Smart Living Hawaii

Christina Laney Mitre

Welcome to Smart Living Hawaii’s Podcast where we discuss Smart Homes & Technology, Sustainability, Healthy Lifestyles (Food/Fitness/Well-Being) and Smart Business. Check us out at: www.SmartLivingHi.com, follow us on Instagram @smart_living_hawaii or LIKE us on Facebook @smartlivinghawaii #SmartHomes #SmartEco #SmartHealth #SmartBusiness

  1. Episode #76: A Talk Story w/ Aunty Blanche at Hui Mahi'ai Aina, Serving the Houseless Community in Waimanalo

    06/11/2025

    Episode #76: A Talk Story w/ Aunty Blanche at Hui Mahi'ai Aina, Serving the Houseless Community in Waimanalo

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Blanch McMillen also known as AuntyBlanche. I have been meaning to meet this amazing woman and share her story for a while, and today is the day. She is the founder of Hui Mahi’ai’Āina, a homeless community program that provides village style housing, essential facilities, and long-term support for those facing hard times in Hawaii. Affordable housing for the state of Hawaii is one of our top sustainable initiatives. We are needing solutions to our problems, not bandaids and quick fixes, today we will talkabout solutions that provide hope, promise and a future! Aunty Blanche is a lifelong supporter of Waimanalo, whose unwavering dedication to her community has made her acornerstone of hope and support for Native Hawaiians facing economic hardship. Deeply rooted in faith and compassion, she views herself as “God’s instrument,” teaching love and ‘ohana (family) to all those she helps. Motivated by the struggles of her people—many of whom are unhoused and unable to afford living in their ancestralhome—Aunty Blanche took action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she canvassed the Windward Coast to find and support those in need. With the help of volunteers, she established a homeless encampment on seven acres of vacant land, providing shelter, food, and medical support to over 60 people at Hui Mahi’ai 'Aina. She collaborates with nonprofits, churches, and local groups to keep her community safe, healthy, and housed. Contact Information: Website: Home - HuiMahi'ai 'Āina www.huimahiaiaina.org Email: anuhea00@gmail.com Phone: (808) 482-5883 Address: 41-092 Oluolu St, Waimanalo, HI 96795 Drop-Off Donation Times Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm Sunday: 9am – 12pm You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_orgFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.orgIntro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    58 min
  2. Episode #75: A Talk Story w/ Judy Meredith on Hawaii's Vacant Land Loan Options

    02/18/2025

    Episode #75: A Talk Story w/ Judy Meredith on Hawaii's Vacant Land Loan Options

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Judy Meredith with PRMG Hawaii. Today we will be discussing land loans and how someone can obtain land to build on. A topic of discussion by many who are looking to find that perfect family land larger than the typical 5-10,000 square foot lot, something you can grow food on, live off of, have space away from the hustle bustle and stillafford it. Is this possible many ask and what does it take? Judy is an Expert Loan Officer and PRMG Hawaii Area Manager with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Serving all Hawaiian Islands and 48 states nationwide, she specializes in Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA,Renovation, and Reverse Mortgage loans as well as Out of the Box specialty transactions. A Board member of the Hawaii Association of Mortgage Brokers and the Veteran’s Association of Real Estate Professionals, she also teaches Continuing Education for Realtors and Financial Advisers. She is the author of the column “Equity Matters” and is also known as “ The Mortgage Professor.” She is dedicated to making the home loan process seamless through education and expertise. More Info:FB: @JudyTheMortgageProfessor: https://www.facebook.com/JudyTheMortgageProfessor Instagram: @judythemortgagepro: https://www.instagram.com/judythemortgagepro/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@judythemortgageproEmail:   JMeredith@PRMG.NET  ( Direct): 808-222-7903 Address:📍  3049 Ualena Street Suite 310 Honolulu, HI 96819 You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_orgFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.orgIntro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    46 min
  3. Episode #74: A Talk Story w/ Councilwoman Andria Tupola on Affordable Housing and More!

    10/19/2024

    Episode #74: A Talk Story w/ Councilwoman Andria Tupola on Affordable Housing and More!

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Councilwomen, Andria Tupola. We will talk about affordable housing in Hawaii. The hurdles we face, how we are tackling the hurdles…also some solutions, ideas and action items worth discussing. Councilwoman Andria Tupola: Andria Tupola, Ph.D., was born in Kahuku, Oʻahu. She attended Kamehameha Schools and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She holds a doctorate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. In 2014, Tupola was elected to represent District 43 (ʻEwa - Māʻili) in Hawaii’s State House of Representatives. In 2015 she became the first Samoan woman to serve as the State House Minority Leader and in 2016, she was re-elected to another term. In 2018, she was the Republican nominee in the Hawaii governor’s race. In 2021, Tupola was sworn in as Honolulu City Councilwoman to represent District 1 (ʻEwa Beach - Kaʻena Point). She served as Council Floor Leader and Chair of the Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee from 2021-2022. In 2023, she became Committee Chair for Public Infrastructure and Technology and in 2024 she was elected to a second term. More Info: FB: @AndriaTupola (20+) Facebook www.facebook.com/AndriaTupola Instagram: @andriatupola www.instagram.com/andriatupola/ Website: www.votetupola.com Priced Into Paradise: www.pricedintoparadise.com LinkedIn: (41) Andria Tupola | LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/andriatupola/ You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    27 min
  4. Episode #73: A Talk Story w/ Mindy Jaffe on Worms, Composting & Food Waste Solutions

    07/17/2024

    Episode #73: A Talk Story w/ Mindy Jaffe on Worms, Composting & Food Waste Solutions

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Mindy Jaffe, the worm lady. We will discuss composting, vermicomposting and how worms play a significant role in our food waste reduction and the hierarchy to reduce food waste while growing our community. We will share the hurdles and challenges faced over the last 20+ years in this waste sector and what we have overcome and accomplished thus far. Let’s learn together how we can support Hawaii’s future through composting! Mindy Jaffe: With over 20 years of experience, Mindy founded Waikiki Worm Company in 2004 which helped introduce vermicomposting to Hawaii. From there she became the coordinator of the Windward Zero waste School Hui, helped start the Oahu Worm Ohana and now working with the University of Hawaii as an educator in compositing. She is a wealth of knowledge and Hawaii is fortunate to have her dedicating her life to our food waste solutions. More Info: Facebook: @wormohana www.facebook.com/wormohana Instagram: @wormohana www.instagram.com/wormohana Website: www.wormohana.org and www.waikikiworm.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wormohana Email: mindy@waikikiworm.net You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    52 min
  5. Episode #72: A Talk Story w/ Chad Waters on Sustainable Development

    06/18/2024

    Episode #72: A Talk Story w/ Chad Waters on Sustainable Development

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Chad Waters, the founder and CEO of Hawaii Construction and Development Consulting HCDC. We will hear about a developers journey to sustainability and finding his true passion in green and sustainable building and development here in Hawaii. The hurdles, challenges and what he is doing to overcome them. With over 25 years of experience in the real estate and development industries, Chad combines proven strategies and progressive visions to create smarter, more sustainable solutions for building in Hawaii. During his downtime, Chad enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends and strives for a good work/life balance. He looks for inspiration from nature when hiking, standup paddling, and canoe paddling. More Info: FB: https://www.facebook.com/hawaiicdc @hawaiicdc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiicdc/ @hawaiicdc Website: www.hawaiicdc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-waters and https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawaii-construction-and-development-consulting/ Email: info@hawaiicdc.com You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠⁠

    53 min
  6. Episode #71: A Talk Story w/ the Hawaii Nature Center's Executive Director, Todd Cullison

    05/15/2024

    Episode #71: A Talk Story w/ the Hawaii Nature Center's Executive Director, Todd Cullison

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Todd Cullison, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Nature Center. We will learn about the Hawaii Nature Center, their keiki programs, education and volunteer opportunities.   Todd Cullison has over 25 years in non-profit experiences with the majority concentrated on watershed restoration and environmental education. Mr. Cullison started his tenure as the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center in August 2019 but has been connected to the Nature Center for many years as his son attended as a keiki.  Prior to the Hawaii Nature Center, he spent three years as the Director of Development at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.  From 2006-2016 Mr. Cullison was the Executive Director of Hui o Ko‘olaupoko, a non-profit working in windward O‘ahu to protect ocean health by restoring the ‘āina: mauka to makai. Before his relocation to Hawai‘i, he worked for nearly six years with five community groups on the north Oregon Coast focusing on salmon habitat restoration, community engagement and environmental education.  During college at Washington State University, he was a project leader/manager for four years at the Center for Environmental Education delivering K-12 classroom and in-the-field environmental education and implementation of stream restoration.  This was Mr. Cullison’s introduction to the impact of environmental education and the importance connecting all to nature. More Info & Contact: FB: www.facebook.com/HINatureCenter                               Instagram: Hawaiʻi Nature Center (@hawaiinaturecenter) • Instagram photos and videos Website: Hawaii Nature Center | Oahu's Best Kids Camp www.hawaiinaturecenter.org LinkedIn: (20) Hawaii Nature Center: Overview | LinkedIn Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HINatureCenter Phone:  (808) 955-0100 Location: 2131 Makiki Heights DriveHonolulu, Hawai‘i 96822 You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    59 min
  7. Episode #70: A Talk Story w/ Jacob Roberts on the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka'ako

    04/15/2024

    Episode #70: A Talk Story w/ Jacob Roberts on the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka'ako

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Jacob Roberts, Eco Rotary Club of Kakaako’s current president. We will chat all about our Rotary Club, how it differs from some of the other Rotary clubs out there, the environmental impact and the cool volunteer projects we work on in Hawaii! Jacob is a field sales consultant at Sunrun, Specializing in helping homeowners transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources, he emphasizes reducing carbon footprints and cutting electricity costs. His dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability is rooted in his academic background in marine biology and sustainable management. He has a bachelor's degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz and an MBA in sustainable management from Presidio Graduate School. His foremost objective is to facilitate environmental rejuvenation within his lifetime, striving for the restoration of biodiversity and natural equilibrium in ecosystems. His approach centers on sustainable urban development, permaculture, renewable energy, and the soil food web. As a certified soil food web consultant, he collaborates with clients across various scales, from residential gardens to expansive farms and urban environments, in advancing sustainable practices. Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako: Vision Statement To build a sustainable planet and future. Mission Statement Create sustainability through initiatives, innovation, education and strategic partnerships with local and global communities. Inspire and empower others with leadership, collaboration and service. 5 Areas of Focus: 1.    Environment 2.    Food Systems 3.    Clean Energy 4.    Waste Reduction 5.    Climate Action More Info & Contact: Email: ecorotarykakaako@gmail.com Website: www.ecorotary.org Instagram: @ecorotary: www.instagram.com/ecorotary/ Facebook: Eco Rotary Club of Kaka'ako: (20+) Facebook You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghawaii.org Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠⁠

    48 min
  8. Episode #69: A Talk Story w/ Ryan Naka on Project Vision Hawaii and Housing

    03/20/2024

    Episode #69: A Talk Story w/ Ryan Naka on Project Vision Hawaii and Housing

    Today we will continue our Sustainable Leaders series and have a Talk Story with Ryan Naka, Director of Philanthropy and Marketing for Project Vision Hawaii. We will zero in on Project Vision Hawaii, homelessness and how we are tackling this housing crisis we face as a state. From Emergency Proclamations, respites, shelters, and long-term housing for the houseless, we will share how Project Vision Hawaii is making a difference! Ryan Naka is the Director of Philanthropy & Marketing for Project Vision Hawaii. He got his start in fundraising while working on political campaigns which eventually led him to PVH in 2020. Since then, Project Vision Hawaii has grown from a couple dozen staff members to over 100 statewide. Ryan also a Realtor with the Smart Living Hawaii Team and works as a Business Consultant for his family’s company, Charley’s Taxi.  Project Vision Hawaii started in 2007 providing vision screenings in Title I schools across Hawaii, hence Project "Vision". Throughout the years, PVH evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization, leveraging partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and other community partners to maximize its impact. PVH continues to adapt and evolve in response to the ever-changing needs of the community. With a steadfast commitment to its founding principles of compassion, collaboration, and empowerment, Project Vision Hawaii remains a shining example of grassroots activism and collective impact, inspiring positive change for generations to come. More Info & Contact: info@projectvisionhawaii.org www.projectvisionhawaii.org @projectvisionhawaii IG & FB (808) 201-3937 You can reach Smart Living Hawaii at: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smartlivinghi.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smartlivinghawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_org Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SmartLivingHawaii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.org Intro/Outro Music Compliments: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/gotcha⁠

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Smart Living Hawaii’s Podcast where we discuss Smart Homes & Technology, Sustainability, Healthy Lifestyles (Food/Fitness/Well-Being) and Smart Business. Check us out at: www.SmartLivingHi.com, follow us on Instagram @smart_living_hawaii or LIKE us on Facebook @smartlivinghawaii #SmartHomes #SmartEco #SmartHealth #SmartBusiness

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Laney Mitre
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christina Laney Mitre
  • Show Website
    Smart Living Hawaii