Founding Artist

Erin is an actor and theatre-maker based in Honomū. She received her BA in Theater from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and trained at the Atlantic Acting School in New York City. She believes in the power of rich storytelling to bring communities together and change lives for the better. In 2024, in collaboration with her fellow Founding Artistic Members (aka The Hilo Honeys) she wrote, directed and performed LONG WAY HOME, a personal, poignant and hilarious exploration of Native Hawaiian identity and the meaning of home and belonging on Hawaiʻi Island.

Founding Artist

Born in NY. Bred in Hawaii (& Northern California) Based in Hilo. Jenn loves making stuff; from mashups to mixtapes, graphics to gowns, earrings to 8 counts… she is a multidisciplinary artist with an eye for style. After earning a BFA in theater from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Jenn toured the world as a professional dancer while continuing to train every chance she got. She loves honing her craft and has spent the past 10+ years sharing dance and theater throughout East Hawaii. To know Jenn is to experience her passion and dedication to exploring every inch of her creativity thru education, live works, and juicy collaborations.

Founding Artist

JK is a native of Hawai’i Island rooted in the ahupua’a of Waiākea with a long history as a techie and musician, dating back to younger years with PALC and the Ambassadors at Hilo High. Growing up stagecrafting and performing as a musician, the theater has always been a safe place to call home, whether seldom in the spotlight or more comfortably and fiercely behind the scenes. After many years of living in various cites on the continent and exploring different countries JK returned home to attain a BA in Anthropology from UH Hilo. JK hopes Mālama Arts can be a tool used to help cultivate and showcase our creative town of artists spanning across the ages, encouraging all to embrace the possibilities that our community can dream of for many generations to come. 

Founding Artist

Robin, who comes from a family of artists, was raised in Hāmākua and has been dancing, singing, acting, and theatre-making since she was a keiki. Among her most cherished memories is teaching the “Thriller” dance to more than 100 children in Kabula, Kenya—a moment that deepened her belief in the universal power of creativity. A graduate of Chapman University’s College of the Performing Arts, she spent many years travelling abroad before returning home, where she now serves as Business Manager of Center Stage Dance Alliance. She is grateful to contribute to projects that strengthen the community and build connection through the shared joy of the performing arts.

President of the Board
Founding Artist

Jennie Kaneshiro is a born and raised Hilo wahine with a deep love for the performing arts. After spending many years on the continent, she returned to Hilo with a wealth of arts experience and a renewed appreciation for her local community, She is a producer, director (Shrek The Musical, Once On This Island), stage performer and professional musician.  She is honored to be a founding member of Mālama Arts and a proud contributor to the vibrant theater scene in East Hawaii.

Vice President

Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter is Hawaiian Electric’s Director of Government and Community Affairs on Hawai‘i Island. Born and raised in Hilo, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. In addition to her professional role, she lends her experience and leadership to numerous boards and community organizations where she focuses on building resilient, connected and thriving communities.

Treasurer

Clayton Kaneshiro is a Hilo native and strong supporter of the performing arts in the community. He currently works as an analyst at Arcturus Research and math tutor at EB deSilva school. Prior to moving back home to Hawaii, he was a portfolio manager at Peak6. In his free time, he enjoys taking photos at performances and playing golf.

Secretary

Carla helps create meaningful connections, engaging programs, and opportunities that strengthen the local economic landscape through her work as Executive Officer at the Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce. Hilo born and raised, she is a graduate of UH Hilo and Tai Hsuan Foundation and spends her free time gardening or volunteering with her kids' sports teams and school organizations.

Member at Large

Laurie Higashi was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. After earning her BA in journalism and mass communication from Drake University, she moved to San Francisco where she enjoyed a career in the music industry as a booking agent for independent musicians. Laurie returned to Hilo in 2017 to be closer to family and is currently working in real estate, as well as active member or several community organizations. She is a passionate supporter of the arts, and is consistently blown away by the level of creative talent in her beautiful home town.