Special section by Hawai‘i Leadership Forum in Hawai‘i Business Magazine

For master navigator Nainoa Thompson, true leadership means inspiring the next generation to answer the questions that we cannot. Polynesian Voyaging Society’s (PVS) latest voyage, Moananuiākea, seeks to address our planet’s climate challenges by engaging Pacific communities, developing young leaders and inspiring collective action. “Voyaging is about leadership and allowing young people to find their way,” said Thompson. “It’s our time to turn the canoe to the only island that we have. And that’s the Earth.”

Left: As an apprentice navigator, Lehua Kamalu became the first woman to captain and lead navigate a long-distance ocean voyage when she sailed Hikianalia from Hawai‘i to California. Today, Lehua serves as PVS Partnership Director.

Center: Watch Way of the Navigator, produced by Kathy Muneno, on YouTube to learn more about Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiākea journey and how Hawaiʻi is leading the way for the rest of the planet.

Right: Nainoa Thompson, CEO of Polynesian Voyaging Society (left), with AJ Halagao, president of Hawai‘I Leadership Forum (right), aboard Hōkūle‘a.

Leaders in Sustainability

Omidyar Fellows, a program of the Hawai‘i Leadership Forum (HLF), has cultivated a network of changemakers committed to a better future for Hawai‘i. Fellows are leading impact projects and initiatives that address some of the state’s most pressing issues, including environmental sustainability.

Noelani Kalipi develops numerous utility-scale renewable energy projects across the islands. Jeff Mikulina, former executive director of Blue Planet Foundation, now leads Climate Hawai‘i. Nicole Velasco helps NORESCO’s clients leverage technology to mitigate the impacts of climate change and achieve resiliency. Danielle Bass coordinates the sustainability and climate change policies and practices for the State of Hawai‘i, in the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Jack Kittinger leads sustainable development initiatives for the Center for Sustainable Lands and Waters at Conservation International.

Left: UH Law professor Maxine Burkett served as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Fisheries and Polar Affairs. She now serves as Assistant Director for Climate, Oceans and Equity at the White House.

Center: Emergency and disaster physician Dr. Darragh O’Carroll is featured in a 2024 documentary film, Infected Earth, addressing how climate change is negatively impacting human health.

Right: Former Honolulu Chief Resilience Officer Josh Stanbro established a Washington, D.C. office for Hawai‘i-based Elemental Excelerator, helping secure federal funds for the organization’s climate equity work nationwide.