Ryan Poe, 2025 Father of the Year for Maui County and a resident of Hāna, is dedicated to his family and the Maui community. He was honored during a recent “Peace Begins with Me: Role Models of the Future” ceremony in Wailuku by County of Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin. Martin also presented a proclamation recognizing Maui Men’s March Against Violence Day on behalf of Mayor Richard Bissen. The annual march, which will be in its seventh year in 2026, raises awareness about domestic violence and encourages men to take a stand against it.  “Real strength is not measured in control, intimidation, or fear,” said Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. “Real strength is measured in compassion, accountability, and courage.”   

Poe elaborated, “This powerful community event brought together nonprofits, faith leaders, youth organizations, and partners to stand for safe homes, healthy relationships, and a violence-free Maui. Along with my wife Ali, my children, and my community work, I hope to remind everyone that peace in our homes and communities begins with each of us.” 

Walking the talk admirably, Poe is the garden coordinator for Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke, a non-profit that partners with Hāna High and Elementary School to work with over 400 students and grow over 25,000 pounds of produce annually. Poe oversees gardens, orchards, and an aquaponics system, teaching students from preschool to grade 12 about where their food comes from. Poe and his team, many of whom are former students, also care for the school’s animals, including ducks, chickens, fish, and tortoises. He’s currently working to help the school become USDA certified so students can enjoy food grown right on campus. 

Poe’s impact goes beyond the garden as well. He has been honored for coaching 75+ students a year in three different wrestling seasons. As head coach for middle and high school wrestling and as a volunteer coach for the Hāna Takedown Club, he dedicates countless hours to youth mentorship and education and also contributes financially to support wrestling students’ needs. “For over a decade, I’ve coached wrestling in Hāna,” he concluded. “I try to uplift young athletes and help them reach their full potential.”