PROVIDE, PROTECT, PREPARE · In this episode, Cypress Navarro-Acio shares his story of family, faith, and his path toward firefighting. Mahalo nui to the Ho‘omau Fire Academy for connecting us with him as a former cadet representing Class 020. From graduating high school during the pandemic to becoming a Division I soccer player, Cypress has continued to challenge himself and build the skills he hopes to bring into a career of service. His love of fitness and desire to serve ultimately brought him home to Hawaiʻi, where he hopes to give back to the islands that raised him. Cypress also shares the story behind reviving his family’s clothing brand, Almighty Hawaiʻi, with a deeper spiritual and community-centered purpose. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a strong foundation for his future family, break generational patterns, and create a youth-focused nonprofit. Through the Hawaiian value of ahonui, we’re reminded that seasons of waiting can also be seasons of growth, guided by provision, protection, and preparation. Mahalo for listening - and mahalo to all the first responders out there. We appreciate you! 🤙🏽 Episode Highlights 01:05 · Kapolei roots 01:50 · Graduating high school during the pandemic 02:29 · From Hawaiʻi to Vegas for soccer 04:26 · Sonoma State breakthrough 05:58 · When the team gets cut 07:21 · Culture shock in North Carolina 08:46 · Coming home 10:32 · New beginnings at the Hoʻomau Fire Academy 12:16 · Why firefighting? 15:27 · Faith, family & gratitude 16:53 · Strength in vulnerability 17:11 · Lessons from Lāhainā 19:20 · Aloha in action 20:52 · Maui inspiration 21:27 · Take the leap 21:58 · Serve while you wait 22:14 · Reviving Almighty Hawaiʻi 23:35 · Turning loss into purpose 25:57 · From soccer to firefighting 29:32 · Ahonui: the art of active patience 33:07 · 30 years from now... About Ho‘omau Fire Academy Ho‘omau Fire Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mentors young adults interested in careers in public service. The academy provides hands-on training and mentorship while helping cadets prepare for the expectations of a career in the fire service. To learn more, visit: https://www.hoomaufireacademy.org Follow Cypress: @cypresszion Almighty Hawaiʻi: @alm1ghtyhawaii Hoʻomau Fire Academy: @hfa_808
PROVIDE, PROTECT, PREPARE · In this episode, Cypress Navarro-Acio shares his story of family, faith, and his path toward firefighting. Mahalo nui to the Ho‘omau Fire Academy for connecting us with him as a former cadet representing Class 020.
From graduating high school during the pandemic to becoming a Division I soccer player, Cypress has continued to challenge himself and build the skills he hopes to bring into a career of service. His love of fitness and desire to serve ultimately brought him home to Hawaiʻi, where he hopes to give back to the islands that raised him.
Cypress also shares the story behind reviving his family’s clothing brand, Almighty Hawaiʻi, with a deeper spiritual and community-centered purpose. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a strong foundation for his future family, break generational patterns, and create a youth-focused nonprofit.
Through the Hawaiian value of ahonui, we’re reminded that seasons of waiting can also be seasons of growth, guided by provision, protection, and preparation.
Mahalo for listening - and mahalo to all the first responders out there. We appreciate you! 🤙🏽
Episode Highlights
01:05 · Kapolei roots
01:50 · Graduating high school during the pandemic
02:29 · From Hawaiʻi to Vegas for soccer
04:26 · Sonoma State breakthrough
05:58 · When the team gets cut
07:21 · Culture shock in North Carolina
08:46 · Coming home
10:32 · New beginnings at the Hoʻomau Fire Academy
12:16 · Why firefighting?
15:27 · Faith, family & gratitude
16:53 · Strength in vulnerability
17:11 · Lessons from Lāhainā
19:20 · Aloha in action
20:52 · Maui inspiration
21:27 · Take the leap
21:58 · Serve while you wait
22:14 · Reviving Almighty Hawaiʻi
23:35 · Turning loss into purpose
25:57 · From soccer to firefighting
29:32 · Ahonui: the art of active patience
33:07 · 30 years from now...
About Ho‘omau Fire Academy
Ho‘omau Fire Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mentors young adults interested in careers in public service. The academy provides hands-on training and mentorship while helping cadets prepare for the expectations of a career in the fire service. To learn more, visit: https://www.hoomaufireacademy.org
Follow Cypress: @cypresszion
Almighty Hawaiʻi: @alm1ghtyhawaii
Hoʻomau Fire Academy: @hfa_808