We are fortunate to be joined in our work by others in our community who are dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and values. Together we share King Kaumualiʻiʻs vision of a peaceful, cooperative and ecological society.

This value system from the past sets a high standard of respect and interdependence between people and land; one that can now be integrated with 21st century technolgy toward restoration and preservation for the present and future well-being of Kauaʻi.

Keao NeSmith, President, Outreach Committee, Protocol Committee born and raised in Kekaha, he is a Native Hawaiian linguist, educator, and translator. He has taught at various universities, including UH-Hilo and Manoa, where he received graduate and post graduate degrees; lʻUniversiteʻ de la Polynesie Francisco, Tahiti; and University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand where he received his PhD. Presently, on faculty at UH-Manoa, he has translated a number of books into Hawaiian, including The Hobbit, The Little Prince and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. His most recent release was: Harry Potter a Me Ka Pōhaku Akeakamai; an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi translation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and is currently working on a Hawaiian translation of The Chronicles of Narnia. He developed Kaua‘i Nui Kuapapa: http://kauainuikuapapa.com for and with Kauaʻi County as a resource on moku, ahupuaʻa, place names, and moʻolelo from Kaumualiʻi’s time. He was also the model for our statue of King Kaumualiʻi, by artist Saim Caglayan.

Bob Westerman, Executive Officer, Vice President/ Treasurer Recently retired after 14 years of service as Kauaʻi Fire Chief, he grew up in a military family and joined the Air Force at 17 where he served for 20 years. After 13 years, eight as Fire Chief at Pacific Missile Range, he was appointed By Mayor Bernard Carvalho as Fire Chief to Kauaʻi Fire Department in 2005. Professionally and personally his mission is to give back whenever possible. Under his leadership the Ocean Safety Bureau thrived; and KFD helped with countless projects like Valentine Day dances for kupuna, swimming with long-term care patient from Kaua’i Veterans Memorial Hospital and assisting Kauaʻi Hospice with itʻs Fourth of July Celebration. His familiar refrain was, “What have we done to polish the Badge lately?” Off duty, he is a past President and 24 year veteran leader in West Kauaʻi Business and Professional Association, (WKBPA); served 10 years on Kauaʻi United Way; and was appointed in April 2019 to the UH Board of Regents.

Adam Jaramillo, Co-Treasurer, Grant Committee, Outreach Committee, Protocol Committee
After earning his undergraduate from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Adam spent the next decade managing various organizations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Following this brief period, he decided to switch his focus from corporate management to philanthropy as he continued to develop and redefine what it means to “leave a legacy”. In recent years Adam has adjusted his focus to entrepreneurship and community engagement. The freedom of business ownership has allowed him the opportunity to serve the greater good of the community with an emphasis in youth and cultural development.

Michael DeMotta, Board Member, Grant Committee, Protocol Committee
Newly retired from 30 years at National Tropical Botanical Garden as Curator of the Native Living Plants Collections; is currently involved with landscape projects across the Island from his own private nurseries; and is expanding the Kingʻs Garden at Pāʻulaʻula. He started the Kauaʻi Native Plant Society many years ago which is instrumental in providing Native Plant education and restoration. He has traveled across the state, continent and worldwide as a Consultant and Presenter at Conservation Events. From his experience, including that as former haumana of Kumu John Lake, he believes: “understanding Hawaiian values, world view, and his place within it–Kuleana & AlohaʻĀina—is key for bio-cultural conservation.”

Peleke Flores, Board Member, Protocol Committee”
was born in Hilo and raised in Hanapepe, Waimea, and Makaweli ahupuaʻa. After graduation from Waimea High School in 2001, he pursued a double degree in Hawaiian Language & Studies at UH-Manoa. He worked for 8 &1/2 years as Ku Hou Kuapa Project Manager/Caretaker of Paepae O He’eia. He returned home to Kauaʻi in 2018 to become Project Manager for Malama Huleia where he labors tirelessly remove invasive mangrove along the river and surrounding Alekoko/Menehune Fishpond, thereby restoring native species to this site. He conducts trainings & workshops for volunteers, school & other groups interested in restoration of ancient Hawaiian sites and the sustainable practices used to support a vibrant, cooperative pre-contact society. “Our kuleana is to restore, repair, educate, maintain, sustain, and show the brilliant work of our ancestors and how we can carry it on in our lives today using this 800 year old fish pond.” He also serves on the Boards of Iwi Kua and Nāpali Coast Ohana.

Denise Karratti, Board Member, Protocol Committee