2 minute read
Passing the Torch of Leadership
By Kaupō Community Association, Inc.
After many years of dedicated service to the Kaupō Community Association, Inc., board president Linda (Ha‘i) Clark resigned in order to fill the District 13 House Representative seat. After her departure, Makalapua Kanuha became the new KCAI board president.
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Former KCAI President Linda Clark
Lina Clark
Makalapua Kanuha is the youngest of seven children of Robert and Doris Kanuha Sr. of Naopu‘u. Her family has been on their ‘āina in Naopu‘u for many generations. Makalapua is the wife of Cornelio Bancaco, a retired Maui County Fire Captain. Together they have a blended family of eight children and 16 grandchildren.
Building community through “Sense of Place” is Makalapua’s passion. Through understanding our “sense of place,” we honor our kūpuna, perpetuate our mo‘olelo, mālama our ‘āina, and build strong healthy communities—together! The teaching passed down to Makalapua from her kupuna is “Aloha kekahi i kekahi,” Love one another! Through Aloha, we’re able to achieve many tasks together. Everyone has kuleana, skills, and talents to contribute in building a healthy community.
KCAI President Makalapua Kanuha
Makalapua Kanuha
Among Makalapua’s many contributions to her community has been her volunteer service on a number of community boards: Friends of Moku‘ula, Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Lahaina Town Action Committee, County of Maui Cultural Resource Commission, Maui Visitors Bureau Cultural Advisory Committee, North Beach Advisory Committee, Ka‘anapali Resort Cultural Council, Relay for Life Lahaina, and others. She is currently the President of Friends of Pu‘ukukui Watershed Preserve. Makalapua is a graduate of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association and earned her certificate to facilitate training classes on “Cultural Sense of Place.”
Through her community efforts, experiences and collaborations, she established the Pu‘uhonua Cultural Center at Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas in 2014. Makalapua has played a pivotal role in the hospitality industry on Maui—promoting Hawaiian cultural presence and integrity.
Through these community efforts, Makalapua was honored by Pacific Business News, which named her one of “The 2016 Women Who mean Business” Women to Watch.
