Smart Living Hawaii

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Blanch McMillen also known as AuntyBlanche. I have been meaning to meet this amazing woman and share her story for a while, and today is the day. She is the founder of Hui Mahi’ai’Āina, a homeless community program that provides village style housing, essential facilities, and long-term support for those facing hard times in Hawaii. Affordable housing for the state of Hawaii is one of our top sustainable initiatives. We are needing solutions to our problems, not bandaids and quick fixes, today we will talkabout solutions that provide hope, promise and a future!

Aunty Blanche is a lifelong supporter of Waimanalo, whose unwavering dedication to her community has made her acornerstone of hope and support for Native Hawaiians facing economic hardship. Deeply rooted in faith and compassion, she views herself as “God’s instrument,” teaching love and ‘ohana (family) to all those she helps.

Motivated by the struggles of her people—many of whom are unhoused and unable to afford living in their ancestralhome—Aunty Blanche took action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she canvassed the Windward Coast to find and support those in need. With the help of volunteers, she established a homeless encampment on seven acres of vacant land, providing shelter, food, and medical support to over 60 people at Hui Mahi’ai 'Aina. She collaborates with nonprofits, churches, and local groups to keep her community safe, healthy, and housed.

Contact Information: Website: Home - HuiMahi'ai 'Āina www.huimahiaiaina.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (808) 482-5883

Address: 41-092 Oluolu St, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Drop-Off Donation Times

Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm

Sunday: 9am – 12pm

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_orgFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.orgIntro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Judy Meredith with PRMG Hawaii. Today we will be discussing land loans and how someone can obtain land to build on. A topic of discussion by many who are looking to find that perfect family land larger than the typical 5-10,000 square foot lot, something you can grow food on, live off of, have space away from the hustle bustle and stillafford it. Is this possible many ask and what does it take?

Judy is an Expert Loan Officer and PRMG Hawaii Area Manager with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Serving all Hawaiian Islands and 48 states nationwide, she specializes in Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA,Renovation, and Reverse Mortgage loans as well as Out of the Box specialty transactions. A Board member of the Hawaii Association of Mortgage Brokers and the Veteran’s Association of Real Estate Professionals, she also teaches Continuing Education for Realtors and Financial Advisers. She is the author of the column “Equity Matters” and is also known as “ The Mortgage Professor.” She is dedicated to making the home loan process seamless through education and expertise.

More Info:FB: @JudyTheMortgageProfessor:

https://www.facebook.com/JudyTheMortgageProfessor

Instagram: @judythemortgagepro: https://www.instagram.com/judythemortgagepro/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@judythemortgageproEmail:   [email protected] 

( Direct): 808-222-7903

Address:📍  3049 Ualena Street Suite 310 Honolulu, HI 96819

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_orgFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.orgIntro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Councilwomen, Andria Tupola. We will talk about affordable housing in Hawaii. The hurdles we face, how we are tackling the hurdles…also some solutions, ideas and action items worth discussing.

In 2015 she became the first Samoan woman to serve as the State House Minority Leader and in 2016, she was re-elected to another term. In 2018, she was the Republican nominee in the Hawaii governor’s race. In 2021, Tupola was sworn in as Honolulu City Councilwoman to represent District 1 (ʻEwa Beach - Kaʻena Point). She served as Council Floor Leader and Chair of the Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee from 2021-2022. In 2023, she became Committee Chair for Public Infrastructure and Technology and in 2024 she was elected to a second term.

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Mindy Jaffe, the worm lady. We will discuss composting, vermicomposting and how worms play a significant role in our food waste reduction and the hierarchy to reduce food waste while growing our community. We will share the hurdles and challenges faced over the last 20+ years in this waste sector and what we have overcome and accomplished thus far. Let’s learn together how we can support Hawaii’s future through composting!

Mindy Jaffe:

More Info:

Facebook: @wormohana www.facebook.com/wormohana

Instagram: @wormohana www.instagram.com/wormohana

Website: www.wormohana.org and www.waikikiworm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wormohana

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Chad Waters, the founder and CEO of Hawaii Construction and Development Consulting HCDC. We will hear about a developers journey to sustainability and finding his true passion in green and sustainable building and development here in Hawaii. The hurdles, challenges and what he is doing to overcome them.

More Info:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hawaiicdc @hawaiicdc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiicdc/ @hawaiicdc

Website: www.hawaiicdc.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-waters

Email: [email protected]

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and

Todd Cullison has over 25 years in non-profit experiences with the majority concentrated on watershed restoration and environmental education. Mr. Cullison started his tenure as the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center in August 2019 but has been connected to the Nature Center for many years as his son attended as a keiki.  Prior to the Hawaii Nature Center, he spent three years as the Director of Development at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.  From 2006-2016 Mr. Cullison was the Executive Director of Hui o Ko‘olaupoko, a non-profit working in windward O‘ahu to protect ocean health by restoring the ‘āina: mauka to makai. Before his relocation to Hawai‘i, he worked for nearly six years with five community groups on the north Oregon Coast focusing on salmon habitat restoration, community engagement and environmental education.  During college at Washington State University, he was a project leader/manager for four years at the Center for Environmental Education delivering K-12 classroom and in-the-field environmental education and implementation of stream restoration.  This was Mr. Cullison’s introduction to the impact of environmental education and the importance connecting all to nature.

More Info & Contact:

FB: www.facebook.com/HINatureCenter                               Instagram: Hawaiʻi Nature Center

Website: Hawaii

LinkedIn: (20) Hawaii

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HINatureCenter

Phone:  (808) 955-0100

Location: 2131 Makiki Heights DriveHonolulu, Hawai‘i 96822

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Jacob Roberts, Eco Rotary Club of

His foremost objective is to facilitate environmental

Vision Statement

To build a sustainable planet and future.

Mission Statement

Create sustainability through initiatives, innovation, education and strategic partnerships with local and global communities. Inspire and empower others with leadership, collaboration and service.

1.    Environment

2.    Food Systems

3.    Clean Energy

4.    Waste Reduction

5.    Climate Action

More Info & Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @ecorotary: www.instagram.com/ecorotary/

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro

⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Ryan Naka, Director of Philanthropy

Ryan Naka is the Director of Philanthropy & Marketing for Project Vision Hawaii. He got his start in fundraising while working on political campaigns which eventually led him to PVH in 2020. Since then, Project Vision Hawaii has grown from a couple dozen staff members to over 100 statewide. Ryan also a Realtor with the Smart Living Hawaii Team and works as a Business Consultant for his family’s company, Charley’s Taxi. 

Project Vision Hawaii started in 2007 providing vision screenings in Title I schools across Hawaii, hence Project "Vision". Throughout the years, PVH evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization, leveraging partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and other community partners to maximize its impact.

PVH continues to adapt and evolve in response to the ever-changing needs of the community. With a steadfast commitment to its founding principles of compassion, collaboration, and empowerment, Project Vision Hawaii remains a shining example of grassroots activism and collective impact, inspiring positive change for generations to come.

More Info & Contact:

[email protected]

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghi.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro Music Compliments:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Rob Van Tassell, the President and CEO of Catholic Charities Hawaii. Not only will we learn about their expansive services, we will zero in on housing for the people of Hawaii.

FB: Catholic Charities Hawaii | Honolulu HI | Facebook        

Instagram: @catholiccharitieshawaii   Catholic Charities Hawaii (@catholiccharitieshawaii) • Instagram photos and videos

Website: www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org

LinkedIn: (42)Catholic Charities Hawaii: Overview | LinkedIn 

Email: [email protected] Phone: (808) 524-4673

HELP LINE Phone: (808) 521-4357

Address: 1822 Keeaumoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghi.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠.org

Intro/Outro Music Compliments:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha

License code: CXR1Y53S8HXI1QU4

Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Rebecca Staron the founder of HI-RES Grant Writing and Consulting. We will learn about the world of grant-writing and what it takes for sustainable nonprofits to secure grants and funding.

Rebecca began her career in a small Connecticut restaurant and was immediately hooked on feeding people. She attended Johnson & Wales University earning Bachelors degrees in both Culinary Arts and Nutrition.  During this time, she participated in a term abroad in Singapore and Thailand doing an intensive study of South East Asian cuisines, it was here she fell in love with international cuisine, spicy foods, and traveling. 

After over 20 years in various facets of the food service industry Rebecca decided it was time for a change; however, her passion still remained food and feeding people.

Rebecca formed HI-RES Grant Writing and Consulting to help bring her passion for food and sustainability to organizations and communities on a larger scale. Through grant writing she discovered that she can take the knowledge and experience she’s amassed over the years and help communities in ways that she had never imagined before. She is very passionate about food literacy and expanding access to healthy foods for everyone through improved food systems, hands on education, and sustainable farming and gardening programs. Her and her team work in Hawaii and across the United States to help organizations find and secure funding to elevate their work and create a positive impact.

Rebecca believes that together we can achieve greater food sovereignty and better health in our communities while still being good stewards to the environment and working to regenerate the world around us.

Rebecca Staron:

Instagram: @hi_res_grantwriting : @hi_res_grantwriting • Instagram photos and videos

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hi-resgrants.com

You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghi.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠_org

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠.org