's crew to classrooms around the planet.

They also reminisce about Uncle Pono’s surprise visits to their office, caring for him during his cancer journey through healing foods, and the solace that Hye Jung still finds at Ala Moana Beach after his passing. This episode is an invitation into laughter, tears, and an exploration of aloha through the full acceptance of one another (and ourselves) as caring, conflicted humans.

Episode Highlights

1:18 The gifted story from Uncle Pono to Hye Jung

2:52 Hye Jung's origin story - South Korea to Hawaii

4:00 Hawaii is home

5:50 Becoming an educator

6:59 Meeting Miki Tomita Okamoto at UH Lab School

11:50 Project Pono, Polynesian Voyaging Society, interwoven career value and interests

14:57 Trust and shared vision

16:46 Memories with students

19:45 Adventures on Hokulea's Worldwide Voyage

24:30 Launching Education Incubator and running Google trainings across the state

29:40 Navigating Foundation of Aloha Navigators - pandemic pivots

37:23 Hye Jung meeting Uncle Pono at DoFest in California

41:34 Being present together and the Uncle Pono's jam

44:16 Swimming at Ala Moana Beach, gaining trust

49:32 A special bond

50:37 Comfort foods during Uncle Ponoʻs cancer treatment (toast!)

53:40 Acceptance of the full range of emotions

55:27 Practicing aloha as caring, conflicted humans

58:26 Openness to the unexpected lessons

1:00:49 The last weekend at Kuliouou Beach Park with Uncle Nainoa Thompson, Uncle Pono and Miki 

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In this special episode to celebrate the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival, we sit down with Kumu Hula, Karl Veto Baker, of Halau I Ka Wekiu for a heartfelt conversation that weaves together the art of hula and the spirit of aloha. Kumu Veto shares how his haumana prepare for Merrie Monarch and what it means to watch his dancers rise to the moment. He describes the 50th teaching anniversary of his mentor, Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero, and reflects upon the Hawaiian Renaissance that shaped a generation of cultural practitioners. In the spirit of aloha, Kumu Veto also describes his friendship with Pono Shim and how Pono became the Kahu of Halau I Ka Wekiu. As a businessman himself, we also dive into the intersection of culture and business as well as his hopes for a thriving Hawaii in which kamaaina have the opportunity to come home and give back to their communities. And of course, this episode would be remiss if we didnʻt get an exciting glimpse into the Halau's 2025 Merrie Monarch performances. Join us for a celebration of hula as a way of life. Mahalo for tuning in!

Episode Highlights

0:22 Introduction to Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker

1:08 Preparing for Merrie Monarch 2025

2:15 Seeing students rise to the occasion

3:47 "Hula is life"

5:11 Celebrating Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero's 50th year of teaching

6:55 Holding on to our culture, the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 1970s

10:19 Moderation leads to abundance

11:09 Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai

14:12 Uplifting hula, sharing love with audiences

17:02 Drawing an audience in, transferable skills from hula to life

19:43 Bringing kamaaina back home to Hawaii

26:59 Friendship with Pono Shim

29:04 Pono becoming the Kahu for Halau I Ka Wekiu (2013)

32:36 Connections to students

36:45 Envisioning a thriving Hawaii

38:47 Navigating the translation space - speaking the language of the heart

39:19 Establishing a mortgage business

42:25 Bridging the gap between the corporate world and hula

43:39 The feeling of performing - bringing newness to the art

46:30 2025 performances: Reviving the saga of Halemano and Kamalalawalu

51:17 Peahi o Makana (written by Kumu Hula Devin Kamealoha Forrest)

52:50 From vision to final dance

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In celebration of our 4th anniversary of "Above the Sides," we eagerly welcome Oahu Economic Development Board member, Robin Campaniano to this episode. In this conversation, we discuss his people-first approach to business and envisioning a prosperous Hawaii economy. Robin reflects on his long-standing friendship with Pono Shim, exploring how their intertwined careers have shaped his philosophy of aloha. Robin’s influence in Hawaii’s business community is extensive; he previously served as President and CEO of AIG Hawaii Insurance Company,   Insurance Commissioner for the State of Hawaii, and District Director and Counsel for the Small Business Administration’s Honolulu Office. Most recently, he was selected as a member of the Governor's Climate Advisory Team. To give a glimpse into his world, Robin ideates about the power of observation in business, the significance of sharing meals together, the impact of Hawaii's small community culture on economic decisions (from tourism to military), and the integration of aloha into both relationships and written contracts. Robin opens up about his lifelong commitment to living up to the Hawaiian name that Pono gifted to him from the elders -  and his hopefulness in Hawaii's future as we strive to "remember who we are." Mahalo for joining us these last four years as we uncover what it means to think, act and live aloha.

Episode Highlights

0:24 Introduction to Robin Campaniano

1:41 Friendship and intertwining careers with Pono Shim

3:35 Pono's approach and sensitivity

4:55 "We Go Eat" - the power of communal meals

6:16 How to do business in Hawaii: welcoming visitors, new residents and colleagues to the islands

8:00 Touching the essence of a person's character to motivate them

8:49 Influences arise years later

10:15 Joining the OEDB board of directors, exploring economic diversity

12:00 Kicking off the New Markets Tax Credits venture

12:44 Observation first

14:30 Career and leadership reflections

16:36 Hawaii is a small community/ island society

17:10 "Pay it forward" - community involvement and service on nonprofit boards

18:20 Hawaii's Climate Advisory Team

20:15: Childhood on Air Force Bases (Japan to New York), graduated from Roosevelt High School

21:58 Bringing the spirit of aloha to the global insurance industry

23:41 Aloha in Action - writing the aloha spirit law into partnership agreements

26:55 Native Hawaiians were intrepid in aquaculture, agriculture and wayfinding

28:57 How do you include the aloha spirit into your written contracts? Establishing the connection

31:21 Balancing tourism and military economic impacts

34:03 Friendship with Pono Shim and being given a Hawaiian name

38:34 Living up to the name

39:16 What is on the horizon?

40:16 Favorite meals with Pono

41:45 A series of memories -

42:55 The influence of Alvin Shim

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In this episode, we sit down with Jay King, an action-oriented advocate who has dedicated his life to supporting veterans and other vulnerable communities in need. With his extensive experience in social services, Jay works with a spirit of "yes," helping individuals find housing, employment, and critical resources to rebuild their lives. His deep empathy and commitment shine through as he connects with those he serves, offering not just help, but heart and humanity in every interaction. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jay’s work has a profound impact on both the local community and the lives of those he touches. Tune in to hear how he leads with care, gusto, and unwavering dedication to making a difference for each person he supports.

Episode Highlights

0:24 Introduction to Jay

1:27 Inspiration from the Peaceful Warrior book

3:15 Family foundations in Hawaii

4:29 Moved to Hawaii in the early 2000s

5:23 "Give what you want to receive"

7:06 Working with everyday heroes

9:44 Veterans' services

10:42 The paradigm shift that encouraged him to enter the Marines

13:45 There are immense humanitarian needs here at home and social workers are real heroes

15:48 Aloha (and research) in action: Getting Michael a motorized wheelchair

20:13 Case workers need the autonomy to be impactful

20:58 Benefits of working for a congressional office - the power of YES

25:00 The value of individuals is not always quantified in systems

25:36 Choice

26:15 Civic entitlement vs. authentic need

27:18 Homeless services - the greatest work is what we don't see

27:55 What does a thriving Hawaii look like? Ending choicelessness, strong leadership, livable wages and affordable housing, allocates appropriate resources

34:17 Workforce development and addressing employment and housing barriers

36:18 Sustainable housing initiative for rapid rehousing

38:08 The rising tide doesn't life all boats

39:35 Miracle workers

42:21 Finding equilibrium between compassion, firmness and service

44:26 Workforce development: We need aloha to go from internet to interview 

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

Mahalo for tuning in to our first episode of 2025! We are changing up the format of this "Above the Sides" episode to bring you a story that was gifted from Uncle Pono Shim to our dear friend Hye Jung Kim Tano from Education Incubator and Foundations of Aloha. This story is about his experience being part of the groundbreaking ceremony and blessing of the Prince Kuhio Federal Building in 2010 after a major renovation. Hye Jung had the foresight to record her conversation with him in 2020 when he recounted this story to her and that recording is included in this episode. She also gives her backstory about receiving this story from him in the introduction. Mahalo for listening.

Episode Highlights

0:23 Introducing Hye Jung Kim Tano and this special episode

2:15 Hye Jung's backstory of being gifted a story from Uncle Pono Shim in 2020

6:15 Uncle Pono Shim's recording on the blessing of the Kalanianaole Federal Building in 2010

6:39 Being asked to bless the federal building

8:24 History of the federal building and the surrounding land 

10:17 Planning the blessing ceremony

12:02 Receiving a map of Honolulu Harbor in 1810

14:28 Hewahewa Nui and his Kahuna Hale

16:14 Kaaawa and Waialua

18:23 Look deeper

20:49 Meeting John De Fries 

22:28 Strange occurrences at the building during construction and 

23:38 Maile lei 

25:40 Being present and in harmony

26:17 The story underneath

27:56 Finding how and when to share stories

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In this last episode of 2024, we are grateful to share the insights of Herb Lee, Jr., the President and CEO of the Pacific American Foundation (PAF). For over thirty years, the PAF Ohana has served community and youth with comprehensive programs and projects including leadership development, career planning and placement, cultural and environmental stewardship, youth mentorship, and project-based learning. As he reflects on the last 31 years serving Kaneohe (and beyond), Herb shares about how restoration of aina (land; that which feeds) can also heal our connections to community, self and spirit. The foundation for him has, and always will be, aloha. Herb credits his friendship with Pono Shim as a valuable touchpoint throughout his life and career and reflects on their many conversations about Hawaii's future.  We discuss the importance of reclaiming a producer mindset as a foundational element for healthy economic development grounded in Hawaiian values. Our OEDB team extends our gratitude to Herb for his manao in helping guide the Oahu Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy with intention and aloha. 

Uncle Herb, we wish you a prosperous retirement!

Episode Highlights

0:23 Introduction

0:51 Waikalua Loko Ia and the Pacific American Foundation

2:02 Friendship with Pono Shim

4:25 The beginnings of a community-focused career 

6:28 Education as critical component in the restoration of Waikalua fishpond; students learning the relevance of their learnings within the context of place

9:36 Pacific American Foundation reflections on the last 30 years: adopting a generational mindset

13:39 Our ancestors are always present

17:24 Optimistic about the future - E Ohana Hou

20:00 Aloha and indigenous wisdom around the world

23:39 What does surrendering during uncertainty look like for you?

26:31 Understanding aloha aina

28:58  Crossroads and finding the way forward

33:15 Education coming full circle: students growing up and contributing to the community

36:12 The producer mindset and culturally-informed economic development

43:35 Envisioning prosperity 

46:27 I ka wa ma mua, i ka wa ma hope: Indigenous knowledge as a balance to technology 

48:07 Retirement - Imua Hou, E Ohana Hou!

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

In this episode of "Above the Sides," we welcome Camille Rockett who serves as the Director of Community Health and Equity at Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). As a student of the Aloha Response, Camille shares about her growth in bringing aloha and trust to the forefront of decision-making when it comes to providing health resources to Hawaii residents. Working towards a prosperous Hawaii through the concept of "healthy people, healthy economy"  is clearly reflected in her pursuit of restoring abundance, in all forms, to our communities. Camille shares about her "aha!" moments of learning with her teacher, Pono Shim, as well as her realizations about the ahupuaa model and how applying that framework assists her team in its efforts to connect residents to  resources which can boost their overall well-being through improved social determinants of health. We hope you enjoy this dive into health equity and exploring how practicing aloha uplifts not only ourselves, but those around us. Mahalo for listening in!

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro

1:10 Bridge-building as the Director of Community Health and Equity Healthcare at HMSA

4:20 How have you developed the skills to navigate difficult conversations?

7:11 How did you end up in your current role at HMSA?

11:35 Blue Zones Project and growing healthy communities

14:06 Health outcomes are related to our surroundings

14:43 Meeting Uncle Pono and exploring Relevance vs. Reverence

18:13 How did your relationship with Uncle Pono grow after you met?

21:15 Have you had any "aha!" moments in your work and with HMSA?

21:49 Leave the bad, keep the good

23:04 The Old Ahupuaa

24:28 Exploring health inequities and increasing access to resources

33:40 Haahaa - building community relationships grounded in trust and care

39:28 How do your "aha!" moments apply to your work within HMSA?

43:29 How do we care for our caregivers?

48:13 What does thriving look like?

49:42 Aloha is self care

55:52 Growing up on Maui, family values

1:01:35 Moving to Oahu to study Social Work

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

Tyrone Montayre is the President and Founder of Protect and Preserve Hawaii, an environmental nonprofit founded in 2019 to care for Pia Valley, Oahu. In this episode, we hear first-hand from Tyrone what it is like to transition from a full-time mechanic to a  conservationist and entrepreneur and dive deeply into the learning curves of starting a new organization. After his motherʻs passing, he made an unexpected decision to purchase 330 acres of preservation land at a City and County of Honolulu auction. From there his purpose expanded. Tyrone's aloha for Hawaii comes across clearly, not only in his unique path to conservation, but in his creative efforts to engage volunteers and bring much-needed awareness to place-based education, native ecosystem restoration and raising the bar for conservation pay rates. The Protect and Preserve Hawaii team and its enthusiastic volunteers are cultivating a prosperous model in Pia Valley - not only to strengthen relationships between people and ʻāina, but between people and their greater purpose. Mahalo for tuning in!

Episode Highlights

1:01 Entering the conservation world

2:33 Purchasing Pia Valley and connecting with the conservation partners and neighbors

4:28 Nurturing a supportive hui 

5:46 Creating a management plan and launching volunteer programs, meant to be doing this

7:18  Life has changed a lot in the last 6 years

8:14 Where does your love of Hawaii come from? 

9:22 Realizing what we value and embracing it

10:44 What do you think your mother would think of you launching Protect and Preserve Hawaii?

11:11 Growing a volunteer community grounded in gratitude

13:33 Volunteer programs offerings: ecosystem restoration (including invasive removal, native outplanting, guided hikes with botanist), volunteer exchange program, laau lapaau, malama pohaku

15:50 Building a social media movement during the pandemic

19:20 What is the vision for Pia Valley? 

21:38 Awareness vs. caring

22:04 Pia Valley as an economic model of prosperity 

24:41 How have your volunteers been changed by Pia Valley?

26:37 How have you changed?

28:33 Getting comfortable public speaking after changing careers

32:38 What are the challenges for Protect and Preserve Hawaii? 

33:09 Cultivating ecological empathy 

35:10 Engaging volunteers effectively through social media 

38:46 Are you working harder now or when you were a mechanic? 

39:48 Livable wages in conservation, valuing the long term care of Hawaii's natural resources

45:17 Getting creative to secure sustainable funding

47:51 The value of native rainforests 

49:35 Cultivating abundance in Pia Valley through multiple forms of capital, return on investment

50:49 What is your favorite part of your job?

51:35 How do you bring aloha into your life and work? Community, sharing gratitude, humility, being a lifelong student

53:55 Aloha doesn't stop at 5pm

Learn more about Protect and Preserve Hawaii: https://www.protectpreservehi.org/

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.