Our Board of Directors
As a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, we are grateful for the support and collaboration of our Board of Directors. Kohala Food Hub is fortunate to have passionate and dedicated leaders in our community helping pave the way for increased food access and a localized agricultural economy.
President
Sarah Freeman
Sarah Freeman has been the Food System Specialist and Food Access Coordinator for the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development since October 2019. In her role, she works with partners to increase collaboration and identify funding for community-initiated projects that improve Hawai’i’s food systems. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, concentrating on urban agriculture, conflict resolution, and city repair. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University and is a Food Systems for Health Bloomberg Fellow. Sarah has over 10 years of nonprofit experience and has worked on community-initiated projects and actions in the U.S., India, Brazil, and Ecuador. She moved to Hawai’i in 2017 and worked for HIP Agriculture as their Farm Manager and Non-Profit Managing Director. While at HIP Ag, Sarah supported the Kohala Farm to School and Garden to Cafeteria Pilot programs and the development of the Kohala Food Hub, the Post Secondary Apprenticeship Program, and the High School Internship Program.
Vice President
Leelan Park
Born and raised in North Kohala on Hawai’i Island, Leelen obtained his bachelor's degree in education from the University of HawaiÊ»i at Manoa and embarked on a career in the non-profit sector, starting with The Boy Scouts of America. In April 2020, he was approached to join The Food Basket, where he assumed the role of COVID-19 Project Manager, overseeing and executing islandwide Ohana Food Drops - a series of large-scale food distribution events. Over his tenure, Leelen spearheaded a total of 170 Ohana drops. He progressed through the ranks, first as Deputy Director for the Healthy Food Access Initiatives, later as Director of Community Engagement and Innovation, and finally ending his tenure with The Food Basket as Director of Development. Leelen recently returned to his hometown of North Kohala to serve as the Executive Director for the North Kohala Community Resource Center.
Treasurer
Erika Kuhr
Erika Kuhr has lived in North Kohala, Hawaii for the last sixteen years, where she has studied, practiced and taught farming, nutrition, herbal medicine and cooking with local crops. She is dedicated to improving the health of the community through founding and directing the Hawai'i Institute of Pacific Agriculture nonprofit organization. Erika has co-hosted and provided farmer training to over 200 adults in HIP Ag’s residential farmer training programs. She educates youth in school gardens, on the farm, and in the community. Erika graduated from San Diego State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition Sciences and a B.A. in Spanish. Erika is thoroughly committed to youth, ensuring they have access to fresh food through building a localized food economy that creates peaceful and happy communities. Erika is happily married to her husband and co-director Dash Kuhr, they have three children.
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Secretary
Kathy Matsuda
Born & raised in North Kohala and a proud graduate of Kohala High School and Cannon's Business College. She serves as Honorary Director for NKCRC, member ofvarious community groups such as Health & Wellness, Culture & History, Agriculture, and the Kohala Community Plan. She holds positions as Youth Director at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Diocese Youth Committee, and Chartered Organization rep for Boy Scouts of America. Member of CERT, Kohala Neighborhood Watch, and theVibrant Hawaii Resilience Hub Core Team, Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai, Hawaii United Okinawa Association Executive Council, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii, and HawaiiIsland Leader, and board Secretary for Kohala Food Hub.
Director
Bill Wong
Born and raised in North Kohala, Bill Wong has spent his lifetime giving back to his community. As a fourth generation Native Hawaiian, he has dedicated his time to promoting sustainability as a local rancher and farmer. Bill has long been known as the former founder and president of ATV Outfitters Hawaii and Kohala Ditch Adventures. The eco-tour companies brought many jobs to the local community and educated visitors on the natural history and culture of the island for nearly 25 years. He served as General Manager for ‘Iole Hawai’i, setting the foundation for collaboration between educators in developing a mindful approach to the preservation and growth of Kohala. These days, Bill is the proprietor at 17 Ranch, Inc. and takes pride in training horses and stock dogs as well as competing in equestrian events. He has a passion for Western culture and sharing his vast knowledge of local history with other residents and visitors. Additionally, Bill is a professional butcher and instructor currently working on a certification program with the University of Hawai’i where he will pass along the craft and skill set of animal agriculture to the next generation. When you don’t find him tending to his citrus orchard, or working cattle, he is likely in the company of his ohana. He enjoys spending time with his three blossoming grandsons, and fiance, Regina, as well as their many rescued animals.
Director
Delphina Dorrance
Bio Coming Soon
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Director
Ron Meyer
Born and raised in Iowa, Ron Meyer attended Stanford University and earned his A.B. degree in economics. He received a J.D. degree from Stanford Law School. After law school, Ron first served as a law clerk to a United States District Judge in San Francisco. In 1977 he joined the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in Los Angeles where he practiced commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on complex financial and contractual transactions. Ron and his family moved to the Big Island in June 2010. He retired from practicing law in March 2016. Ron lives on the Kohala Coast and has one daughter.
Director
Maya Parish
Maya has been directing Kohala Food Hub since November 2021, overseeing considerable growth in the number of community members served, local producers supported, and collaborative partnerships created. Prior to that, Parish supported local agricultural initiatives on the island for many years through producing educational workshop series, videos and events. She has gratefully called Kohala home since 2013.
Maya has worked extensively as a community organizer and she currently sits on North Kohala’s CDP Advisory Group, and co-chairs the CDP Agricultural sub-group.
Previous employment includes Operations Manager of Escape Hatch, LLC, Programs Manager at Kohala Institute at ‘Iole, Teacher with Keiki Yoga Kohala, Teaching Artist at The Unusual Suspects, and CareActor with Kaiser Permanente.