Reflecting on an Unforgettable Weekend with Dead & Company
I’m Nanea Lo, the Community Engagement and Administrative Coordinator for the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA). I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Dead & Company’s Las Vegas show from June 12th-15th at The Sphere. This was more than just an amazing musical experience—it was a significant moment for our ongoing efforts to protect our communities from toxic pesticides.
For the past ten years, Dead & Company has been a strong supporter of our cause. This special connection is thanks to Bill Kreutzmann, the band’s drummer, who lives in Kauaʻi. The band’s commitment to supporting HAPA’s work and the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people has helped us tremendously in our mission to seeding change, empowering communities against corporate greed and profit.
During the Vegas show, HAPA was stoked to be part of Participation Row, an area dedicated to nonprofits. It was a vibrant space where fans could visit six non profit booths, collect stamps, and earn a pin or prize. We were excited to share our work and connect with fans at the show.
At our table, we engaged with #deadhead fans through an important action: scanning a QR code that generated over 1,000 letters to their senators and representatives. These letters urged lawmakers to advocate for protecting our communities from toxic pesticides.
Right now, there’s a critical battle on the federal level concerning the “Farm Bill.” Chemical corporations are pushing to loosen the protections within this bill through a mechanism called “preemption.” This would undermine state and local regulations that protect our communities. We are rallying everyone to write to their representatives and senators to advocate for maintaining these essential safeguards.
The support we received at the Las Vegas show was overwhelming. Fans were eager to participate and help make a difference. It was fulfilling to see so many people passionate about protecting our environment and our health.
I want to extend a huge mahalo to Dead & Company and all the advocates who took the time to visit our booth, learn about our work, and take action. Your support is invaluable in our fight to keep our communities safe.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s continue to advocate for a healthier, safer world for all of us.
With gratitude,
About the Author
Nanea Lo, Community Engagement and Administrative Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Island Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, newly elected member of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi Executive Committee, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
