President
Todd Yamashita
Todd Yamashita is a fourth generation Molokai resident and father of two. Todd also serves as Molokai director of operations for Hawaii Marine Animal Response; publisher of the Molokai Dispatch; and is a Hōkūleʻa voyager.
“The people of Molokai have a long history of advocating toward the health of our island and its people. We recognize that Molokai is a place with a unique cultural and environmental legacy linking past to present. I am honored and grateful to share the efforts of leaving future generations a Molokai that is more equitable and rich in opportunity.”
-Todd Yamashita
Vice President
Lori Buchanan
Lori Buchanan is a born and raised Native Hawaiian from Molokai. She is a mother and grandmother who is passionate about environmental and cultural protection for the future generation. She currently owns and operates multiple small businesses on Molokai and serves as project coordinator for the Molokai Maui Invasive Species Committee. Lori has decades worth of professional experience in the field of environmental conservation in Hawaii and has received commendations in recognition of her work from the Governor of the State of Hawaii as well as from the County of Maui. As a passionate community advocate and volunteer, she actively participates in community issues and initiatives and has served on numerous boards and commissions including: Chair of the State Game Management Advisory Council, Chair of the Legacy Lands Conservation Commission, and Member of the State Office of Planning Marine and Coastal Zone Advisory Council, and current Chair of the Molokai Planning Commission.
Treasurer
Christopher O’Brien
Christopher serves as the Director of Admin and Development for Sustainable Molokai. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from UH Mānoa, a Juris Doctor from William S. Richardson School of Law, business administration coursework from UH West Oʻahu, and a Masters in Accounting from Shidler College of Business. He also currently serves or has served as an accountant, financial and compliance manager, and business/financial consultant to multiple nonprofits/businesses on Molokai as well as serves on a number of nonprofit boards. He brings a diverse skill set to the organizations he works with, which include business affairs, compliance, grant writing, and grant management.
Secretary
Sequoya
Sequoya has been a Sustainability Consultant for three decades, focusing on regenerative agriculture, energy efficiency, renewable energy, innovative home design, and community development. She brings a background in economics, building sciences, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and land management, and was a prime organizer for Molokai’s 2019 Climate Resiliency Summit.
Director
Makena Fernandez
Makena brings relevant experience to us in the world of Energy System Design, Solar Installation, Conservation, and Education. He has trained in solar design and installation through the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Molokai Campus and received a NABCEP PV Associate Certificate. He was also contracted by HNU Energy to install a 65 kW rooftop solar at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Molokai Campus. Makena also volunteers with local non-profit ʻAina Momona.
Hoʻāhu Energy Coop Staff
Training & Workforce Developer
Liliana Napoleon
Lily has an educational background of a dual associate from University of Hawaii Maui College, a bachelors in Business Administration and a master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University.
Lily has provided countless community service hours to Moloka’i through agencies such as Liliuokalani Trust, American Cancer Society, Hawaii Tobacco Coalition, Molokai Cancer Fund, and Americorp. Her employment background consist of numerous coordinator roles in both the healthcare and educational sector.
“Clean Renewable Energy for all on Moloka’i is something worth supporting as the collective efforts of hard work and dedication to reach this goal is bound to lead toward a promising future for our natural resources, our people, and our generations to come.” — Liliana Napoleon
Project & Media Assistant
Leimana Ritte-Camara
Mai Ke Awāwa uliuli o Hālawa kahi a ka wahine Moʻoʻula a i ka māloʻo ʻula o Kaluakoʻi kahi a nā pōhaku hūnā aloha pumehana kākou. My name is Leimana Ritte-Camara born and raised on this beautiful island of Molokaʻi Nui A Hina. From a young age I was blessed to be a part of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program in which I graduated from in 2005.
I continued my education at Molokaʻi Education Center and Maui Community College. I recently graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology from UH Hilo in 2020. Throughout the years I have worked as a Hawaiian language and cultural educator on Molokaʻi and continue to do so today.
I am a daughter, a sister, a friend and most importantly now, a mother. I have the great honor of raising my children on this precious land that I love so much. It is with happiness that I am working with Hoʻāhu to guide Molokai into a bright and clean energy future. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Hoʻāhu and this community.