Our Team
ʻĀina Hoʻokupu O Kīlauea’s staff combines their time and talents to identify opportunities, implement programs, direct projects, and nurture AHK’s vision.
Yoshito L’Hote | Executive Director
"I have a deep connection to Kaua'i and to the Hawaiian culture which lead me to do all I can to preserve both. I personally feel very privileged to have had such a wonderful life and a great family and a beautiful place to live, so it’s only natural to do what I can to help my community in every way I can. This project is the realization of a job where I am able to fulfill both my desires and my vision.”
Maluhia L’hote | Farm manager
“Aloha, my name is Maluhia L’Hote and I am the Farm Manager for the Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center. I work with the interns, volunteers, amd the numerous vegetable varieties we grow. I believe that AHK’s mission to enhance Kīlauea is something very necessary as the community grows and providing fresh, organic, amazing produce for the community is how I contribute to that mission.”
Community Liaisons
‘Āina Hoʻokupu O Kīlauea is also fortunate to have additional leadership from the County and the adjacent Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center neighborhood. AHK feels that having liaisons from various segments of the population provides an important diverse perspective. If you feel you would be a strong community liaison candidate, let us know.
George Costa |Ex-Officio Member
"As the Director of Economic Development for the County of Kaua’i, I am responsible for the oversight of the Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center (formerly Kīlauea Ag Park) which is on land dedicated to the County and Kīlauea Community as a condition for the development of the nearby Kīlauea Seacliff Plantation. More than oversight, I have a personal commitment to work with the Kīlauea and greater North Shore community to ensure the success of this wonderful gift. My personal commitment includes the fact that my mother was born in the Kīlauea Plantation (Stone) Dispensary and my grandmother and kupuna are from Hanalei, and as the Director of Economic Development, rebuilding our Agriculture Industry will help to diversify our economy, provide healthy food, and be less reliant on the Visitor Industry”
David Sproat | Ex-Officio Member
"My participation on the board is to help ensure the preservation and usage of agricultural land for bonafide agricultural purposes (growing food and crops) to help ensure food security for Kīlauea and Kaua’i."
Gary Smith | Ex-Officio Member
"My involvement with Kīlauea Community Agricultural Center is based on my desire to be supportive of all community efforts that serve the greater good and cohesiveness needed to assure that Kīlauea residents continue to maintain the sense pride in residency, exemplified by the first group of citizens that refused relocation and chose Kīlauea as their home. KCAC offers immense opportunities towards community pride and empowerment!”
Marjorie Gifford | Ex-Officio Member
"Becoming more food self-sufficient, providing land for small farmers, educating volunteers and future farmers, and developing a place for healthy growing are all goals of our organization. The spirit of our community is enhanced by these activities."
Jack Gushiken | Ex-Officio Member
Shaylyn Kimura | Ex-Officio Member
“ʻO ka wā ma mua ke ala o ka wā ma hope, ‘A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia. "The past is the pathway of the future and no task is too big when done together". “ʻĀina Hoʻokupu O Kīlauea connects people with the land, honors our rich agricultural past and is a vital part of Kaua’iʻs sustainable future.”