Kūkolu Indigenous Women’s Incubator Program
In its ongoing effort to support Native Hawaiian wāhine entrepreneurs Kūkolu recently announced two new cohorts of its Indigenous Women’s Incubator (IWI) program. Kūkolu provides the resources, mentorship, and support that entrepreneurs need to grow sustainable businesses, thus fostering economic empowerment and community resilience. In addition to its islandwide Cohort 4, this year, Kūkolu also launched a dedicated Maui Cohort to support the resilience and recovery process on Maui following the wildfires. The programs underscore Kūkolu’s commitment to uplifting wāhine and creating waiwai, abundance and prosperity, for their families and communities. Both cohorts represent diverse industries and reflect the strength, creativity, and leadership of Native Hawaiian women entrepreneurs. The top photo of IWI Cohort 4 includes (clockwise from top left): Alyssa Rodrigues, Karlee Brown, Litea Maiava, Pua Pakele & Cabot, Nicole Velasco and Emily States. The bottom photo of IWI Maui Cohort includes (l-r): Mikiʻala Puaʻa-Freitas, Haili Marie Ancheta, Roselani Aiwohi and Pomaikaʻi Marmolejos. – Photos: Kūkolu
Kahahane Named Water Resource Management Head
Ciara Kahahane was recently appointed the next first deputy of the state Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) by Gov. Josh Green.
Kahahane most recently served in the Complex Litigation Division of the Department of the Attorney General (AG) where she had kuleana to coordinate the comprehensive review and analysis of the Lahaina wildfires. Previously, she worked in the Public Safety, Hawaiian Homelands and Housing Division of the Department of the AG.
Kahahane is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui. She has a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies from UH Mānoa, and a law degree from UH Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
“I’m grateful and excited to be selected as the CWRM first deputy,” Kahahane said. “I look forward to learning from the commission’s staff as we navigate the complex and challenging issues related to water in Hawaiʻi. I am committed to supporting CWRM’s mission of protecting and enhancing the benefits of Hawaiʻi’s water resources for present and future generations through thoughtful and responsible management.”
Kaholokula Inducted into the National Academy of Medicine
Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, Ph.D., professor and department chair of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has been inducted into the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).
Kaholokula is fourth UH faculty member to ever receive this honor and the first Native Hawaiian.
NAM inductees are selected for their contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. It is one of the highest honors for a scientist in the U.S. It not only recognizes the quality and impact of their research, but its ability to influence policy and health care in communities. For medical professionals, induction into NAM has been likened to winning an academy award.
NAM cited Kaholokula for “pioneering evidence-based interventions using Indigenous cultural values and practices to improve cardiovascular, diabetes, and obesity disparities for thousands of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.”
JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker said, “Dr. Kaholokula’s election is a groundbreaking moment. Through his community- engaged research, culturally grounded interventions, and community-based trials, he has earned community trust and ensured their representation. He has fought to uncover health disparities in Native Hawaiians and his work will profoundly impact disease prevention in this population for generations to come.”
Mahelona Becomes the Third ʻŌiwi Admiral
Ryan Mahelona has become the third Native Hawaiian to achieve the rank of admiral. Mahelona joins the late Rear Admiral Gordon Paiea Chung-Hoon (promoted to rear admiral in 1959) and Vice Admiral Robert Kalani Kihune (promoted to rear admiral in 1986 and then to vice admiral in 1988).
Throughout his 33-year naval career, Mahelona acquired extensive knowledge of computer network engineering and cybersecurity and currently serves as deputy commander for the Tenth Fleet – the Navy’s cyber and space arm responsible for information network operations, cyber operations, space operations and signals intelligence.
Although stationed in Maryland, Mahelona chose to have his promotion ceremony at Pearl Harbor on Oct. 5 before his family and friends. Kihune presented Mahelona with his official promotion award. “Iʻve been waiting years for another Native Hawaiian to become an admiral,” Kihune was quoted as saying.
As a leader, Mahelona hopes to make a positive impact. “Leadership is many things; first and foremost, it’s about taking care of your people,” he said.
Mahelona is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Three ʻŌiwi Honored as “Inno Under 25”
E hoʻomaikaʻi to (l-r) Ryan Lagon, 17, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama; Jazlen Lucas, 19, a student at Honolulu Community College; and Hokumalie Serna, 22, a recent graduate of UH Mānoa, who have all been named to the Pacific Business News “Inno Under 25” list for 2024. This recognition celebrates Hawaiʻi’s most promising young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under the age of 25. This prestigious accolade highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields, demonstrating exceptional creativity, leadership, and impact within the local business community. Honorees are selected through a combination of nominations from peers and community members, as well as editorial recommendations, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded selection process. These young trailblazers are being honored to inspire and support the next generation of business leaders in Hawaiʻi. – Photos: Pacific Business News
Apo Appointed to HTA Board of Directors
Todd Apo has been appointed by Gov. Josh Green to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) board of directors. Apo will serve in the position on an interim basis, pending confirmation by the state Senate. His term for the seat (vacated by Sig Zane) extends through June 30, 2028.
Apo is currently CEO of ʻIole, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and resilience. He has previously served in senior roles at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (formerly the Howard Hughes Corp.), where he integrated cultural values into community initiatives. During his tenure as Honolulu City Council chair, he oversaw significant legislative initiatives and budget management, strengthening community relationships and enhancing local governance.
“Todd is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in community development, public affairs and legal practice, making him ideal for the HTA board,” said Green. “His diverse skill set and deep understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural landscape will contribute significantly to advancing HTA’s goals.”
Apo is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. He has dual bachelor degrees in computer science and economics from Brown University, and a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law.
Crabbe and Kaʻai Apppointed to President’s Advisory Commission
Dr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe and Krystal Kaʻai were recently appointed by President Joe Biden to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Crabbe is currently the executive counselor for the Asian Pacific Islander Health Forum, a national health policy advocacy organization based out of Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, Calif., and sits on the governing boards of the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative and Asian American Foundation Advisory Council. Previously, he served as research director at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and later as CEO from 2012-2019. He founded the nonprofit organization ʻAha Kāne and is a hoʻoponopono practitioner, ʻaha ʻawa ceremony and protocol expert, and a noted chanter and orator. Crabbe is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and has a doctorate in clinical psychology from UH Mānoa.
A longtime advocate to advance equity for underserved communities, Kaʻai is currently executive director of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commmission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders – the first Native Hawaiian appointed to the position. Prior to joining the Biden administration, she was executive director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. She has also served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. Kaʻai is also a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and has a bachelor’s degree in English and international relations from Lehigh University.
Cockett Named ED of Waioli and Nuhou Corps
The board of trustees of the nonprofit Waioli Corp. and the nonprofit supporting organization Nuhou Corp. selected Ike Cockett as their seventh executive director, effective Sept. 1, according to a statement from the groups.
Cockett was previously the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Kauaʻi in Wailua. He has also had management positions in the visitor industry on Kauaʻi, Maui and Oʻahu over the past 35 years.
Waioli Corp. and Nuhou Corp. oversee the management of historic sites on Kauaʻi including the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, Waioli Mission House and Mahamoku, three house museums listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their mission is to preserve Kauaʻi’s important historic properties, buildings and collections, and share authentic educational experiences through stories about the people who brought life to Kauaʻi’s rich history and culture.
Cockett is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and has a bachelor’s degree in political science from UH Mānoa.
“Business of Pride” Honors Two ʻŌiwi
E hoʻomaikaʻi to (l-r) Kekai Edayan, assistant director of human resources at the Mauna Kea Resort on Hawaiʻi Island, and Matthew Sagum, director of people operations at CW Associates CPAs in Honolulu, who were both named 2024 Pacific Business News “Business of Pride” honorees. For the past seven years Pacific Business News has been recognizing individuals or organizations that demonstrate significant contributions to promoting inclusivity and diversity within Hawaiʻi’s business community. This recognition celebrates LGBTQ+ leaders, companies, and allies who are successful in their careers, actively involved in their communities, and strong advocates for equality. – Photos: Pacific Business News
