What is AI, and how does it impact a small business, or one’s personal world?
Jennifer Jones-Patulli, the director of Community Engagement at Kuleana.work, said those are good questions to start a conversation because they’re on people’s minds. The answers to the question lies in understanding AI, finding out what it can and cannot do for you, and not let it control you.
“We had a teacher among the guests at this morning’s opening,” said Kim Theisen of the Kuleana leadership team. “She also had a picture that we worked with to develop a lesson plan for her entire class. That’s AI.”
The Kuleana AI Lab was dedicated by Kumu Sabra Kauka and the Kuleana leadership team on Saturday morning at the site of the former First Hawaiian Bank, Kukui Grove branch.
Melissa McFerrin Warrack of the Kukui Grove leadership team said there were several aspects of the space that appealed to the Kuleana group who had a coworking space adjacent to the Bread and Deli Connection.
In a sense, the self-contained community within a shopping center, which has its own kitchen, bathroom and conference room, plus a bigger space, filled the “plus” check boxes.
“We still have the safe,” said Peter Simon, whom Melissa referred to as the AI guru. “Do you want to see what’s inside?”
So does Hoike Community Television, who acquired their building from American Savings Bank. This might make interesting conversation for networking, one of the aspects that enhanced the coworking space that enables 24/7 access to program participants, or members.
“There is a big difference in having to go to a space,” said Simon, who will be a featured speaker on AI during the Lihue Business Association meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday at Duke’s Restaurant. “Or, having a place you want to go to — whether it’s late at night when the ideas pop into the mind.”
The coworking space concept is not new. The Kuleana team was part of the Ha Coffee opening on Rice Street with a small coworking space.
When Ha Coffee moved into the bus parked on Kress Street, the Kuleana workspace set up adjacent to the Bread and Deli Connection at the Kukui Grove. And when the space transformed into a hot tub showroom, Kuleana and its team of nonprofits that use the workspace found the former Kukui Grove branch of FHB. The bank is currently putting finishing touches on its facility at the Hokulei Shopping Village, which is scheduled for an opening in April.
For more information on Kuleana.work, the generative AI it works with, or even becoming a member, visit the website at www.kuleana.work, or email info@kuleana.work.
