Lynette Cruz - President

Lynette Cruz is a Waiʻanae resident and long time Hawaiian Sovereignty and social justice advocate. She is a retired professor of anthropology and volunteers on multiple mālama ʻāina projects.

Sparky Rodrigues - Vice President

Sparky Rodrigues is a founding member of Mālama Mākua, a member of Waiʻanae Moku Kupuna Council, and a Mauna Kea kiaʻi. Husband to Leandra Wai and a descendant of kupuna who signed the Kūʻē Petitions, he stands firm in his pro Hawaiian and pro ʻāina stances. He is striving for long term solutions for houseless Hawaiians.

kenji cataldo - secretary

Kenji Cataldo is a community-based oral historian and media producer who hosts the Hawaiʻi Rising podcast for the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund. Born in Japan and raised in Minnesota, Kenji lives in Honolulu and is honored to support the work of Mālama Mākua.

Trisha Martin - treasurer

For the past two decades, Trisha has been the go-to technical pro in both technology and healthcare industries working for leading organizations.  On the side, she is equally passionate about cultural and environmental justice, where you will find her rolling up her sleeves adding a little heart by mixing purpose with profession.

VINCE kanaʻi DODGE - BOARD MEMBER

Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Hungarian Jewish father, Vince Kanaʻi Dodge has called Waiʻanae home since 1979. Initially introduced to Mākua Valley by his father Dr. Fred Dodge, he has spent the last 25+ years a dedicated member to Mālama Mākua. Through his work with PLACES Hawaiʻi, Kaʻala Farm’s Pua Kaiāulu, and Mālama Mākua, Vince has guided generations in salt-making, ʻāina stewardship, and aloha ʻāina practice.

kyle kajihiro - board member

Kyle Kajihiro (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research interests include militarization, Indigenous resurgence, demilitarization social movements, and carceral geographies. He works with a number of grassroots demilitarization and Hawaiian Sovereignty initiatives in Hawaiʻi.

Nathan routt - board member

Nathan Routt is a hard working and dependable kiaʻi with familial ties to Mākua Valley. He is not afraid to speak up and ask the hard questions when necessary, making him an imperative addition to the board.