Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program offers opportunity to shape Maui’s future.

A Decisions Maui and Focus Maui Nui initiative, the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program is a year-long program designed to help develop and train future Maui leaders, not only to identify challenges, but to overcome them. After a highly successful first year, graduating 13 individuals, plans are to have an even better second year. Currently, applications are being accepted for the Ka Ipu Kukui 2008-09 Fellows program.

“We have incorporated input and suggestions from the Fellows of 2008 to continuously improve the program,” said Dr. Lori Govaars, director of the program.

Ka ipu kukui means “crucible of light;” a test and a furnace for seeking and taking the best path ahead.

“Maui Nui occupies a special place in the state, country and world,” said Sandy Baz, Ka Ipu Kukui steering committee member. “But as all of us know, we face many challenges that could very well erode the unique splendor of these special islands.”

From concerns and beliefs expressed first by Decisions Maui in the 1980s and reinforced by the 2003 Focus Maui Nui visioning process (www.focusmauinui.com), the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program was conceived to provide significant help in identifying and training leaders through a community-based program specifically designed to address all aspects of Maui Nui’s future.

The program will require one to two days of monthly participation during the next year, depending on the activities planned. Approximately 10 to 13 fellows will be selected through a competitive process conducted by the members of the Ka Ipu Kukui steering committee. The deadline for applications is August 18. Applicants will then be notified by late August.

Steering committee members include: Sandy Baz, Roselle Bailey, Buck Buchanan, Rory Frampton, Lori Govaars, Scott Nunokawa, Stanley Okamoto, Ken Ota, Clyde Sakamoto and Jeanne Skog.

The 2008 graduates of Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows Program are: Alika Atay, Sunny Cabello, Rhiannon Chandler, Sheri Daniels, Alexander DeRoode, Yarrow Flower, Cesar Gaxiola, Jim Hooper, Ken Ota, Kalani Schmidt, Jennifer Stites, Lance Terada and Lianne Yoshida.

If you are interested in this program, or know of an individual you would like to nominate, contact Govaars at 984-3406. For an application or more information, visit www.kaipukukui.org.