He says environmental stewardship is everyone’s concern
Jon Watase MBA ’24 is an entrepreneur, an environmentalist and an educator.
But his nickname speaks to his humble, personable approach: He’s known as Farmer Jon.
And if he can bend your ear, he’ll tell you about his big dreams for sustainable agriculture in the islands and his lifelong passion for teaching environmental stewardship to the next generation of Hawai’i leaders.
Watase, director of ‘āina-based learning at Saint Louis School, was recently invited to deliver a presentation on his curriculum at the Marianist Encounters Conference in Dayton, Ohio. His talk detailed how he’s worked with both Chaminade and Saint Louis School students to clean up Palolo Stream.
The impact of his “Water Connects Us All” effort has been measurable.
From October 2023 to April 2024, students disposed of 4,830 pounds of trash.
Partnering with Chaminade Environmental Science Assistant Professor Dr. Lupita Ruiz-Jones and Senior Lecturer Sr. Malia Wong, Watase has long been a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship.
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He has propagated plants all over the Kalaepohaku campus and educated students about the importance of cleaning Palolo Stream, a key urban waterway. He has also discussed best practices for permaculture, vermicomposting, and taught students about sustainable agriculture.
“I have a unique opportunity to pave the way for our youth,” said Watase, who can often be seen on the slopes of Kalaepohaku wearing work boots, cargo paints and a straw hat.
“My success will help determine others’ sucess.”
On his off days, Watase runs a solar-powered farm—Oahu Grown Mamaki in Mililani.
He was recently able to expand the farm’s reach with the help of his MBA education.
“My marketing class helped grow my business,” Watase said. “With the help of our instructor Cort (Isernhagen, co-founder of Diamond Head Research), I was able to really build out my website.”
Watase also participated in and won a “Shark Tank”-like competition with his MBA peers.
His sustainable business ventures wowed the judges.
And he says he’s not done yet.
He plans to seek a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Chaminade to further his knowledge and pursue a long-term goal: To buy a piece of property in Waimea and turn it into a farm and retreat.
He says a counseling master’s degree is key to ensuring the retreat is therapeutic.
“I’ve grown so much at Chaminade,” he said. “The University truly nurtures who I am and what I value.”
