Makena Bassett

Planner

After graduating from Kamehameha Schools, Makena Bassett attended college in Florida at Rollins College, where she achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in English in three years. After graduation, Makena joined PBR HAWAII as a planner. She is assisting in efforts to create long term plans that serve as a guiding framework for projects aiming to ensure the proper stewardship and utilization of ‘āina and identify needs and opportunities to uplift the Hawaiʻi community. She also assists in preparing environmental review documents and facilitating engaging and productive community outreach meetings. Recent and ongoing projects include the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Hawaiʻi Island Plan Update, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands environmental reviews for various projects and undertakings, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Interpretive Plan, Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program Plan Update, Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail Improvements, and the Molokaʻi Education Center. Makena takes pride in contributing to projects that strive to benefit her Native Hawaiian community as well as the environment that she grew up in.

Prior to joining PBR HAWAII, Makena worked on a variety of planning projects in Florida during her time at Rollins College. These projects focused on the integration and preservation of the environment in the built space. Projects included the creation of a management plan for the Genius Preserve in Winter Park, a schematic design for the proposed Olmsted Heritage Park in Lake Wales, an economic analysis on the benefits of transitioning Rollins College lawn spaces to native flora, and a research study on Orlando’s history of redlining.

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