Our mission is to better the lives and future opportunities of the underserved youth and young adults of Hawaiʻi.

Vision Statement

The vision for this organization is to channel the best resources and opportunities from around the world to local communities across Hawaiʻi. We will provide programs and promote community leaders that meet the needs of the youth and young adults of these local communities.

Our Values

The Ignite A Life Foundation is a non-profit that creates programs for local and outer island youth. Our programs vary and all share the same core values of:

  1. Hoʻonaʻauao - Education
  2. Hoʻolālā ʻAno - Character Development
  3. Ka Moʻomeheu - Hawaiian Culture
  4. Ohana Hoʻopili - ʻOhana Involvement
  5. Ka lawelawe kaiāulu - Community Service
  6. Lapaʻau - Medicine


Our Achievements & Legacy Programs

Over the years as we have evolved and grown with our students, ohana, and community, we have created a total of eight distinct programs:

  1. Lindamood Bell Summer Special Needs Program 2010-2011
  2. Maui Preparatory Academy Paddling 2011-2015
  3. Camp Kuleana 2012
  4. Kaho’olawe Expeditions 1 & 2 2012-2015
  5. Speakers of Hawai’i 2016-2017
  6. Alaka’i Youth Leadership Academy 2018
  7. Hawai’i Leaders Core 2013-2019
  8. Hawai’i Youth to Medicine 2020-present

For Complete List - See Timeline


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

Board of Directors

Meet the Board of Directors


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.


Michele Pupunu

Michele Vierra-Pupunu: A Life of Service and Resilience

Michele Vierra-Pupunu, a native of Kahana, Maui, Hawaii, is a remarkable individual whose life journey has been defined by unwavering dedication to her community, a deep connection to her Hawaiian heritage, and an unbreakable spirit of resilience. Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Maui, Michele's roots in the island run deep, spanning seven generations of her family.

Her educational journey began at Lahainaluna High School, where she laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and giving back. After high school, Michele embarked on a path that would see her contribute significantly to the betterment of Maui's community.

Michele's professional career was marked by her tenure at Maui Preparatory Academy, where she made a lasting impact. She began as the Director of Facilities, ensuring the school's infrastructure was well-maintained. Her dedication led her to the Advancement Office, where she played a pivotal role in raising funds for the Bozich Center, furthering the educational opportunities for Maui's youth.

Her multi-faceted role extended to being a Hawaiian Studies Kumu (teacher) and Hawaiian Culture Advisor, where she shared her deep knowledge of and passion for Hawaiian culture with students, fostering a stronger connection to their heritage.

Outside the school, Michele is also one of the Pastors at Kahana Door of Faith Church, where her spiritual leadership has touched the lives of many. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Ignite A Life, exemplifying her commitment to community involvement and empowerment.

Michele is a practitioner of Ho'oponopono, a traditional Hawaiian healing practice, and has spent countless hours counseling those in need, offering support and solace during difficult times.

Michele's family life is a testament to her strength and resilience. She is married to Kolo "Mike" Pupunu, and together they raised three remarkable sons. Their family has weathered tragic events, particularly the devastating Lahaina fires that claimed the lives of Mike's sister, brother-in-law, niece, and niece’s son. In the aftermath of this heart-wrenching tragedy, Michele sprang into action, helping displaced families find housing and support.

In addition to her involvement with the aforementioned organizations, Michele is a lifelong member of the Lahaina Civic Club, actively participating in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Hawaiians. She is also a member of an elite benevolence group called Hale O Na Ali'i, demonstrating her dedication to supporting her community at every level.

Michele's life story is a testament to her unwavering dedication to helping others. She has chosen to channel all her efforts into supporting her community during times of profound crisis, guiding them through the process of finding hope and healing. Today, Michele works tirelessly alongside an amazing team from Ignite A Life, continuing her mission of service and resilience, inspiring all who have the privilege of knowing her.


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.