Episode 13 – Kahi Pacarro
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Kahi Pacarro is a candidate for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 19, and the CEO of Tribenni. He is a co-founder and board member of Sustainable Coastlines, serves as Director of Parley for the Oceans, and is a Commissioner for the City and County of Honolulu.
In this episode of Pilali, cohosts Ashley and Wren sit down with environmental advocate and entrepreneur Kahi Pacarro to discuss ocean conservation, community leadership, and the evolving role of civic engagement in Hawaiʻi. Kahi reflects on his upbringing in Kailua, his early career in finance and real estate, and the moment when witnessing environmental degradation during his travels pushed him to rethink his path. That shift ultimately led him to found Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi, where he has spent more than a decade mobilizing communities to address marine debris and protect Hawaiʻi’s shorelines.
Ashley and Wren explore the scale of plastic pollution in the Pacific and the deeper systems driving it, from industrial fishing practices to global consumer culture. Kahi shares how his work expanded through global partnerships like Parley for the Oceans and youth initiatives such as Ocean Uprise, which empower young leaders to take action on climate and environmental issues. The conversation also touches on civic participation and Kahi’s decision to run for public office, reflecting his belief that protecting Hawaiʻi’s environment requires both grassroots action and stronger democratic engagement.