Executive Director Kawehi Inaba of Laʻiʻōpua 2020 brings her business acumen to the West Hawai‘i nonprofit
As a Native Hawaiian leader, Kawehi Inaba has always reached for the sky.
Inaba is currently the executive director of Laʻiʻōpua 2020, a West Hawaiʻi nonprofit serving Native Hawaiians situated on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in the piko of the Kealakehe ahupuaʻa.
But before leading the community nonprofit, Inaba, an airplane pilot, was recognized as the first Native Hawaiian wahine to found and operate a certified Part 135 Air Carrier in the United States. A flight instructor, she founded Mokulele Flight Service to provide flight training, and over time the company grew to offer Circle Island Tours and eventually on-demand interisland service across the pae ʻāina.
Inaba said a pivotal moment in her life came when she began expanding her company.
“A male competitor from another airline gave me a condescending pat on the head and wished me luck. That just made me more determined. I loved it when he did that. I was like, ʻthank you, go ahead and underestimate this Hawaiian.’ I was always told you can do whatever you set your mind to, so there were no limitations in my mind ever,” Inaba said.
It wasnʻt easy.
Inaba had to navigate the complexities of aircraft maintenance, manage frequent staffing shortages, coordinate tight scheduling, ensure safety compliance and handle the financial pressures that come with running an airline.
“My true fear was failing our Hawaiian people,” she said. “As the first Hawaiian wahine to reach this level in aviation, I felt a deep responsibility to succeed, not just for myself, but to affirm that we, as Hawaiians, have the strength and resilience to thrive in any field.”
A $75,000 loan from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) helped Inaba purchase a second aircraft. In 2003, Mokulele was honored with the OHA Native Hawaiian Business of the Year award. In 2005, she was approached with an offer and sold the airline.
“I give credit to my parents Horace and Lydia Pope. They both encouraged me to be the best I could be and reminded me to believe in myself, instilling in me the confidence that I could achieve whatever I dreamed,” Inaba said. “My goal now is to pass these same values on to our kaiāulu and lāhui, empowering Native Hawaiians to believe in themselves and strive for greatness.”
After serving on its board of directors, Inaba became the executive director of Laʻiʻōpua 2020 in 2021. The nonprofit provides enrichment classes for students, cultural and culinary experiences, a māla, and even has its own waʻa! A brand new preschool is also in development, along with innovative workforce development programs.
The organization has benefited from several OHA grants in recent years, including a Kākoʻo Grant which is intended to support the business side of nonprofits that serve the Native Hawaiian community.
“The Kākoʻo grant has been essential for us, covering costs for audits that ensure our transparency and accountability,” Inaba said. “This support has enabled us to meet rigorous industry and regulatory standards, bolstering our credibility and strengthening our ability to serve our community with integrity. We uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency, as our lāhui deserves nothing less than excellence.”
Inaba said she is passionate about creating opportunities that empower Native Hawaiians to thrive and sustain their cultural identity.
“I’m committed to building programs and resources that support education, cultural preservation, and economic resilience, so that future generations can carry forward the strength, knowledge and values of our ancestors” she said.
“Seeing others step into their potential and contribute to our lāhui growth fills me with hope and reminds me of the incredible impact we can make together. My greatest reward is knowing that our work will help uplift and sustain our community for generations to come.”
Since 2006, Inaba has also served as president of Kupaʻa Business Planners, where she uses her business expertise to offer strategic business and planning consultation. As a business executive, she is a role model for all Hawaiians.
“My advice to young Native Hawaiians hoping to serve their kaiāulu is to lead with humility, stay grounded in our values, and be open to continuous learning. Serving our community is both a privilege and a responsibility, and it’s essential to remember that leadership is about uplifting others and working together toward a shared vision. Surround yourself with people who bring different strengths and insights, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance along the way,” Inaba said.
“As for being a role model, I see myself more as someone doing their best to serve with integrity and respect. If my journey can inspire others to step forward and make a difference, then I’m grateful for that. Ultimately, our strength as a lāhui comes from the many hands and hearts working together, each doing their part to build a brighter future for our people.”
Inaba said she has found a home serving as Laʻiʻōpua 2020ʻs executive director.
“Guided by our mission, Laʻiʻōpua 2020 is uniquely positioned to serve DHHL beneficiaries, the Native Hawaiian community, and the broader community by providing essential infrastructure and programs that empower all to thrive. What I value most about leading this organization is the opportunity to uplift our Native Hawaiian community, thanks to funders like OHA who are dedicated to advancing Native Hawaiian success and resilience.
“There is incredible potential and important work ahead. If the board sees fit, I’m committed to continuing here for the next 10 to 15 years. My goal is to prepare Laʻiʻōpua 2020 for long-term success and in time to find a successor who will carry our work forward ensuring it flourishes for generations. I say this all the time – this is the best opportunity that I’ve ever had, and I’m enjoying doing it.”
