Our mission is to better the lives and future opportunities of the underserved youth and young adults of Hawaiʻi.
Vision Statement
Our Values
The Ignite A Life Foundation is a Hawaiian Non-Profit that creates programs for local, underprivileged or outer island youth. Our programs vary but have the core values of:
- Hoʻonaʻauao - Education
- Hoʻolālā ʻAno - Character Development
- Ka Moʻomeheu - Hawaiian Culture
- Ohana Hoʻopili - ‘Ohana Involvement
- Ka lawelawe kaiāulu - Community Service
- Lapaʻau - Medicine
Our Achievements & Legacy Programs
Over the years as have evolved and grown we with our students, ohana, and community, we have created a total of ten distinct programs:
- Lindamood Bell Summer Special Needs Program - 2010-2011
- Maui Preparatory Academy Paddling - 2011-2015
- Camp Kuleana - Summer 2012
- Kaho’olawe Expeditions 1 & 2 - 2012-2015
- Speakers of Hawaii - 2016-2017
- Alaka’i Youth Leadership Academy - 2018
- Hawaii Leaders Core - 2013-2019
Our Active Program
Our newest flagship initiative is the Hawaii Youth To Medicine Program. Started from 2020 to present. For more details please click here
Meet The Founders
Alexander Muto
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Robin Muto
Board of Directors
James Muto, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Muto has been practicing in Maui since 1996. He specializes in out-patient preventative and clinical cardiology. He's known for spending a great deal of time with his patients and managing complex problems.Dr. Muto was board certified in internal medicine in 1993, cardiovascular diseases in 1990, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and performed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of California Davis, the Veterans' Administration Medical Center and Texas Tech University Health Science Center in 1993. In addition, he has completed specialized programs in balloon angioplasty to the heart and extremities, permanent pacemaker placement, and ultrasound & nuclear scanning.
Michele Pupunu
Michele Mahealani Vierra Pupunu was born and raised in Kahana, Maui. Her college degree is in Business Administration. Her business skills combined with her warm and welcoming personality make Michelle a valued member of our Board Of Directors. Michele and her husband, Mike, have three beautiful sons – Xavier Damo And Kameryn And Karsyn Pupunu. The Pupunus attend Kahana Door Of Faith Church where Michele serves as church secretary and choir singer. When asked about free time, michele replies with a smile, “I have none.” she enjoys reading and being with her family, including pets Talulah and Kaleeb, and she loves the people, the spirit and the lifestyle on Maui. Michele Mahealani Vierra Pupunu was born and raised in Kahana, Maui. Her college degree is in Business Administration. Her business skills combined with her warm and welcoming personality make Michelle a valued member of our Board Of Directors. Michele and her husband, Mike, have three beautiful sons – Xavier Damo And Kameryn And Karsyn Pupunu. The Pupunus attend Kahana Door Of Faith Church where Michele serves as church secretary and choir singer. When asked about free time, michele replies with a smile, “I have none.” she enjoys reading and being with her family, including pets Talulah and Kaleeb, and she loves the people, the spirit and the lifestyle on Maui.
Buzz Dahlen
Buzz Dahlen has been involved with youth development since 1971. Having grown up in a single parent home, he experienced the benefits of the mentorship of his teachers, coaches and community center leaders. It was these men and women who shaped his life and motivated him to give his time to youth over the years. Buzz has served as Pastor for 20 years and has served as executive director of two non-profits over the last 10+ years. Presently, he is the founder & director of the non-profit, project thrive, whose challenge to today’s youth is…be above average.