Community-centered sustainability research and training program at 'Iole

Develop a program at the ahupua'a of 'Iole in north Hawai'i Island as a center of knowledge generation and exchange focused on guiding a sustainable future for the islands of Hawai'i, blending knowledge from Kupuna to local and intenational students, and from native and traditional approaches to science. The proposed three-pronged approach combines:

1. applied science focused on quantifying the impacts of agroforestry on food sustainability, water resources, water quality, and carbon storage;

2. engagement with the local community to guide research directions and co-produce knowledge that is locally applicable;

3. train undergraduate and graduate students in community-centered research.

The program would leverage Arizona State University's and the Hawai'i Community Foundations's joint investment in 'Iole and the community of North Kohala, with the goal of developing knowledge to guide sustainable living across Hawai'i. It would support training programs for university students from across the world while including opportunities for knowledge exchange with local students and community leaders. Scientific research would be informed and culturally guided by local practitioners with results applicable across the Pacific Islands.