Mahina Paishon-Duarte

Mahina Paishon-Duarte currently serves as head of school for Kanu o ka Aina Public Charter School, serving youth in grades K-12 in Waimea, Hawaii with programs across five islands. Mahina is a social entrepreneur who has worked in a number of educational and cultural organizations. Most notably, she is the founding executive director of Paepae o Heeia, policy program manager with Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and head of school of Halau Ku Mana Public Charter. Mahina holds advanced degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Hawaii Pacific University. She serves on the boards of Kahilu Theatre, the Oahu Economic Development Board, Friends of Iolani Palace, and Paepae o Heeia.