The 2016 Fellows

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Monty Agcaoili

Coming from the Pineapple Island, Lanai, Monty is currently the Assistant Manager of Richard’s Market for over a year. Prior to being at Richard’s Market, he worked in Finance with Pulama Lanai and was the Resort Assistant Manager at the Four Seasons Resorts Lanai, The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay for four years. With his job, Monty enjoys establishing relationships with the people of Lana’i, helping the community with their everyday needs and assisting them in making healthy, organic, natural and locally grown food choices. Monty considered Lana’i his home for a good amount of his life before venturing to California. Being a future leader of the island, he wants to preserve Lana’i’s pristine environment and help upgrade Lana’i’s health and school system.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Bryan Berkowitz

Bryan Berkowitz was raised in New Jersey and later graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in Upstate New York with a BS in Computer Science. He has spent the majority of his professional career developing computer security systems for the Department of Defense. He was eventually called to the wonderful island of Maui, where he works as a Software Architect for Koa IT, a local software development firm focused on next generation Healthcare IT systems for the US Military and Veterans Affairs as well as mobile apps for culturally aware tourism. In his spare time, he runs Berktech Solutions, a boutique IT Consulting and Photography business and gives back to the island by volunteering for various conservation organizations. He enjoys exploring Maui’s natural resources with camera in hand and is a founding board member and President of Nā Koa Manu Conservation where he helps preserve, protect, and restore endangered birds and their habitat.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Hilary Bingman

Hilary Bingman moved to Maui and joined the HC&S ohana nearly three years ago as the plantation’s Community Relations Manager. With ten years experience in the communications field, her previous positions have spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors. Working all over the world in the construction, transportation, fashion, food & beverage, higher education, government, and healthcare industries, she is an honored member of the Public Relations Society of America and has earned many awards for her work helping organizations become more sustainable. Holding a dual masters degree in International Relations & Intercultural Communications from Boston University, and an undergraduate public relations degree from the University of Washington, her interests and expertise focus on corporate social responsibility.
Coming from a commercial farming and fishing family herself, she is passionate about agricultural sustainability. Hilary currently lives in Kihei with her husband and a rescued wild plantation kitten.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Jen Cox

Jen has had the privilege and pleasure of calling many special places home, including Santiago, Chile; Austin, Texas; Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Go Heels!); San Francisco; and as of 2011, the beautiful island of Maui. Jen graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communication Studies and Latin American Studies and has since devoted her professional career to the nonprofit sector. She has worked in support of the arts, youth development, and is now the Community Relations Specialist at Mālama Maui Nui (Community Work Day Program). Her professional path reflects her personality—motivated to act for a variety of worthy causes, she likewise would not be able to pick just one passion in her life. Jen loves taking ballet and contemporary dance at Alexander Academy of Performing Arts, where she gets to indulge her inner stage ham at the dance studio’s annual productions and is in her novice years as a member of Nā Kai ‘Ewalu canoe club. Jen is also the proud mother of two four-legged, feline fur babies, Neko and Tata.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Jessica Crouse

Jessica Crouse was born and reared in Maui and returned home after earning a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s of Public Administration at ASU. While in Arizona, Jessica managed campus housing facilities occupied by approximately one thousand students and was responsible for student welfare and staff training and supervision. Jessica is experienced in employee training and development, crisis response, social media strategy, and retail management. She is currently working for Maui Economic Development Board. In her free time, she enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with family.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Devin Fredericksen

Born and raised on Maui, Devin appreciates the beauty and magic of this wonderful island. After graduating from Seabury Hall, he continued his educational career at Humboldt State University. Devin received his Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science with a focus in Energy and Climate Change. Devin discovered permaculture and regenerative, organic agriculture during his studies and has been passionately devoted to this path ever since. Recently returning to Maui after learning as many skills as possible to bring home in service to the ‘aina, he is enthusiastically ready to help and get involved with the Maui Nui ohana again. He is very interested in helping to improve the food sovereignty and security of Maui Nui and teaching the importance of locally grown food to the Keiki. “Earth does not belong to humans, humans belong to Earth.” Devin feels deeply that we humans are on a journey of remembrance: we are here to exist in harmony with all life. We have a responsibility to both our Kupuna and Keiki to respect and care for the land. The time is here and now, we are the ones we have been waiting for, Malama ‘aina!

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Tegan Hammond

Tegan Hammond works with Maui Nui Marine Resource Council as the Maui Coral Recovery Plan Coordinator. Previously as the program manager for Mālama Maunalua, she gained experience in marine resource management in Hawai‘i serving as a key leader for both the organization’s makai and mauka programs. Most notably, Tegan served an instrumental role in the organization’s successful implementation of the award-winning “Great Huki” project in Maunalua Bay, O‘ahu, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The project resulted not only in clearing nearly 30 acres of coral reef habitat of invasive alien algae but also in creating 70 jobs. Tegan earned her degree in Hawaiian Language graduating Summa Cum Laude at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she initiated her professional focus on community-based natural resource management deeply engrained within local traditions and values. Her passion for and growing experience working collaboratively to empower community-based marine conservation strategies in partnership with local community, scientists, agencies and businesses is fueled by a deep love and concern for our oceans and natural environment.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Tracy Kealoha

Tracy was born and raised in Ka`ū on Hawai`i Island but moved to Maui to attend Lahainaluna High School as a 4-year boarding student. She then went on to the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Resources in 2001 and then a Masters in Social Work in 2003. Upon graduating Tracy returned to Maui where she worked as a counselor with Maui Youth and Family Services and then as a Program Director with Imua Family Services. Tracy is currently a Manager at Kamehameha Schools Maui Resource Center in Wailuku. Through the Resource Center, she is able to help families get connected to support services and resources in the Maui community. Tracy is passionate about helping others and strives to kōkua families and individuals in need. Tracy and her family are members of Halau Nā Hanona Kūlike `o Pi`ilani and active participants in Ke Kula Kaiapuni `o Pā`ia Hawaiian Immersion program. Tracy and her husband Kaleo have 3 children and together they enjoy going to the beach, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Kelly McHugh

With 25 years of experience as a nonprofit business administrator, Kelly McHugh-White is a Wailuku-based writer, fundraiser, art director and community engagement professional. Through her consultancy, Little Rhinoceros LLC, she works primarily with arts, culture and conservation-
based organizations to advance visibility, credibility and investment. She additionally serves as Board Member for Adaptations Dance Theater and Nā Koa Manu Conservation, Inc., Manager of the County of Maui’s SMALL TOWN * BIG ART creative placemaking initiative, and Founding Director of Maui Public Art Corps.

Bio and headshot updated 3/13/2024

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Megan Morrow

Megan was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui. She was educated at Seabury Hall, Baldwin High School, College of the Siskiyous at California. Megan earned a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Chaminade University, Oahu. She is currently working with Malama Family Recovery Center a substance abuse rehab facility that works with women that are parenting and or pregnant. She is a program assistant and a coordinator for the Baby SAFE program and provides outreach for pregnant and parenting women in the community of Maui, who are seeking help from substance abuse. Megan finds her work to be very gratifying and challenging. She is currently in the process of pursuing her Certification in Substance Abuse and her Master Degree in Clinical Social Work. When Megan has time off from her busy work schedule she enjoys spending time with her 5 year old son and relaxing at the beach.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Mandy Saito

Mandy was born and raised in Pukalani, Maui. She graduated from King Kekaulike High School in 2001, attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington for a year, and transferred to Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2006. She then returned to Maui to begin her career as a project engineer at Fukumoto Engineering, Inc., and since has become a licensed Professional Engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, and is currently pursuing her Professional Land Surveying License. She has been a member of the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers for nine years and has held various positions on the board. Currently, she is the State Director for the State Society and also the Maui Chapter, and is the MATHCOUNTS Coordinator for the County of Maui. Mandy enjoys spending time with her husband Ross and son Ayden and relaxing at the beach with friends and family. Some of her hobbies include swimming with the Maui Masters Swim Club, gardening, working out, hiking, traveling, and golfing.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Marina Satoafaiga

Marina is responsible for enhancing assets’ value, developing marketing field teams, and supporting and implementing marketing initiatives across the west coast region as the AVP of Marketing at Pacific Retail Capital Partners. The Los Angeles based Property Management group oversees retail-led assets across the nation including Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Maui and Kings’ Shops on Hawaii island. Born on Oahu and raised in Maui, Marina’s career includes roles at MauiTimes, Imua
Family Services and Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. Marina splits her time between California and Hawaii.

Bio and headshot updated 3/13/2024

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Nohelani U’u-Hodgins

Nohelani U’u-Hodgins, a proud native of Pā’ia, Maui, has always cherished her island roots and remains grateful to still call Maui home. She is an alumna of Kekaulike High School and continued her education at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa and University of Hawai’i, Maui College; majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Psychology, Sociology and Hawaiian Studies. With a background in the construction industry, she brought invaluable expertise to her previous roles of Permit Expediter and Advisor at Frampton & Ward while serving as a board member for Maui Public Art Corps. Now, in her inaugural term as a Councilmember of the Maui County Council, she represents the Makawao, Haʻikū, Pā’ia residency area with dedication and passion. As the esteemed chair of the Government Relations, Ethics, and Transparency Committee (GREAT), Councilmember U’u-Hodgins embodies her commitment to fostering a governance that is accountable, ethical, and responsive to the needs of the community. Her leadership underscores her determination to confront the pressing challenges of our time, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. In her personal time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with family.

2016 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow

Ella A. Yumol

Ella was born in the Philippines and was raised on the island of Lana`i. She attended Lana’i High and Elementary School and was part of the part of the Lana’i Physical Fitness Team that competed nationally and won the National Championship in San Diego, CA in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Fitness has always been a part of her life and has recently competed in the JTB Maui Half Marathon in September 2014, the Honolulu Marathon in December 2015 and the Spartan Race in August 2015. She is currently the Human Resources Generalist for Pūlama Lāna`i and believes in being a steward for her land and community. She was previously the Executive Assistant for the Lana’i Community Health Center and currently serves as a Board of Director for the Lana’i Federal Credit Union. Ella’s hobbies include traveling, shopping, and enjoying the ocean with her family and friends.