In 2021-2022, researched current environmental education certification programs across the United States with support from the North American Association for Environmental Education to learn about best practices. (See ABEC models and recommendations here.)

Worked with the Hawaiʻi Environmental Education Alliance in 2022 to survey more than 170 individuals including students and teachers from across Hawaiʻi to provide direction in forming the pilot program. High priorities that emerged are: expanding relationships among ʻāina-based educators and community partners to reinforce place-based learning, and ensuring that education integrates Hawaiian culture and language as well as nurtures collective responsibility for environmental stewardship. (See the opinion survey summary here.)

Incorporated the Wai Huihia Kumu Network of ʻĀina-Based Educators promoting peer teaching and learning. Led by the Mālama Learning Center, school year 2024-25 marks the 6th year of operation.

Produced outreach tools such as videos and other learning resources, airing videos on statewide television, Outside Hawaiʻi.

Pilot tested prototype ABEC programs for educators and students with partners. The Aʻo ʻĀina Professional Development Program and its predecessor, the Natural Resources Professional Development program was co-conducted in 2023 and 2024 by Kupu and Mālama Learning Center with ABEC in mind.

In 2023, received valuable feedback from the Natural Resources Sector Partnership. (See summary slides here.) 

Conducted an interactive session at the 2023 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference. (See small group brainstorming here.)

2023-2024 conducted various teacher professional development externships and courses.

Engaged high school students in Mālama Learning Center's Aloha ʻĀina intern program and Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge in 2024.

In 2024, established an Advisory Group of experienced formal and non-formal educators and cultural practitioners, providing invaluable input to shape the ABEC program.

Fall 2024 - First set of haumāna (student) and kumu (teacher) ABE Certificates awarded to participants from Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Aʻo ʻĀina Professional Development course conducted by Kupu and Mālama Learning Center for educators began in February 2025 and concluded in June 2025. Teachers earned PDE3 credits along with the ABE certificate of completion.

High School students in Mālama Learning Center's Aloha ʻĀina intern program in Spring 2025 working toward earning ABE Certificates for Haumāna in summer 2025.

Conducted "Rediscovering Our Community Forests Professional Development" course for educators on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi (April - August 2025); teachers earned PDE3 credits along with the ABE certificate of completion.

Developed and analyzed (May-June 2025) survey results from the ʻĀina-Based Education sector to provide the strategic foundation for establishing a new ʻĀina-Based Education Community of Practice.