Our Mission & Work
Hale Puna is a nonprofit organization that perpetuates the rich history of Kauai's westside while promoting cultural and economic resilience within the community.
We are dedicated to transforming some of West Kaua'i's most beautiful and iconic historic properties into powerful community assets. We transform neglected properties into vibrant hubs for local small businesses, local food growers and makers, and cultural celebration.
Historic Preservation
We have successfully revitalized the historic Kōkeʻe Lodge in Kōkeʻe State Park, turning a once fading landmark back into a thriving, active community hub for people gathering in and enjoying Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe.
We are committed to restoring and preserving the oldest house in Kauaʻi and the second oldest in all of Hawaiʻi, the Gulick-Rowell House in Waimea, Kauaʻi. This restoration is taking place under the guidance of leading restoration architect Glenn Mason.
Food Security
We empower communities with access to locally grown produce. We run a 1.3-acre micro-farm, host gardening events and youth agricultural learning programs, and hold a weekly farmer’s market featuring local farmers and artisans.
Strong Local Economies
We create new job opportunities that tap into the growing tourism economy on Kauaʻi’s West side. We envision Gulick-Rowell House as more than just a relic of the past; it’s a catalyst for economic revitalization. And we’ve proven it works! Revenues have grown over 300% in the six years since rehabilitation of Kōkeʻe Lodge started.
Our Founder
Jim Ballantine
Our Founder has an impressive 25-year career in the animation industry. He has worked on such well-known films as The Little Mermaid, Bambi II, The Rescuers Down Under, The Prince & The Pauper, and the cult classic The Ren & Stimpy Show, for which he received an Emmy-nomination. His family goes back six generations on the west side of Kaua‘i, where he was born and raised.
Our Board
Fanny Ballantine-Himberg
Fanny has been working as a community organizer with grassroots organizations focused on sustainable food systems for over 10 years. She is a founding member of Hale Puna, and is a passionate advocate for developing vibrant, resilient communities.
Michelle Clark
Michelle is the Kauaʻi Island Biologist with the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. She has spent the last 20 years working with others to preserve native ecosystems and save endangered species on Kauaʻi. She serves as the Kauaʻi representative on the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Natural Area Reserves System Commission.
Marie Mori
Marie is dedicated to enhancing wellness in Kauaʻi’s westside community. She focuses on resilience, women’s health, and post-natal care. She owns Makana Training Center West and manages the non-profit IWIKUA, working to empower the people, especially the women, of West Kauaʻi through fitness and wellness programs.
Diane Clarke
Diane owns and operates a virtual tutoring company, where she uses highly researched, specialized instruction to build academic fluency. She is a lecturer for Kauai Community College and Leeward Community College and a board-certified behavior analyst for Pakolea Supports Service. Originally from Kekaha, she is passionate about education and hands-on learning, and is an active community member on Kauaʻi.
Diane (Mizu) Sumida
Mizu is an accomplished ceramicist and highly engaged community member. She started a farm in Kona and then began her work at Kamehameha Investment Corporation Nursery as they transformed lava land into a resort destination. A Waimea high school and UH grad, Mizu works with native materials from Kauaʻi, and is committed to supporting Kauaʻi’s west-side community through arts and agriculture.
Our Staff
Anne Sueko Coyle
Executive Director & Treasurer
Anne has worked in marketing and communications for over 25 years, in Technology, Asset Management, and now nonprofits. She has a passion for all things extremely new and extremely old. Since starting work for Hale Puna, she has helped raise over $600,000 for their important community work. She is a fourth-generation Kaua‘i descendant and holds a deep love for the island’s history and stories in her heart.
Christina Pascua
Farmer's Market & Volunteer Coordinator
Christina has many roles, including managing the weekly farmers' market, managing local food vendors, coordinating volunteers, supervising DaBux employees at market, and managing the youth internship summer program. She also manages Hale Puna's social media presence and digital media content for the farmers’ market.
Cherie Haffner
Finance Administrator
Cherie has over two decades experience managing financial operations for small businesses across diverse sectors, including grocery retail, restaurant management, construction, and more recently, non-profits. She co-owned a successful construction business with her husband for over 18 years. She has a personal interest in community-sourced, nutritious food.
Christie Tanner
Farm Manager
Christie received her agricultural education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she was recognized with the prestigious California Nurserymen's Association award for excellence. She ran a thriving wholesale nursery business featuring over 600 plant varieties for over 15 years. She now oversees Hale Puna’s 1-acre farm and helps with the youth agricultural learning programs.
