Voices from our ʻOhana

I’m Lori-Lee Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Pahala. I am the Ka’u Field Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy. My dad has been working for Edmund Olson and the Olson Trust No. 2 since 2006. My mom has been working there since 2019. Throughout the years from 2008 - 2025, both myself and my two brothers have spent time working for Ka’u Farms Management and Ka’u Coffee Mill, before moving on to other career goals. We have all gained valuable work experience and training there, and my fiancee also currently works for Ka’u Farms Management.

The Trust has helped me by paying for my college education, which is a very important part of my being selected as TNC Field Coordinator. I also didn’t realise until after I applied for TNC Field Technician (before coordinator) that I needed 5 calendar years of documented job experience. I was only 22 years old at the time, in 2023. Thankfully, because I had been working part-time for Ka’u Coffee Mill in 2018-2019, I had the W-2 forms I needed to qualify, and was selected for the job.

Edmund Olson and The Olson Trust No. 2 has helped many other young people pay for their higher education, and has provided many jobs for our community members. They have also made a lot of donations for community events and services. Most importantly, Ed bought our Pahala Shopping Center, so that our essential businesses such as the Pharmacy, Post Office, Grocery Store, and Bank could remain open for the community. He has also kept thousands of acres of lands in Ka’u and statewide for agriculture and conservation.

My hope for the future of the Edmund Olson Trust No. 2 is that it continues to focus on helping people, and taking care of our precious undeveloped land. As Ed was quoted on a former website “Hawaiʻi is so beautiful, let’s protect it.” I truly believe this, which is why I have chosen to be a Conservationist here in my beloved hometown of Kaʻu!