What Does Community Governance Look Like for Molokai? 

Molokai Bahá’í Community Media Release

“Ea: Community Governance” will be the topic of a community talk story at the Molokai Public Library on Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. This session, presented by Zhantell Dudoit Lindo and Kawaipuna Kalipi of Molokai Heritage Trust, explores how communities build the capacity, structures, and collective responsibility needed to steward our own lands, resources, and future.

Molokai Heritage Trust is rooted in the belief that our communities already hold the knowledge needed to reshape our future. This workshop explores community governance as a living, place-based practice grounded in ʻāina. Participants will reflect on how governance begins within ʻohana and grows through relationships across neighborhoods, districts, and island-wide networks. The session highlights Molokai community values while exploring how decision-making and accountability can be rooted in trust, cultural grounding and collective responsibility.

Through discussion and reflection, attendees will consider how community governance — caring for land, water, cultural places, and future generations — is all of our kuleana. This workshop invites community members, practitioners, and leaders to imagine and strengthen locally grounded approaches that support the long-term well-being of ʻāina and people.

Zhantell Dudoit Lindo is a Molokai-born leader with deep generational ties to the island and a strong commitment to the protection and stewardship of ʻāina. As CEO of the Molokai Heritage Trust, Zhantell leads strategic efforts to restore lands on Molokai to community stewardship while advancing initiatives that support responsible land management, cultural stewardship and community-based governance.  

Born and raised on Molokai, Kawaipuna “Puna” Kalipi has ties to Manaʻe and Hoʻolehua. As the Director of Development, Acquisitions, and Strategy of the Molokai Heritage Trust, Puna brings deep cultural grounding, community connection, and a steadfast commitment to protecting what makes Molokai, Molokai.  

The Global Citizenship Speaker Series is presented by the Molokai Bahá’í Community in collaboration with Molokai Public Library to encourage conversations around global issues of importance to Molokai. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served.