Board of Directors
Who We Are
NT Dottie “Georgette Kyser“
Board Member and Kupuna advisor
My name is NT Dottie “ Georgette Kyser “ a kanaka maoli, born and raised in Opihikao, Puna. My parents are Gabriel L. Kealoha lll from Kaimu, Hawaii and Mary K. Makuakane from Opihikao, Hawaii. I had 4 brothers and 3 sisters, who all live in lower Puna. My husband is Michael W. Kyser SR, a son, Michael JR, 2 daughters, Nikki K. Florendo, daughter Jayden Florendo and Nina K. Lominario , “ Dwayne Lominario “, daughter Destiny Lominario and son Dwayne Jr. Lominario. Our hale in Leilani and now Maku’u Homestead has been a gathering place for our Ohana and friends. Our doors are always open for those that need a safe place, a friend to talk story, come get a hug or just to hang out. We continue to practice our cultural traditions and teach our keiki’s, mo'opuna and whoever comes over to help. My passion has alway been to help anyone in their time of need. Our Kupuna and keiki are an important aspect in my life. I was the vice Chairman/President from 2/8/2019 until 1/14/2024 of Pōhaku Pelemaka and I am now a Board of Director and Kupuna Advisor.
Jennifer Waipa
Board Treasurer
Aloha, my name is Jennifer Waipa, I work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the Visitor Services Manager at the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse in Kīlauea, Kauaʻi. I was born in California, but after one month, was brought to Keaukaha on Hawaiʻi Island to be raised by my aunty and uncle. I worked at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park as an Archaeologist in the Cultural Resource Management program for several years prior to my current position. I currently reside in Kalihiwai, Kaua'i. I am a Board of Director of Pōhaku Pelemaka.
I am married to Yoshito LʻHote, from Geneva, Switzerland, and have three adult children, Maluhia, Kaleiokalanakila, and ʻIlilani who were all born in Koaʻe, Puna. I raised my children in the place that my grandfather, who is kamaʻāina to Kapaʻahu, Puna, provided for us, and now it is time for me to give back.
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Pōhaku Pelemaka, Board of Director since 1/14/24 and now the current Treasurer from 6/30/24
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USFWS, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Visitor Services Manager
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Lineal and cultural descendant of Puna.
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Birthed and raised 3-children on our ʻāina in Koaʻe, Puna, Hawaiʻi
Michael “Mikey” Kyser Jr.
Vice President
Aloha, my name is Michael “Mikey” Kyser Jr., a kanaka maoli, born and raised in Opihikao, Puna. My parents are Georgette (Kealoha) Kyser from Opihikao, Puna, Hawaii and Michael Kyser Sr. from Kalapana, Puna, Hawaii. I have two sisters, who both live in lower Puna. I grew up learning the traditional practices of lawaiʻa, mahi ʻai, music, and most of all Aloha e na ʻohana. We spent a lot of time with all our families having parties and enjoying each other. I spent years on Mauna Kea as a kiaʻi with my ʻohana protecting our sacred Mauna from being desecrated. I also lived in North Dakota with our fellow cousins at Standing Rock. I strongly believe in equal rights for our Kanaka Maoli and indigenous peoples. I am currently the Vice President of Pohaku Pelemaka, preceding my mother who has been Vice Chair since 2019. I am also one of the Hawaii Island Representatives for E Ala Pū within Kua ʻAina Ulu Auamo (KUA) and the President of Kahu ʻAIna o Puna 501(c)3.
Yoshito L'Hote
Board President/Chair
Aloha, my name is Yoshito L'Hote,
I am currently the CEO for a non-profit, 'Aina Ho'okupu o Kilauea and I currently reside in Kalihiwai, Kaua'i. I am also the current President/Chair of Pōhaku Pelemaka since October 2022.
I am married to Jennifer Waipa, from Kapa'ahu, Puna, Hawaii and have three adult children, Malu, Kalei, and Ililani who were all born in Koaʻe, Puna. I lived in Puna, in Koa'e, Kapoho from 1993 until 2008. I have raised my kids in lower Puna, in a place that provided for us and now it is time for me to give back.
I manage the Kīlauea Ag Park which consists of 45-acres. We focus on sustainability of food crops, animal husbandry and supplying local stores and families with food on a weekly basis.
Leah Gouker
Board Secretary
Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Leah Gouker. My ʻohana moved to Pāhoa in 1990 when I was five years old. I am a grassroots community activist and a single mother of two girls, Maluhia and Hulali. I am a 12- year Dagger, and now work as a Social Studies teacher at my alma mater. I have a BA in Journalism and a Certificate in Peace Studies from UH Manoa, and a teaching certification from Kahoʻiwai. In addition to teaching, I work part-time as the Mentor for ʻAha Lamakū ʻOiaʻiʻo, and administrative assistant for Kealoha Estate. I also have a small business making skin care products using noni. My daughters and I are ʻōlapa in Hālau Hula Te Haʻa Lehua under Kumu Hula Kauilani Almeida. I am wholly dedicated to the betterment of my community through social, environmental, political, and economic justice for Kanaka Maoli. I am the secretary of the board of directors for Pōhaku Pelemaka.
Leina’ala Makuakane Kaualalena Kealoha
Board Member
Aloha, my name is Leina’ala Makuakane Kaualalena Kealoha. I was born and raised on Hawaii Island. I am the third of four daughters. My father is John David Kaualalena Kealoha and mother is Gail Bee Holland. I want to ensure that the places I grew up in are going to be there for the future generations. I am passionate about Aloha ʻĀina and I love to spend time with my family.
I graduated from Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School in 2008 and I was part of the first year of students who started with the school. I am a part of the 2nd graduating class in 2009. I participated in many years of Makahiki celebration, Arbor Day, Earth day, and many other events .I teach Lauhala weaving. I have been working at Pahoa Elementary School for over 15 years and I have been a part of Pōhaku Pelemaka since 2019 and served as the treasurer until 2022. I now serve as a Board of Director for Pōhaku Pelemaka. I am also the Treasurer for Nanawale Community Association.
Makani Gregg
Program Coordinator
Aloha nui! I’m Makani Gregg. I am originally from Kailua and Waimānalo, Oʻahu and moved here to Hawaiʻi island in 2005 for college at UH Hilo. I earned a Bachelors of Arts in Marine Science in 2005 and Masters of Science in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science in 2013. I am fortunate to still live in Pohoiki with my daughter Kaiuli Kahookaulana while my parents live in Makuʻu Hawaiian Homes. I was the Treasurer of Pōhaku Pelemaka from 2020-2024 because I want to auamo kuleana as a resident of Puna and because I want to be a vessel for nā akua ame kūpuna.
Leila Kealoha
Executive Director
Aloha, my name is Leila Kealoha and I am the daughter of John David and Gail Kealoha. I have three sisters and I was born and raised in Lower Puna. I am married to my husband Jonathan of 20 years and we have two sons, Thomas and Joseph. We reside in Makuʻu Hawaiian Homesteads where we relocated from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption..
My husband and I founded Ke Aloha ‘Aina Foundation, LLC in 2016 to service the needs of landowners in forestry, agriculture and natural and cultural resource management through culturally appropriate and sensitive land management opportunities. My passion is to ensure that our places we grew up in are protected, preserved and held in perpetuity for our keiki and for the seven generations to come.
I was a teacher for 17 ½ years servicing our keiki in Puna with Kua O Ka La PCS. I have my teaching license in Science and natural resources, grades 6-12, which I received through Halau Wanana, UH-Hilo. I have received two Associates degrees at Hawaii Community College in Liberal Arts and Tropical Forest Ecosystems and Agroforestry Management (Forest TEAM), my Bachelor's degree from Ashford University in Environmental Studies and my Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Chaminade. I was the President/Chair of Pōhaku Pelemaka from 2019 -2022 and now I am the current Executive Director.