Kamakanaokealoha M. Aquino is from Waimānalo, Oʻahu and the Native Hawaiian Coordinator for Hui ʻĀina Pilipili: Native Hawaiian Initiative at the College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He supports the College in recruiting more Native Hawaiians and developing programs and partnerships towards making the College a Hawaiian place of learning. Kamakana graduated with a BA Hawaiian Studies and a MEd in Educational both from UH Mānoa.

When Tami Cole graduated from Trinity University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, she never imagined that 20 years later she would be working towards her Master’s degree in Religion. Through her years of working as an observer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), captaining a scuba diving vessel, and owning a parasailing business, she would have never guessed that taking one yoga class would change her life’s trajectory in such an immense way. Five yoga teacher trainings later and 10 joyous years of sharing the gifts of yoga practice with students of all ages and abilities, she found herself delving into the academic side of Sanskrit and Indian religions at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

Tami’s love of learning and sharing knowledge is ceaseless, as she most recently completed her English teaching practicum at Leeward Community College, thus earning her certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) through the International TEFL Academy.

Tami walked into her first yoga class not expecting that she would leave with a whole new outlook on life. The practice of yoga continues to guide her as she endeavors to move through life with awareness, understanding, acceptance, and connection. She teaches yoga in the hope that it will do the same for others.

Mr. Ryan Hata was born and raised in Honolulu, HI before getting his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Then, he went to San Francisco State and received his Master of Arts degree in Asian American Studies. Afterward, he went to teach English in Tottori, Japan as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. Upon completion, he moved to New York City and obtained his MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

He is currently the Events Program Manager at The Jerome A. Chazen Institute part of Columbia University's Business School. He currently manages the visiting scholars program, which includes the Lulu Chow Wang Senior Visiting Scholars program. He also runs high profile speaker events such as the Sir Gordon Wu Forum, the Nand and Jeet Khemka Forum, and the N.T. Wang Distinguished Lecture. Outside of work, he is still heavily involved with the JET alumni community volunteering as the Vice President for the New York chapter and sits on the Board of Advisors for the JET Alumni Association International. When not working and volunteering, Ryan enjoys to travel, hike, swim, and play basketball.

Kathryn Murata is currently serving as a Graduate Intern at Leeward Community College's Office of International Programs. She was born and raised in Pearl City, Hawaii and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese Studies and minor in Politics from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. After graduating, she worked as an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program for 2 years and also in administrative capacities at Hawaii Tokai International College and the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.

Kathryn is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in International Education Management at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Part of her final semester includes a professional practicum experience, which she is completing at Leeward Community College. She also volunteered for the 2020 NAFSA Region XII Conference as a Cultural Components committee member and is an active member of JET Alumni Association- Hawaii chapter. During her free time, Kathryn enjoys playing the flute, listening to music, and watching movies with her family.

Born and raised on Maui, Hannah leads Blue Planet’s community outreach strategies, delivering presentations, organizing outreach events, and inspiring community action statewide. She manages our devoted volunteers in mission lingo, outreach initiatives (e.g., efficiency games), and event support.

Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Social Sciences with a focus in Environmental Law and Politics from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. Hannah is a certified LEED® Green Associate™, and is a member of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Young Professionals Program.

Before Blue Planet

Hannah previously worked at the Hawaii Nature Center as an environmental educator, teaching elementary and middle school students about the environment through interactive learning. She also helped establish two environmental summer camps aimed at providing middle school and high school students with an understanding of sustainable farming, film making, and environmental stewardship with Maui Huliau Foundation.

Did You Know?

Hannah makes her own jewelry.

Why Hannah Loves Working at Blue Planet Foundation

“I am passionate about the environment and my community. I’m surrounded by like-minded individuals, who are forward-thinking, idea-driven, highly collaborative, and dedicated to accelerating Hawaii towards 100 percent clean energy. I believe our team, will make a difference and continue to be a model for global change. I am excited to be an integral part of that journey!”