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s development picks up on Maui for both restorative and regular construction projects, companies are taking extra measures to ensure the environmental and cultural integrity of the land withstands new builds.

That’s where Ledcor Maui Cultural Advisor Clifford Nae‘ole steps in, offering his cultural expertise to guide the company into ethical building practices.

“In this role, I am helping to educate the Ledcor Maui office on the traditions and rich history of Maui and the Hawaiian people,” says Nae‘ole. “In this capacity, it is my kuleana to say ‘yes’ and to say ‘no.’”

After previously working in the hospitality industry for over 33 years, Nae‘ole is now finding happiness in sharing cultural knowledge when needed and simply “just be[ing] me.”

Question: Can you share what your professional journey was like?

Answer: I will not say “professional journey” but I will say “life experiences.” For over 33 years, I was involved with the hospitality industry. I have seen the gamut of traditions and expectations throughout this time. I was raised on Maui and trained as a chanter and hula dancer. My upbringing laid the foundation for me to become the cultural advisor for the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, a position I held for over 30 years. I also founded and organized the Celebration of the Arts Festival, which began in 1992 and just celebrated its 33rd year in April. Having recently retired from the Ritz-Carlton, I welcomed the opportunity to join Honua Consulting and am now working as a cultural advisor for Ledcor Maui.

Q: Can you describe your current role?

A: I will continue to be a cultural advisor and share what I have learned and continue to learn as I work with Ledcor Maui as they formulate plans for future development in South Maui. … Fortunately, Ledcor Maui has been open to listening and hearing both of these words. Currently, we are working with other cultural practitioners and leaders in the community on opportunities to share our mo‘olelo about Honua‘ula.

Q: How have you seen yourself
grow professionally and personally over the years?

A: I would reiterate that I have grown through experiencing the culture and whatever it offers me.

Q: Did you have any notable mentors over the years? How did they impact your career/personal development?

A: Kahu Lyons Naone of Hana, Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau of Wailuku and Kumu Hokulani Holt-Padilla of Waiehu, Maui all taught me humility and pride at the same time.

Q: What were your biggest challenges throughout your career, and how did you overcome them?

A: I guess the reparation of the iwi kūpuna at Honokahua. The willingness for corporations to listen to “yes” and “no” was critical to moving through that experience.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

A: That I can somehow represent the culture in advising corporations on how to proceed forward in planning for the future while being respectful of the past and paying homage to those who came before us.

Q: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what
would it be?

A: Listen to all that the elders have to express. We are all connected to the past be it warriors, high priests, farmers or doctors. I know how important it is to listen, learn and share. If everyone wants to have this attitude, the world would be a better place.

Q: What do you like to do during your time off?

A: I like to spend time at the beach and oceanside. There was a time that fishing and diving played a major role in my life. I have fond memories of surfing at Ho‘okipa and diving in Mākena. Nowadays I can take pleasure in watching others enjoy the ocean and all that it has to offer.

Q: Plate lunch or poke?

A: This is a solid tie. Both are cravings that need to be filled!