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Ho’ākeolapono Trades Academy & Institute
3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy STE 1300 #349, Lihue, HI, 96766
808-652-4208
STAFF & FACULTY
Hoʻākeolapono’s dedicated staff and faculty are committed to fostering personal growth by offering diverse skills and experiences. Our highly qualified team creates a safe, supportive environment where every individual is valued and empowered through engaging and transformative learning opportunities.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Alex Wong
Alex is dedicated to helping students and interns improve their proficiency in mathematics, finance, business, and technical skills while guiding them through essential safety certifications.
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As the founder of Kauaʻi Farm Planning, Alex specializes in aiding property owners in the planning and execution of commercial and homestead farm operations, regardless of zoning constraints. Their expertise spans various areas, including Drone/GPS survey, GIS/Mapping for crop planning, permitting, farm infrastructure, soil and water conservation, landscape planning, crop scheduling, small business networking and masterminding, as well as land use planning and permitting.
Alex holds an M.S. in Geographic Information Systems from John’s Hopkins University and earned a B.A. with a double major in Anthropology and Political Economics from UC Berkeley.
Kelci Yomen
Recognizing the significant gap in tradeswomen, Kelcie developed the Nā Wāhine training program to address this need. In 2021, she collaborated with Lawaiʻa to launch the Hoʻākeolapono HVAC Training and Certification program in 2022, welcoming new individuals every semester.
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Kelcie has over five years in the building and construction trades and has extensive knowledge and experience in career.
Kelcie is a Kauaʻi native, and trades graduate from KCC in Massage Therapy, HCC Electrical Installation, and Maintenance. In December 2020, Kelcie graduated from an HVAC program in Arizona and moved home. Kelcie now holds dual roles at Kauai Refrigeration Services Inc. as supervisor and lead technician Kelcie and two sisters are among the few Female Certified HVAC Technicians on the island of Kauaʻi.
Due to the massive gap between tradeswomen, Kelcie worked to develop a Nā Wāhine training program to fill a need. She then started conversations with Lawai’a in ’21, and the Hoʻākeolapono HVAC Training and Certification program was launched in 2022 and welcomes new individuals every semester.
OUR STAFF
Lexi Jones
Kawai Lingaton
Kaiola Lingaton