Jennifer Keʻala Barra
Hoʻokuleana LLC, Vice President
1539 Kanapuʻu Drive
Kailua, Hawaiʻi 96734
JenniferBarra@Hookuleana.com
(808) 291-1727 – cell phone
jennifer.k.barra – Skype
Click Here for Printable Summary
Place of Birth:
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
(Lifetime Hawaiʻi Resident – grew up in ʻAiea, Current resident of Kailua on the Windward side of Oʻahu)
Degrees/Schooling:
Master of Urban and Regional Planning (Emphasis – Environmental Planning)
University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa; December 2002
Bachelor of Science – Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
Colorado State University, Fort Collins; May 1998
Punahou School
Mānoa, Hawaiʻi; June 1994
Professional Career:
Hoʻokuleana LLC
Vice President 2008 – present
Private planning and consulting firm assisting property owners with land use planning efforts, including environmental review, entitlement process, permitting, community outreach, etc
State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land & Natural Resources
Assistant to the Chairperson/Project Coordinator 2004-2008
Served as the Chairperson’s liaison with departmental staff, other government agency personnel, the Legislature, community members and private industry representatives in the exchange of ideas, information, work products and in resolving issues and problem areas. Project management including presentations to the BLNR, community coordination and project implementation.
NOAA – National Marine Fisheries Service (via contract thru RCUH)
Resource Management Liaison 2004
Acted as a liaison between community and local governments regarding the management and use of coastal resources and their impact on protected marine species. Evaluated strategies and materials for cooperative education seminars and public outreach. Reviewed strategies for emergency response for marine protected species, including collaborative strategies with government and private partners to establish community knowledge of laws and policies regarding marine protected species.
Hofman Planning Associates (Carlsbad, California)
Assistant Planner 2003-2004
Responsible for the coordination of consultants, exhibits and supporting materials in the development and submittal of a variety of permits and applications to the City of Carlsbad. Researched and developed environmental assessments and mitigation reports. Assisted principal planners with planning research and development.
University of Hawaiʻi – Social Science Research Institute
Planning Assistant 2001-2002
Assisted with the implementation of the Federal Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA) Project Impact for Kauaʻi County. Helped communities on Kauaʻi to assess their risks from natural hazards by gathering natural hazard, vulnerable populations and land use data to design regional mitigation plans. Organized and facilitated community meetings. Developed and fostered partnerships between county, state, federal and private agencies.
University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program – Hanauma Bay Education Program
Education Assistant 1999-2001
Responsible for the presentation and development of education programs to park users, school groups and community groups. Developed educational materials, displays and brochures. Assisted with the expansion of the program through community outreach. Coordinated volunteer activities. Coordinated and oversaw various educational community events highlighting Hawaiʻi’s marine environment.
Professional and Community Leadership Positions and Membership:
- American Planning Association – Member – 2003-Present
- Hawaii Economic Association – Board Member – 2012
- Friends of Hanauma Bay – Treasurer – 2010-Present
Served as DLNR Representative for:
- Governor’s Affordable Housing Task Force 2004
- Governor’s Waianae Revitalization Task Force 2006
- Governor’s Energy Initiatives Task Force
- Leadership Group Member 2006-2007
- Recreational Uses Local Action Strategy for Coral Reefs
- Steering Committee Member 2005-2008
- Ocean Resources Management Plan 2005-2008