Ka Pewa by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

Ka Pewa

Ka Pewa by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, hosted by Kanoa Leahey, is a monthly podcast tackling some of Hawaiʻiʻs toughest issues - housing, water, public safety & more. It fosters respectful debate, fact-based insights & community-driven solutions. Tune in!

Episodes

  1. 06/18/2025

    Ka Pewa Episode 6: Sterling Higa: A Better Way Forward for Housing in Hawai‘i

    In this episode of the Ka Pewa Podcast, we sit down with Sterling Higa, Executive Director and co-founder of Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future, a nonprofit movement dedicated to ending the workforce housing shortage for Hawai‘i’s next generation. Sterling brings a deep background in policy, education, and community leadership. Prior to co-founding Housing Hawai‘i’s Future, he was a lecturer at Hawai‘i Pacific University and a writer for Honolulu Civil Beat and Hawaii Business Magazine. He currently serves as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and sits on advisory councils for House Maui and EAH Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. We explore the key challenges and opportunities around housing in Hawaiʻi, how communities can respond to the affordability crisis, and what it will take to ensure a future where local families can thrive. Whether you're a policymaker, community advocate, or simply care about keeping Hawai‘i livable for all, this episode is for you. Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

    14 min
  2. 04/03/2025

    Ka Pewa Episode 3: Rooted in Love: Kaibigan Ng Lahaina's Journey of Healing and Hope

    "Kaibigan" means more than just "friend" — rooted in the Tagalog word ibig (love), it speaks to a deep and enduring affection. Kaibigan ng Lahaina embodies that spirit of love and friendship through their unwavering commitment to West Maui’s Filipino and immigrant communities, especially in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires. In this episode, we explore the powerful mission and history behind Kaibigan ng Lahaina and how the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund has helped accelerate healing, case management, mental wellness, and educational support. We dive into the new programs and real-life stories made possible through this critical funding, and how mental health and clinical care have become essential components in the recovery process. We also reflect on the biggest lessons learned during this time of crisis, the unexpected insights that continue to shape their approach, and the collaborations and cultural connections that are paving the way forward. Finally, we share how you can stay connected and support Kaibigan ng Lahaina as they continue their work rooted in love, resilience, and community care. Guest: Kaibigan Ng Lahaina  Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

    33 min
  3. 03/12/2025

    Ka Pewa Episode 2: Keanu Lau Hee: Rebuilding Maui: Shaping a Resilient Future

    In this episode of Ka Pewa by Hawaii Community Foundation, host Kanoa Leahey continues the critical discussion on Maui’s housing crisis, exploring both long-standing challenges and the urgent needs amplified by the devastating Lahaina wildfires of 2023. Joining the conversation is Keanu Lau Hee, Senior Director at the Hawaii Community Foundation, who provides strategic guidance for the House Maui Initiative. Together, they dive into the complexities of housing recovery, policy reform, and infrastructure development while addressing key obstacles such as workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and the high cost of living. Keanu shares insights from her experience in emergency management and government, offering strategies to increase affordable housing, retain local communities, and drive systemic change. Tune in to learn how the House Maui Initiative is working to align resources, empower homebuyers, and influence policy—ensuring a more resilient and stable future for Maui’s residents. Plus, discover ways you can stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard in the effort to secure housing for the people who make Hawai‘i home. Guests: Keanu Lau Hee Follow us on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ka_Pewa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_pewa Credits Brought to you by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Hosted by: Kanoa Leahey Produced by: Karey Kapoi, Karey Kapoi, LLC Video Producer: Ivy Lagodlagod, HI Style Media Audio & Mix Producer: Shawn Pimental Production Assistants: Hāloa Dudoit, Karey Kapoi, LLC Teilana Akre, Karey Kapoi, LLC

    11 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ka Pewa by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, hosted by Kanoa Leahey, is a monthly podcast tackling some of Hawaiʻiʻs toughest issues - housing, water, public safety & more. It fosters respectful debate, fact-based insights & community-driven solutions. Tune in!