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DTSTART:20251017T180000Z
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SUMMARY:YP Cost of Living Summit presented by Tradewind Group: Speakers & Special Guests
DESCRIPTION:SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS\n\n\nMayor Derek Kawakami \n\nCounty of Kauai\n\n\n\nMayor Kawakami's government service began as a council member with Kauai County Council from 2008 to 2011 and also served on the Kauai County Council from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure as a Kauai County Council member\, Mayor Kawakami chaired the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and vice chaired the Committee of the Whole.\n\n\n\nMayor Kawakami was a gubernatorial appointee to the Hawaii State Legislature\, representing District 14 from 2011 to 2015. As a State Representative\, Mayor Kawakami served as the Assistant Majority Leader\; chaired the Committee on Economic Development and Business\; vice chaired the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection\; and vice chaired the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Since 2004\, Mayor Kawakami volunteered his time\, service\, and experience to community organizations that includes the Kauai Economic Development Board\, Kauai Police Activities League\, Lihue Business Association\, serving as Second Vice Chair for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Committee Chair for Strategic Planning for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Chair for the Nominating Committee for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Kiwanis Club\, and Catholic Charities Advisory Committee. Mayor Kawakami experiences in the private sector ranges from his humble start as a paperboy and fast food employee\, and was formerly an operations manager for Menehune Food Mart\, Inc. and former president of three corporations.\n\n\n\nOn November 8\, 2022\, Mayor Kawakami was re-elected to a second term as mayor of the County of Kauai and Niihau.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker Nadine Nakamura\n\nState House of Representatives\n\n\n\nSpeaker of the House Nadine K. Nakamura serves House District 15\, which includes the Kauai towns of Hanalei\, Princeville\, Kilauea\, Anahola\, Kapaa\, and Wailua. She previously served the Majority Leader\, Chair of the House Committee of Legislative Management (LMG)\, and a member of the Tourism (TOU) and Economic Development Committees (ECD).\n\n \n\nA 32-year resident of Kapaa and former Managing Director for the County of Kauai\, Speaker Nakamura has deep roots in her community. Mrs. Nakamura operated a planning consulting business for twenty years before being elected to the Kauai County Council\, where she served from 2010-2013.\n\n \n\nSpeaker Nakamura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California. She obtained a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.\n\n\n\n\n\nSenator Stanley Chang\n\nSenate Housing Committee Chair\n\n\n\nStanley Chang represents East Honolulu\, Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai\, in the Hawaii State Senate. A lifelong resident of Waialae-Kahala\, Stanley attended Wai-Kahala Preschool\, Kahala Elementary School\, and Iolani School before attending college and law school at Harvard University. He practiced real estate law at Cades Schutte in Honolulu.\n\n\n\nStanley served four years on the Honolulu City Council from 2011 to 2015. In 2016\, he was elected to the State Senate as its youngest member\, defeating the only Republican member and making the Hawaii Senate the first legislative chamber in the United States without a minority party since 1983. As chair of the Committee on Housing since 2018\, Stanley has pursued an innovative public sector housing program modeled on the successful Singapore and Vienna\, Austria models to solve Hawaii's decades-long affordable housing shortage.\n\n\n\nStanley is married to Annie and has a two year old daughter\, Elizabeth.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSenator Brandon Elefante\n\nSenate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee Chair\n\n\n\nBorn in Aiea to a single mother and raised by his Filipino immigrant grandparents\, Senator Brandon Elefante learned the values of commitment and responsibility at an early age. His extended family instilled in him respect\, a strong work ethic\, and the importance of community.\n\n\n\nAfter graduating from Aiea High School\, Senator Elefante pursued higher education at Saint Mary's College of California\, where he discovered his passion for public service. During his time there\, he served as a resident advisor\, co-founded the Hawaii Club and later became its president. Senator Elefantes dedication to student affairs and community service earned him several awards and recognition.\n\n\n\nWith a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration\, Senator Elefante returned to Hawaii to teach social justice and world religions at Damien Memorial School. He also became actively involved in his community\, serving on the Aiea Neighborhood Board and pursuing further education at Chaminade University\, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration in 2011.\n\n\n\nFrom 2011 to 2014\, Senator Elefante worked as a legislative aide to Honolulu City Councilmember Breene Harimoto. In this role\, he tracked infrastructure and development projects and addressed constituent concerns in the Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Waipahu communities. This experience solidified Senator Elefantes commitment to public service and to improving the lives of Hawaii's residents.\n\n\n\nFor the next eight years\, from 2014 to 2022\, Senator Elefante served on the Honolulu City Council\, representing the communities of Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Waipahu. During his tenure\, he chaired several key committees\, including Zoning and Planning\; Business\, Economic Development\, and Tourism\; Public Health\, Safety\, and Welfare\; Transportation\; and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. He also served as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee and the Transportation\, Sustainability\, and Health Committee and was an active member of the Budget\, Executive Matters and Legal Affairs\, Executive Management\, and Public Infrastructure and Technology Committees. Senator Elefantes leadership during this period demonstrated his dedication to balanced growth\, public safety\, and improving the quality of life for Oahu's diverse communities.\n\n\n\nThen\, in 2022\, Senator Elefante was elected as the Hawaii State Senator for District 16\, representing the neighborhoods of Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Halawa. During his first term\, he served as Vice Chair of the Water and Land (WTL) Committee and the Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs (PSM) Committee\, as well as a member of the Judiciary (JDC) Committee and the Transportation and Culture and the Arts (TCA) Committee. Additionally\, he co-chaired the Joint Crime and Justice Caucus and was a member of the Filipino Caucus.\n\n\n\nFollowing his re-election in 2024\, Senator Elefante now serves as Chair of the Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) Committee and as a member of the Ways and Means (WAM) Committee. He continues to serve as Vice Chair of the Water and Land (WTL) Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Culture and the Arts (TCA) Committee. Senator Elefante remains an active member of the Filipino Caucus and has joined the Kupuna Caucus\, furthering his commitment to addressing the diverse needs of his constituents.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSenator Troy Hashimoto\n\nSenate Housing Committee Vice Chair\n\n\n\nSenator Troy Hashimoto serves the Hawaii State Senate District 5 which encompasses Wailuku\, Waikapu\, Waihee\, and Kahului on Maui. He currently serves as the Senate Vice Chair of the Housing Committee and as a member of the Education\, Higher Education\, and Ways and Means Committee.\n\n \n\nSenator Hashimoto attended the University of Denver where he earned a bachelors and Master of Business Administration. He worked for nearly 8 years on the Maui County Council and served as a member of the Hawaii State Board of Education from 2004-2005. He was originally appointed to the State House in 2018 and subsequently to the State Senate in 2023.\n\n \n\nDuring his tenure in the House\, Senator Hashimoto served as both the chair and vice chair of the Housing Committee and as a member of the Judiciary\, Education\, Transportation and Finance Committee. He also served as the co-convenor of the Kupuna Caucus\, the chair of the Department of Hawaiian Homes Act 279 Working Group and served as the chair of the Policy Board for the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization.\n\n \n\nSenator Hashimoto is committed towards finding housing solutions and working for the residents of Maui\, as well as the State of Hawaii.\n\n\n\n\n\nSenator Jarrett Keohokalole\n\nSenate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Chair\n\n \n\nSenator Jarrett Keohokalole is a proud seventh-generation resident of the 24th Senate District\, including Kaneohe and Kailua.\n\n \n\nHe serves on the Senate Leadership team as an Assistant Majority Whip. He is the Chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee (CPN)\, which is responsible for business regulation\, including insurance\, banking\, telecommunications\, public utilities\, licensing\, and consumer protection.\n\n \n\nHe also serves as a member of the Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) and Transportation\, Culture and the Arts Committees (TCA)\, and is the Co-Chair of the Native Hawaiian Caucus.\n\n \n\nSen. Keohokalole received a B.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii. He is married to his wife Kuulani and\, together\, they have three children.\n\n\n\n\n\nSenator Sharon Moriwaki\n\nSenate Ways & Means Committee Vice Chair\n\nSenator Sharon Moriwaki was elected in 2018 to represent Waikiki\, Ala Moana\, Kakaako\, McCully\, Moiliili\, and part of Makiki in the State Senate.\n\nBorn and raised in the Sheridan area and on St. Louis Heights\, Sharon was student body secretary at Kaimuki High\, a major figure in the 1979 Statewide Women's Conference\, chaired the 90th anniversary celebration of Okinawan arrival in Hawaii\, and coordinated Hawaii's Dukakis for President Campaign (Dukakis won the state). Throughout her career\, Sharon has held people accountable and worked collaboratively with diverse groups to get things done!\n\nAfter she returned from California with a University of Southern California doctorate and a Loyola (L.A.) law degree and was working in a private Honolulu law firm\, Governor Waihee chose Sharon to be part of his first cabinet as Labor Department Deputy Director. Four years later\, Waihee appointed Sharon as his Director of Human Resources\, where she instituted major personnel system reforms. Sharon's subsequent leadership included serving as Hawaii Court System Administrative Director and as UH Assistant Vice President.\n\nSharon's passionate advocacy for community included caring for the Makiki Stream and ahupuaa\, preserving Kakaako's makai shoreline\, and bringing people together to develop and implement Hawaii's clean energy goals and projects. She co-hosts ThinkTech Hawaii's television show\, "Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy\," is vice-president of the Hawaii Technology Institute\, which primarily helps disadvantaged native Hawaiians\, and volunteers with her church's program aiding houseless families. Sharon helped organize and run the Good Neighbor Store\, a Democratic Party program helping over 1000 underprivileged and abused children.\n\nSharon moved to Kakaako ten years ago\, becoming founding president of Kakaako United\, fighting for a better life in our Senate district. She is also vice president of the One Waterfront Towers condominium board.\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Luke Evslin\n\nHouse Housing Committee Chair \n\n\n\nRepresentative Luke A. Evslin was born and raised on Kauai and has lived most of his life within District 16. He grew up in Wailua with his three siblings\, and he currently lives in Lihue with his wife\, Sokchea\, and their two children. In 2023\, he was appointed by Governor Josh Green to represent District 16.\n\n\n\nPrior to serving in the legislature\, Representative Evslin served four years on the Kauai County Council\, he co-founded a Kailua based outrigger canoe manufacturing company\, he taught high school civics\, American government\, and Hawaiian history\, and he worked as a columnist where he focused on land use and energy.\n\n\n\nHe is a graduate of Kauai High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa and he has a Masters degree in Public Administration with a certificate in public policy from the University of Southern California.\n\n\n\nRepresentative Evslin is an avid canoe paddler\, photographer\, and hiker.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Mark Hashem\n\nHouse Water & Land Committee Chair\n\n \n\nElected in 2010\, Representative Mark J. Hashem represents House District 19. He serves as the Chair of the House Committee on Corrections\, Military\, and Veterans (CMV). He is a member of the House Committee on Water and Land (WAL) and the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC). Representative Hashem also serves on the Special Committee on Red Hill.\n\n \n\nMark is a graduate of McKinley High School\, where he is a volunteer wrestling coach. After graduating from Pacific University in Forest Grove\, Oregon\, he entered the Master's Program at Hokkaido University. During his stay in Japan\, Representative Hashem\, who is fluent in Japanese\, operated an elementary English school and a billiard supply network in Sapporo.\n\n \n\nRepresentative Hashem is married and is the proud father of four children.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nRepresentative Greggor Ilagan\n\nHouse Economic Development & Technology Committee Chair\n\n\n\nWith a strong background in public service\, Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan has dedicated his career to serving the people of Hawaii. His journey began with a six-year enlistment in the Air National Guard\, which laid the foundation for his commitment to public service. In 2012 and 2014\, the people of Hawaii County's 4th District elected him as their Councilmember. During his tenure\, he actively chaired the Planning and Housing committees and contributed as a member of the Finance and Public Works committees.\n\n \n\nIn 2020 and again in 2022\, the people of Hawaii State House District 4 chose Vice Speaker Ilagan to represent them in the House of Representatives. His leadership roles have included serving as Vice Chair for the Committee on Transportation and as a Committee Member on Housing and Finance. Recognizing his dedication and service\, he was appointed Vice Speaker of the Hawaii State House of Representatives in 2022.\n\n \n\nHouse District 4\, Vice Speaker Ilagan represents\, is a vibrant and diverse part of Hawaii. It includes the communities of Hawaiian Paradise Park\, Makuu Hawaiian Home Land\, Hawaiian Beaches\, and Nanawale Estates\, and extends to the historic town of Pahoa. The District also encompasses Leilani Estates\, Kapoho\, Opihikao\, and Kalapana\, areas shaped by volcanic activity. These special places embody Puna Makai\, reflecting the District's unique character and the diverse community Vice Speaker Ilagan proudly represents.\n\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Darius Kila\n\nHouse Transportation Committee Chair\n\n\n\nBorn and raised here in this community\, Darius understands first hand the issues that we are facing\, and if elected to represent District 44\, he will work tirelessly to create intentional and everlasting change. Darius is committed to fostering\, implementing\, and creating a sustainable and obtainable Hawai i for his ohana\, your ohana and everyone who call this coast home.\n\n\n\nOne of Seven children\, Darius has lived his entire life on the Leeward Coast\, but he and his family have never owned a home. Darius understands firsthand the difficulties Hawaii families face seeking home ownership. Growing up on a fixed one parent income\, Darius's hardships and struggles helped mold him into the leader and advocate he is today.\n\n\n\nEager to one day return home to Hawaii to share all that he learned\; Darius studied at three different higher education institutes. Lane College in Jackson\, TN\, Fullerton College in Fullerton\, CA and Southern Oregon University in Ashland\, OR provided the tools he utilizes today. Darius was able to observe\, learn and adopt many different ideas by collaborating with many diverse individuals from across the country.\n\n\n\nDarius Kila currently resides in Maili\, Oahu and currently serves as the Community Liaison for Representative Stacelynn Eli and is a member of the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board. Graduating in 2013 from Kapolei High School\, Darius went on to pursue a collegiate football career and study broadcast journalism in Tennessee\, California\, and Oregon.\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Rachele Lamosao\n\nHouse Water & Land Committee Vice Chair\n\n\n\nRepresentative Rachele Lamosao is Filipino American born in Honolulu and raised in Waipahu. She is the youngest of two daughters. Her parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 80's. They worked multiple jobs to provide for their family. Growing up she was quick to learn the meaning of hard work and perseverance from her parents.\n\n\n\nRep. Lamosao is a proud Marauder\, attending school in the community since kindergarten. She attended August Ahrens Elementary\, Waipahu Intermediate\, and Waipahu High School.\n\nRep. Lamosao continued her education at Leeward Community College completing her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She then attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and her Masters in Public Administration.\n\n\n\nRep. Lamosao has been in public service for many years. She worked as a session staffer at the legislature. Then\, she served as an Office Manager in the legislature.\n\nShe also serves her community as a member of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board. She volunteered with Waipahu High School as an Academy Board Member or Natural Resources and the Taste of Waipahu planning committee.\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Lauren Matsumoto\n\nHouse Minority Leader\n\n\n\nRepresentative Lauren Cheape Matsumoto traces her roots in Hawai'i back to 1859. She is the 6th generation to be born and raised in the islands and is a member of the prestigious Daughters of Hawaii. Her great-grandfather founded Peterson's Upland Farm in 1910\, and the farm continues the over 100-year-long family-run business of supplying fresh eggs to our communities.\n\n\n\nLauren is a product of the Hawaii public school system\, having attended Mililani Waena Elementary School\, Mililani Middle School\, and Mililani High School. After graduating from Mililani High\, Lauren spent time volunteering at an orphanage in Malawi\, Africa. When she returned\, Lauren attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa\, where she earned a BA in Film Production from the Academy of Creative Media and minored in both Business and Japanese. Lauren was a four-year Division I scholar-athlete\, playing Wahine (Women's) Water Polo. She also served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Continuing her education\, in 2015 she earned an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University\, where she was a Valedictorian and was selected as the commencement speaker. Lauren is continuing her studies\, currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Development.\n\n\n\nAfter graduating from the University of Hawaii\, Lauren went on to win the title of Miss Hawaii 2011. She represented our state at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas\, where she was a Quality of Life Finalist (recognizing community service efforts) and was awarded for raising the most money nationally for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. She also won the talent portion of the pageant by performing a jump rope routine to the theme of Hawaii 5-0. To this day\, Lauren continues to perform her jump rope routine while speaking to children across the state and encouraging them to lead a healthy lifestyle and volunteer in their community.\n\n\n\nRepresentative Matsumoto's political career followed soon after Miss Hawaii. She began serving in the House of Representatives in 2012 at the age of 25. She is an active member of the Council of State Government (CSG) and was selected to attend their Western Legislative Academy program in 2014. She was then named a Toll Fellow in 2015\, participating in CSG's selective leadership development program for state officials. In 2015 she was also chosen to be a part of Governing Institute inaugural class of women in government. In addition\, she was elected as the Western Regional Board director on the Women In Government National Board\, having previously served as the Hawaii State Director. Lauren also serves as a founding member of the Echelon Board of the Salvation Army - Hawaiian and Pacific Islands.\n\n\n\nOutside of the legislature Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and lifelong hobbies. She shares her love for dance as a professional hula dancer in Waikiki. Lauren is an active member of her church\, One Love\, where she met her husband Scott Matsumoto\, a firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department. In August of 2017 they were blessed with the birth of their first child\, Noah Matsumoto. The couple reside in Mililani\, in the heart of District 45.\n\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Tyson Miyake\n\nHouse Housing Committee Vice Chair\n\n\n\nMiyake earned a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2005. From 2005 to 2019\, Miyake ran a concrete accessories business. In 2019\, Miyake became Deputy Managing Director of the County of Maui. From 2020 to 2023\, Miyake served as Chief of Staff for the County of Maui. Gov. Joshua Green appointed Miyake to the Hawaii House of Representatives District 10 on December 15\, 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRepresentative Chris Todd\n\nHouse Finance Committee Chair \n\n\n\nRepresentative Chris Toshiro Todd is currently in his fourth term representing House District 3\, which covers a portion of Hilo\, Keaukaha\, Orchidlands Estate\, Ainaloa\, Hawaiian Acres\, Fern Acres\, portions of Kurtistown and Keaau in the Hawaii State Legislature.\n\n\n\nBorn and raised in Hilo\, Representative Todd is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a bachelors degree in economics and political science. He previously held several positions at Suisan Fish Market and Hawaii Paper Products in 2016 before being appointed by Governor David Ige on January 5\, 2017 to fill the vacancy caused by the passing of the late Representative Clift Tsuji.\n\n\n\nIn his own words\, Representative Todd is "incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve my community." He remains deeply committed to advocating for working families at the Capitol. As a husband and a father\, Representative Todd is also passionate about creating pathways for local youth\, both in Hilo and across the state\, to reach their professional and personal dreams.\n\n\n\n\n\nCouncilmember Radiant Cordero\n\nHonolulu City Council Infrastructure\, Transportation & Technology Committee Chair\n\n\n\nRadiant has dedicated her career to her community through various roles in nonprofits\, journalism\, and local government. While in school\, she worked for Abilities Unlimited Winners at Work\, working with persons with disabilities on job training and retention and ClubCharm\, USA\, working with keiki on leadership development and even filling the void during Furlough Fridays.\n\n\n\nAfter graduating with her Bachelors degrees\, she served as a legislative aide at the Office of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives\, while still serving at the nonprofits and taking on two additional front desk jobs at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. She also served as assistant editor for the Fil-Am Courier (Hawaii's leading and longest running Filipino publication).\n\nRadiant previously served as chief of staff to Honolulu City Councilmember Joey Manahan of District 7\, where she worked on many issues related to homelessness\, public safety\, critical infrastructure\, city budget\, transportation\, and fighting for county resources at the State Legislature. She is a tireless advocate for the community that she has called home for her entire life and has been shaped into the servant leader she is today by the people and culture within it.\n\n\n\nIn November 2024\, the National League of Cities selected her to receive the Centennial Under 40 Impact Award\, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators selected her to receive the Women of Excellence Award.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCouncilmember Esther Kiaaina\n\nHonolulu City Council Zoning & Planning Committee Chair\n\n\n\nEsther Kiaaina proudly represents District III\, the Windward side of Oahu\, where she resides in Kailua. She credits her family\, her cosmopolitan upbringing and over 30 years of work experience in Washington\, D.C.\, Hawai'i\, and the Pacific Islands region\, as providing her with a strong background to help diverse communities and fight for issues\, while navigating government.\n\n\n\nEsther served under President Barack Obama as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior\, where she coordinated overall federal policy for the U.S. territories and financial assistance for the Freely Associated States of Micronesia. She previously served as the First Deputy for Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources\, Chief Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs\, and Land Asset Manager for the Kamehameha Schools.\n\n\n\nShe also had an extensive career on Capitol Hill in Washington\, D.C.\, starting as a volunteer intern for Senator Daniel Inouye after college and later serving as Legislative Assistant for Senator Daniel Akaka\, Chief of Staff/Legislative Director for Guam Congressman Robert Underwood\, and Chief of Staff for Congressman Ed Case.\n\n\n\nEsther is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools\, University of Southern California\, and George Washington University Law School. She also attended the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.\n\n\n\n\n\nJacob Aki\n\nSenior Public Affairs Manager\n\nAlaska Airlines \n\n\n\nJacob Aki serves as the Senior Public Affairs Manager for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines\, where he leads state and local government affairs strategies across Hawaii and the Pacific region. With nearly a decade of senior-level experience in the Hawaii State Senate\, Jacob is a trusted strategist in legislative affairs\, political communications\, and stakeholder engagement.\n\n\n\nHe is widely recognized for his leadership within the Native Hawaiian community. Jacob has held prominent roles in respected cultural and civic organizations\, including the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii\, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. His work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation\, community empowerment\, and service that uplifts Hawaii's people.\n\n\n\nBeyond Hawaii\, Jacob advocates nationally for the Asian American\, Native Hawaiian\, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. He serves on the Board of the Asian American Action (AAA) Fund and as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa advancing AANHPI representation in public policy\, environmental stewardship\, and civic engagement.\n\n\n\nJacob is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools. He earned his B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a master's degree in Political Management from The George Washington University. In 2024\, he was honored as one of Pacific Business News' "40 Under 40" for his leadership and impact across Hawaii.\n\n\n\nHe currently lives in Honolulu with his wife and two children.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTina Andrade\n\nPresident & Chief Executive Officer\n\nCatholic Charities Hawaii\n\n\n\nTina Andrade works closely with executive and senior leadership to align Catholic Charities Hawaii's mission and core values throughout the agency's services\, operations and Human Resources. Additionally\, she engages the local community in CCH's mission through its Social Policy efforts and with the neighboring islands advisory boards.\n\n\n\nPrior to joining CCH in 2003\, Ms. Andrade was an educator at several Hawaii Catholic schools and worked within the Catholic community in the area of religious education and social ministry.\n\n\n\nShe received her Bachelor of Religious Studies and Master in Pastoral Theology from Chaminade University Hawaii. Additionally\, she has an Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Transformational Leadership from Notre Dame University and a Professional Certificate in Human Resource & Workforce Development & Management from Michigan State University.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeth Colby\n\nChief State Economist\n\nHawaii Department of Business\, Economic Development & Tourism\n\n\n\nSeth Colby is the Chief State Economist at Hawaii's Department of Business\, Economic Development & Tourism\, where he leads a team producing economic analysis and statistics. He previously served as Tax Research & Planning Officer for the Hawaii Department of Taxation\, overseeing research on the state's revenue system\, macroeconomic forecasting\, and the fiscal impacts of proposed legislation. Earlier in his career\, Seth focused on economic and social development in Latin America\, the Caribbean\, and Africa\, working with the Inter-American Development Bank\, the World Bank\, and Johns Hopkins University. He is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and holds a PhD in Political Economy from Johns Hopkins University.\n\n \n\n\n\nKamaka Dias\n\nCo-Founder of Hawaiiverse \n\nHost of Keep It Aloha Podcast \n\n\n\nKamaka Dias is a Native-Hawaiian\, Japanese\, Korean\, and Portuguese local boy from the Big Island of Hawaii.\n\n\n\nHe grew up in Hilo speaking Hawaiian as his first language while attending Hawaiian Language Immersion schools all his life until moving to Kaiser High School on Oahu for his senior year. Before leaving for Madagascar to volunteer in the Peace Corps for three years\, Kamaka attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated with a B.A. in Communications and a certificate in Spanish.\n\n\n\nAfter returning home from the Peace Corps in 2019\, Kamaka started a campaign called The Race To $50k where he documented himself paying off $53\,757 of student loans in one year by doing all kinds of odd jobs.\n\n\n\nCurrently he is the Director of Outreach and host for Hawaiiverse\, an online platform he helped create to support local businesses\, and of course our host for the Keep it Aloha Podcast.\n\n\n\n\nSarah Guay\n\nPresident & CEO\n\nHawaii Employers Council \n\n \n\nSarah Guay was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2022. In her role\, she collaborates with HEC's board of governors and staff to address the ever-evolving needs of Hawaii's employers. She is responsible for the organization's long-term strategy\, leadership\, and key initiatives.\n\nSarah has an exceptional track record designing and leading human resources\, change management\, and workplace culture initiatives. Prior to her appointment as President & CEO at Hawaii Employers Council\, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at HEMIC\, where she led the digitization of their Human Resources function. Sarah also played an instrumental role in leading the change management efforts behind American Savings Bank's campus development. She is a director with the Oahu Economic Development Board\, serves as an advisor for the Patsy T Mink Center for Business and Leadership\, and was honored as a Woman Who Means Business by Pacific Business News in 2024.\n\nSarah received her master's degree in organizational communication and a bachelor's degree in general communication from Washington State University. She and her husband have three kids and enjoy spending time outdoors or at the beach in Kailua\, where they live.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeli James\n\nCo-Founder\n\nMana Up\n\n\n\nMeli James is the cofounder of Mana Up\, a Hawaii-based product accelerator and venture fund building the state's next generation of consumer brands. She is also the president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Born and raised in Honolulu\, Meli lived in Silicon Valley for more than 10 years where she co-founded numerous startups including Nirvino a #1 ranked wine app and Apple Platform Top 100 App\, during its time.\n\n\n\nMeli has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of five Women to Watch and as one of eight Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship. She serves on the board of UHA Health Insurance\, board of regents for Chaminade University and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. Meli is a graduate of Punahou School and Cornell University.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichelle Luxton \n\nFirst Vice President\n\nAmerican Savings Bank\n\n\n\nMichelle Luxton leads American Savings Bank's Private Lending Group as a first vice president and executive residential loan officer. With more than 15 years of industry experience\, Michelle is a seasoned mortgage expert dedicated to making homeownership dreams possible. Prior to ASB\, Michelle served as a producing branch sales manager for the Honolulu office of a national mortgage company and was consistently ranked among the company's top 5 producers nationwide. Michelle has been recognized as one of Hawaii's Top 10 Loan Officers and #1 Overall Producer by ASB multiple times.\n\n\n\nAn active member of the community\, Michelle is a board member at Junior Achievement of Hawaii and previously served as a board member for the Outrigger Canoe Club and Punahou Alumni Association. She is also a member of several professional organizations\, including the Hawaii Association of Mortgage Brokers (HAMB) and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii (MBAH).\n\n\n\nMichelle is a graduate of Punahou School and Santa Clara University.\n\n\n\n\n\nGavin Thornton\n\nDirector of Housing Policy\n\nCity & County of Honolulu\n\n\n\nGavin Thornton is dedicated to fostering compassion helping individuals recognize their worth\, purpose\, and potential\; inspiring them to see the same in others\; and working to build a society that affirms these ideals. His career has centered on ensuring everyone in Hawaii has stable housing\; purposeful\, dignified work\; and access to essential resources that support their families' well-being and success. \n\n\n\nGavin currently serves as the director of Housing Policy for the City & County of Honolulu. He began his career in 2002 as an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii in Kona and later served as the executive director of Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice\, where he worked for 16 years. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.\n\n\n\n\n\nTracy Tonaki\n\nHawaii Division President\n\nD.R. Horton Inc.\n\n\n\nBorn and raised in Hawaii\, Tracy Tonaki is passionate about working to provide the homes Hawaii families need. As the president of D.R. Horton Inc.'s Hawaii division\, Tracy brings that passion to life each day\, leading a team equally as committed to being a part of this journey.\n\n \n\nA licensed architect in the State of Hawaii\, and a proud graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Architecture\, Tracy joined the D.R. Horton Hawaii team in 2003. Since then\, she has been an integral part of the homebuilder's mission and success\, including the overall vision and development of Hoopili\, the state's largest active master planned mixed-use community currently under development. In 2021\, she took on her current role leading the Hawaii division\, making her the first woman and the fourth person to hold the position in the company's 52-year history. \n\n \n\nTracy's work and life philosophy revolves around teamwork and collaboration. She leads by example\, creating a workplace that encourages people to share and expand knowledge\, experience and grow collectively and as individuals.\n\n \n\nHer commitment to our community stretches well beyond the office. She is a long-time board member and past chairperson for the Institute of Human Services board of directors and recently joined the Hawaiian Humane Society board of directors. She is also a strong supporter of Housing No K kou\, a coalition of housing advocates promoting reforms that protect access to much needed housing for Hawaii's families.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNicole Velasco\n\nBusiness Development Lead\n\nNORESCO \n\n \n\nNicole serves Hawaii\, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest as the business development lead for NORESCO\, an energy advisor and asset developer. On behalf of NORESCO\, she raises awareness about opportunities for greater energy efficiency and sustainability\, supports green collar workforce training\, and drives impact through systems optimization for both public and private entities. Nicole's public speaking engagements often focus on leadership development\, generational synergy\, and gender equity. Velasco is a graduate of Princeton University.\n\n\n\n\nClifton Ysutomi\n\nCo-Founder & Managing Partner\n\nMission Financial Group\n\n\nWith a background in engineering for the Central Intelligence Agency\, Clifton Yasutomi began his financial advising practice with Merrill Lynch in 2005. In 2018\, he became a co-founder and Managing Partner of Mission Financial Group\, an independent RIA. \n\n\n\nClifton has been a special guest on business talk radio and a regular contributor to the Wall Street Business Network with weekly "Money Thought" radio commentaries. As a former member of the National Society of Financial Educators\, he continues to enjoy conducting financial education classes focused on retirement planning and tax strategy.\n\n\n\nIn 2014\, Clifton completed studies to earn the Certified Wealth Strategist CWS designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. In 2019\, he attained the AIF designation\, demonstrating an understanding of the Prudent Practices and methodology. \n\n\n\nClifton is an executive member of the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army\, was a board member of the Iolani Alumni Association\, and was the youngest Rotary Club president in Hawaii. He also serves his church at Grace Bible Honolulu as a board member and small group leader. Outside of the office\, he enjoys spending time with his wife\, Renee\, and sons (10 years and 7 years old). Clifton stays active surfing\, coaching basketball\, golfing\, and practicing photography.
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\nSPEAKERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS\n
\n\nMayor Derek Kawakami \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \;
\nCounty of Kauai
\n
\nMayor Kawakami'\;s government service began as a council member with Kauai County Council from 2008 to 2011 and also served on the Kauai County Council from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure as a Kauai County Council member\, Mayor Kawakami chaired the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and vice chaired the Committee of the Whole.
\n
\nMayor Kawakami was a gubernatorial appointee to the Hawaii State Legislature\, representing District 14 from 2011 to 2015. As a State Representative\, Mayor Kawakami served as the Assistant Majority Leader\; chaired the Committee on Economic Development and Business\; vice chaired the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection\; and vice chaired the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Since 2004\, Mayor Kawakami volunteered his time\, service\, and experience to community organizations that includes the Kauai Economic Development Board\, Kauai Police Activities League\, Lihue Business Association\, serving as Second Vice Chair for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Committee Chair for Strategic Planning for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Chair for the Nominating Committee for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative\, Kiwanis Club\, and Catholic Charities Advisory Committee. Mayor Kawakami experiences in the private sector ranges from his humble start as a paperboy and fast food employee\, and was formerly an operations manager for Menehune Food Mart\, Inc. and former president of three corporations.
\n
\nOn November 8\, 2022\, Mayor Kawakami was re-elected to a second term as mayor of the County of Kauai and Niihau.
\n
\n
\nSpeaker \;Nadine Nakamura
\nState House of Representatives
\n
\nSpeaker of the House Nadine K. Nakamura serves House District 15\, which includes the Kauai towns of Hanalei\, Princeville\, Kilauea\, Anahola\, Kapaa\, and Wailua. She previously served the Majority Leader\, Chair of the House Committee of Legislative Management (LMG)\, and a member of the Tourism (TOU) and Economic Development Committees (ECD).
\n \;
\nA 32-year resident of Kapaa and former Managing Director for the County of Kauai\, Speaker Nakamura has deep roots in her community. Mrs. Nakamura operated a planning consulting business for twenty years before being elected to the Kauai County Council\, where she served from 2010-2013.
\n \;
\nSpeaker Nakamura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California. She obtained a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
\n
\n
\nSenator Stanley Chang
\nSenate Housing Committee Chair
\n
\nStanley Chang represents East Honolulu\, Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai\, in the Hawaii State Senate. A lifelong resident of Waialae-Kahala\, Stanley attended Wai-Kahala Preschool\, Kahala Elementary School\, and Iolani School before attending college and law school at Harvard University. He practiced real estate law at Cades Schutte in Honolulu.
\n
\nStanley served four years on the Honolulu City Council from 2011 to 2015. In 2016\, he was elected to the State Senate as its youngest member\, defeating the only Republican member and making the Hawaii Senate the first legislative chamber in the United States without a minority party since 1983. As chair of the Committee on Housing since 2018\, Stanley has pursued an innovative public sector housing program modeled on the successful Singapore and Vienna\, Austria models to solve Hawaii&rsquo\;s decades-long affordable housing shortage.
\n
\nStanley is married to Annie and has a two year old daughter\, Elizabeth.
\n
\n
\n
\nSenator Brandon Elefante
\nSenate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee Chair
\n
\nBorn in Aiea to a single mother and raised by his Filipino immigrant grandparents\, Senator Brandon Elefante learned the values of commitment and responsibility at an early age. His extended family instilled in him respect\, a strong work ethic\, and the importance of community.
\n
\nAfter graduating from Aiea High School\, Senator Elefante pursued higher education at Saint Mary'\;s College of California\, where he discovered his passion for public service. During his time there\, he served as a resident advisor\, co-founded the Hawaii Club and later became its president. Senator Elefantes dedication to student affairs and community service earned him several awards and recognition.
\n
\nWith a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration\, Senator Elefante returned to Hawaii to teach social justice and world religions at Damien Memorial School. He also became actively involved in his community\, serving on the Aiea Neighborhood Board and pursuing further education at Chaminade University\, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration in 2011.
\n
\nFrom 2011 to 2014\, Senator Elefante worked as a legislative aide to Honolulu City Councilmember Breene Harimoto. In this role\, he tracked infrastructure and development projects and addressed constituent concerns in the Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Waipahu communities. This experience solidified Senator Elefantes commitment to public service and to improving the lives of Hawaii'\;s residents.
\n
\nFor the next eight years\, from 2014 to 2022\, Senator Elefante served on the Honolulu City Council\, representing the communities of Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Waipahu. During his tenure\, he chaired several key committees\, including Zoning and Planning\; Business\, Economic Development\, and Tourism\; Public Health\, Safety\, and Welfare\; Transportation\; and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. He also served as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee and the Transportation\, Sustainability\, and Health Committee and was an active member of the Budget\, Executive Matters and Legal Affairs\, Executive Management\, and Public Infrastructure and Technology Committees. Senator Elefantes leadership during this period demonstrated his dedication to balanced growth\, public safety\, and improving the quality of life for Oahu&rsquo\;s diverse communities.
\n
\nThen\, in 2022\, Senator Elefante was elected as the Hawaii State Senator for District 16\, representing the neighborhoods of Aiea\, Pearl City\, and Halawa. During his first term\, he served as Vice Chair of the Water and Land (WTL) Committee and the Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs (PSM) Committee\, as well as a member of the Judiciary (JDC) Committee and the Transportation and Culture and the Arts (TCA) Committee. Additionally\, he co-chaired the Joint Crime and Justice Caucus and was a member of the Filipino Caucus.
\n
\nFollowing his re-election in 2024\, Senator Elefante now serves as Chair of the Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) Committee and as a member of the Ways and Means (WAM) Committee. He continues to serve as Vice Chair of the Water and Land (WTL) Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Culture and the Arts (TCA) Committee. Senator Elefante remains an active member of the Filipino Caucus and has joined the Kupuna Caucus\, furthering his commitment to addressing the diverse needs of his constituents.
\n
\n
\n
\nSenator Troy Hashimoto
\nSenate Housing Committee Vice Chair
\n
\nSenator Troy Hashimoto serves the Hawaii State Senate District 5 which encompasses Wailuku\, Waikapu\, Waihee\, and Kahului on Maui. He currently serves as the Senate Vice Chair of the Housing Committee and as a member of the Education\, Higher Education\, and Ways and Means Committee.
\n \;
\nSenator Hashimoto attended the University of Denver where he earned a bachelors and Master of Business Administration. He worked for nearly 8 years on the Maui County Council and served as a member of the Hawaii State Board of Education from 2004-2005. He was originally appointed to the State House in 2018 and subsequently to the State Senate in 2023.
\n \;
\nDuring his tenure in the House\, Senator Hashimoto served as both the chair and vice chair of the Housing Committee and as a member of the Judiciary\, Education\, Transportation and Finance Committee. He also served as the co-convenor of the Kupuna Caucus\, the chair of the Department of Hawaiian Homes Act 279 Working Group and served as the chair of the Policy Board for the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization.
\n \;
\nSenator Hashimoto is committed towards finding housing solutions and working for the residents of Maui\, as well as the State of Hawaii.
\n
\n
\nSenator Jarrett Keohokalole
\nSenate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Chair
\n \;
\nSenator Jarrett Keohokalole is a proud seventh-generation resident of the 24th Senate District\, including Kaneohe and Kailua.
\n \;
\nHe serves on the Senate Leadership team as an Assistant Majority Whip. He is the Chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee (CPN)\, which is responsible for business regulation\, including insurance\, banking\, telecommunications\, public utilities\, licensing\, and consumer protection.
\n \;
\nHe also serves as a member of the Hawaiian Affairs (HWN) and Transportation\, Culture and the Arts Committees (TCA)\, and is the Co-Chair of the Native Hawaiian Caucus.
\n \;
\nSen. Keohokalole received a B.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii. He is married to his wife Kuulani and\, together\, they have three children.
\n
\n
\nSenator Sharon Moriwaki
\nSenate Ways &\; Means Committee Vice Chair\n\nSenator Sharon Moriwaki was elected in 2018 to represent Waikiki\, Ala Moana\, Kakaako\, McCully\, Moiliili\, and part of Makiki in the State Senate.
\n\nBorn and raised in the Sheridan area and on St. Louis Heights\, Sharon was student body secretary at Kaimuki High\, a major figure in the 1979 Statewide Women'\;s Conference\, chaired the 90th anniversary celebration of Okinawan arrival in Hawaii\, and coordinated Hawaii'\;s Dukakis for President Campaign (Dukakis won the state). Throughout her career\, Sharon has held people accountable and worked collaboratively with diverse groups&mdash\;to get things done!
\n\nAfter she returned from California with a University of Southern California doctorate and a Loyola (L.A.) law degree and was working in a private Honolulu law firm\, Governor Waihee chose Sharon to be part of his first cabinet as Labor Department Deputy Director. Four years later\, Waihee appointed Sharon as his Director of Human Resources\, where she instituted major personnel system reforms. Sharon'\;s subsequent leadership included serving as Hawaii Court System Administrative Director and as UH Assistant Vice President.
\n\nSharon'\;s passionate advocacy for community included caring for the Makiki Stream and ahupuaa\, preserving Kakaako'\;s makai shoreline\, and bringing people together to develop and implement Hawaii'\;s clean energy goals and projects. She co-hosts ThinkTech Hawaii'\;s television show\, "\;Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy\,"\; is vice-president of the Hawaii Technology Institute\, which primarily helps disadvantaged native Hawaiians\, and volunteers with her church'\;s program aiding houseless families. Sharon helped organize and run the Good Neighbor Store\, a Democratic Party program helping over 1000 underprivileged and abused children.
\n\nSharon moved to Kakaako ten years ago\, becoming founding president of Kakaako United\, fighting for a better life in our Senate district. She is also vice president of the One Waterfront Towers condominium board.
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Luke Evslin
\nHouse Housing Committee Chair \;
\n
\nRepresentative Luke A. Evslin was born and raised on Kauai and has lived most of his life within District 16. He grew up in Wailua with his three siblings\, and he currently lives in Lihue with his wife\, Sokchea\, and their two children. In 2023\, he was appointed by Governor Josh Green to represent District 16.
\n
\nPrior to serving in the legislature\, Representative Evslin served four years on the Kauai County Council\, he co-founded a Kailua based outrigger canoe manufacturing company\, he taught high school civics\, American government\, and Hawaiian history\, and he worked as a columnist where he focused on land use and energy.
\n
\nHe is a graduate of Kauai High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa and he has a Masters degree in Public Administration with a certificate in public policy from the University of Southern California.
\n
\nRepresentative Evslin is an avid canoe paddler\, photographer\, and hiker.
\n
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Mark Hashem
\nHouse Water &\; Land Committee Chair
\n \;
\nElected in 2010\, Representative Mark J. Hashem represents House District 19. He serves as the Chair of the House Committee on Corrections\, Military\, and Veterans (CMV). He is a member of the House Committee on Water and Land (WAL) and the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC). Representative Hashem also serves on the Special Committee on Red Hill.
\n \;
\nMark is a graduate of McKinley High School\, where he is a volunteer wrestling coach. After graduating from Pacific University in Forest Grove\, Oregon\, he entered the Master'\;s Program at Hokkaido University. During his stay in Japan\, Representative Hashem\, who is fluent in Japanese\, operated an elementary English school and a billiard supply network in Sapporo.
\n \;
\nRepresentative Hashem is married and is the proud father of four children.
\n
\n
\n \;
\nRepresentative Greggor Ilagan
\nHouse Economic Development &\; Technology Committee Chair
\n
\nWith a strong background in public service\, Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan has dedicated his career to serving the people of Hawaii. His journey began with a six-year enlistment in the Air National Guard\, which laid the foundation for his commitment to public service. In 2012 and 2014\, the people of Hawaii County&rsquo\;s 4th District elected him as their Councilmember. During his tenure\, he actively chaired the Planning and Housing committees and contributed as a member of the Finance and Public Works committees.
\n \;
\nIn 2020 and again in 2022\, the people of Hawaii State House District 4 chose Vice Speaker Ilagan to represent them in the House of Representatives. His leadership roles have included serving as Vice Chair for the Committee on Transportation and as a Committee Member on Housing and Finance. Recognizing his dedication and service\, he was appointed Vice Speaker of the Hawaii State House of Representatives in 2022.
\n \;
\nHouse District 4\, Vice Speaker Ilagan represents\, is a vibrant and diverse part of Hawaii. It includes the communities of Hawaiian Paradise Park\, Makuu Hawaiian Home Land\, Hawaiian Beaches\, and Nanawale Estates\, and extends to the historic town of Pahoa. The District also encompasses Leilani Estates\, Kapoho\, Opihikao\, and Kalapana\, areas shaped by volcanic activity. These special places embody Puna Makai\, reflecting the District&rsquo\;s unique character and the diverse community Vice Speaker Ilagan proudly represents.
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Darius Kila
\nHouse Transportation Committee Chair
\n
\nBorn and raised here in this community\, Darius understands first hand the issues that we are facing\, and if elected to represent District 44\, he will work tirelessly to create intentional and everlasting change. Darius is committed to fostering\, implementing\, and creating a sustainable and obtainable Hawaiʻ\;i for his ohana\, your ohana and everyone who call this coast home.
\n
\nOne of Seven children\, Darius has lived his entire life on the Leeward Coast\, but he and his family have never owned a home. Darius understands firsthand the difficulties Hawaii families face seeking home ownership. Growing up on a fixed one parent income\, Darius&rsquo\;s hardships and struggles helped mold him into the leader and advocate he is today.
\n
\nEager to one day return home to Hawaii to share all that he learned\; Darius studied at three different higher education institutes. Lane College in Jackson\, TN\, Fullerton College in Fullerton\, CA and Southern Oregon University in Ashland\, OR provided the tools he utilizes today. Darius was able to observe\, learn and adopt many different ideas by collaborating with many diverse individuals from across the country.
\n
\nDarius Kila currently resides in Maili\, Oahu and currently serves as the Community Liaison for Representative Stacelynn Eli and is a member of the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board. Graduating in 2013 from Kapolei High School\, Darius went on to pursue a collegiate football career and study broadcast journalism in Tennessee\, California\, and Oregon.
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Rachele Lamosao
\nHouse Water &\; Land Committee Vice Chair
\n\n
\nRepresentative Rachele Lamosao is Filipino American born in Honolulu and raised in Waipahu. She is the youngest of two daughters. Her parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 80&rsquo\;s. They worked multiple jobs to provide for their family. Growing up she was quick to learn the meaning of hard work and perseverance from her parents.
\n
\nRep. Lamosao is a proud Marauder\, attending school in the community since kindergarten. She attended August Ahrens Elementary\, Waipahu Intermediate\, and Waipahu High School.
\nRep. Lamosao continued her education at Leeward Community College completing her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She then attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and her Masters in Public Administration.
\n
\nRep. Lamosao has been in public service for many years. She worked as a session staffer at the legislature. Then\, she served as an Office Manager in the legislature.
\nShe also serves her community as a member of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board. She volunteered with Waipahu High School as an Academy Board Member or Natural Resources and the Taste of Waipahu planning committee.
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Lauren Matsumoto
\nHouse Minority Leader
\n
\nRepresentative Lauren Cheape Matsumoto traces her roots in Hawai&lsquo\;i back to 1859. She is the 6th generation to be born and raised in the islands and is a member of the prestigious Daughters of Hawaii. Her great-grandfather founded Peterson&rsquo\;s Upland Farm in 1910\, and the farm continues the over 100-year-long family-run business of supplying fresh eggs to our communities.
\n
\nLauren is a product of the Hawaii public school system\, having attended Mililani Waena Elementary School\, Mililani Middle School\, and Mililani High School. After graduating from Mililani High\, Lauren spent time volunteering at an orphanage in Malawi\, Africa. When she returned\, Lauren attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa\, where she earned a BA in Film Production from the Academy of Creative Media and minored in both Business and Japanese. Lauren was a four-year Division I scholar-athlete\, playing Wahine (Women'\;s) Water Polo. She also served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Continuing her education\, in 2015 she earned an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University\, where she was a Valedictorian and was selected as the commencement speaker. Lauren is continuing her studies\, currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Development.
\n
\nAfter graduating from the University of Hawaii\, Lauren went on to win the title of Miss Hawaii 2011. She represented our state at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas\, where she was a Quality of Life Finalist (recognizing community service efforts) and was awarded for raising the most money nationally for Children'\;s Miracle Network Hospitals. She also won the talent portion of the pageant by performing a jump rope routine to the theme of Hawaii 5-0. To this day\, Lauren continues to perform her jump rope routine while speaking to children across the state and encouraging them to lead a healthy lifestyle and volunteer in their community.
\n
\nRepresentative Matsumoto'\;s political career followed soon after Miss Hawaii. She began serving in the House of Representatives in 2012 at the age of 25. She is an active member of the Council of State Government (CSG) and was selected to attend their Western Legislative Academy program in 2014. She was then named a Toll Fellow in 2015\, participating in CSG&rsquo\;s selective leadership development program for state officials. In 2015 she was also chosen to be a part of Governing Institute inaugural class of women in government. In addition\, she was elected as the Western Regional Board director on the Women In Government National Board\, having previously served as the Hawaii State Director. Lauren also serves as a founding member of the Echelon Board of the Salvation Army - Hawaiian and Pacific Islands.
\n
\nOutside of the legislature Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and lifelong hobbies. She shares her love for dance as a professional hula dancer in Waikiki. Lauren is an active member of her church\, One Love\, where she met her husband Scott Matsumoto\, a firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department. In August of 2017 they were blessed with the birth of their first child\, Noah Matsumoto. The couple reside in Mililani\, in the heart of District 45.
\n
\n
\nRepresentative Tyson Miyake
\nHouse Housing Committee Vice Chair
\n
\nMiyake earned a bachelor'\;s degree in business management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2005. \;From 2005 to 2019\, Miyake ran a concrete accessories business. In 2019\, Miyake became Deputy Managing Director of the County of Maui. From 2020 to 2023\, Miyake served as Chief of Staff for the County of Maui. Gov. \;Joshua Green \;appointed Miyake to the \;Hawaii House of Representatives District 10 \;on December 15\, 2023.
\n
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\nRepresentative Chris Todd
\nHouse Finance Committee Chair \;
\n
\nRepresentative Chris Toshiro Todd is currently in his fourth term representing House District 3\, which covers a portion of Hilo\, Keaukaha\, Orchidlands Estate\, Ainaloa\, Hawaiian Acres\, Fern Acres\, portions of Kurtistown and Keaau in the Hawaii State Legislature.
\n
\nBorn and raised in Hilo\, Representative Todd is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a bachelors degree in economics and political science. He previously held several positions at Suisan Fish Market and Hawaii Paper Products in 2016 before being appointed by Governor David Ige on January 5\, 2017 to fill the vacancy caused by the passing of the late Representative Clift Tsuji.
\n
\nIn his own words\, Representative Todd is "\;incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve my community."\; He remains deeply committed to advocating for working families at the Capitol. As a husband and a father\, Representative Todd is also passionate about creating pathways for local youth\, both in Hilo and across the state\, to reach their professional and personal dreams.
\n
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\nCouncilmember Radiant Cordero
\nHonolulu City Council Infrastructure\, Transportation &\; Technology Committee Chair
\n
\nRadiant has dedicated her career to her community through various roles in nonprofits\, journalism\, and local government. While in school\, she worked for Abilities Unlimited &ndash\; Winners at Work\, working with persons with disabilities on job training and retention and ClubCharm\, USA\, working with keiki on leadership development and even filling the void during Furlough Fridays.
\n
\nAfter graduating with her Bachelors degrees\, she served as a legislative aide at the Office of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives\, while still serving at the nonprofits and taking on two additional front desk jobs at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. She also served as assistant editor for the Fil-Am Courier (Hawaii'\;s leading and longest running Filipino publication).
\nRadiant previously served as chief of staff to Honolulu City Councilmember Joey Manahan of District 7\, where she worked on many issues related to homelessness\, public safety\, critical infrastructure\, city budget\, transportation\, and fighting for county resources at the State Legislature. She is a tireless advocate for the community that she has called home for her entire life and has been shaped into the servant leader she is today by the people and culture within it.
\n
\nIn November 2024\, the National League of Cities selected her to receive the Centennial Under 40 Impact Award\, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators selected her to receive the Women of Excellence Award.
\n
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\nCouncilmember Esther Kiaaina
\nHonolulu City Council Zoning &\; Planning Committee Chair
\n
\nEsther Kiaaina proudly represents District III\, the Windward side of Oahu\, where she resides in Kailua. She credits her family\, her cosmopolitan upbringing and over 30 years of work experience in Washington\, D.C.\, Hawai&rsquo\;i\, and the Pacific Islands region\, as providing her with a strong background to help diverse communities and fight for issues\, while navigating government.
\n
\nEsther served under President Barack Obama as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior\, where she coordinated overall federal policy for the U.S. territories and financial assistance for the Freely Associated States of Micronesia. She previously served as the First Deputy for Hawaii&rsquo\;s Department of Land and Natural Resources\, Chief Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs\, and Land Asset Manager for the Kamehameha Schools.
\n
\nShe also had an extensive career on Capitol Hill in Washington\, D.C.\, starting as a volunteer intern for Senator Daniel Inouye after college and later serving as Legislative Assistant for Senator Daniel Akaka\, Chief of Staff/Legislative Director for Guam Congressman Robert Underwood\, and Chief of Staff for Congressman Ed Case.
\n
\nEsther is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools\, University of Southern California\, and George Washington University Law School. She also attended the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
\n
\n
\nJacob Aki
\nSenior Public Affairs Manager
\nAlaska Airlines \;
\n
\nJacob Aki serves as the Senior Public Affairs Manager for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines\, where he leads state and local government affairs strategies across Hawaii and the Pacific region. With nearly a decade of senior-level experience in the Hawaii State Senate\, Jacob is a trusted strategist in legislative affairs\, political communications\, and stakeholder engagement.
\n
\nHe is widely recognized for his leadership within the Native Hawaiian community. Jacob has held prominent roles in respected cultural and civic organizations\, including the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii\, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. His work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation\, community empowerment\, and service that uplifts Hawaii&rsquo\;s people.
\n
\nBeyond Hawaii\, Jacob advocates nationally for the Asian American\, Native Hawaiian\, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. He serves on the Board of the Asian American Action (AAA) Fund and as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa&mdash\;advancing AANHPI representation in public policy\, environmental stewardship\, and civic engagement.
\n
\nJacob is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools. He earned his B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a master&rsquo\;s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University. In 2024\, he was honored as one of Pacific Business News&rsquo\; &ldquo\;40 Under 40&rdquo\; for his leadership and impact across Hawaii.
\n
\nHe currently lives in Honolulu with his wife and two children.
\n
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\n
\nTina Andrade
\nPresident &\; Chief Executive Officer
\nCatholic Charities Hawaii
\n
\nTina Andrade works closely with executive and senior leadership to align Catholic Charities Hawaii&rsquo\;s mission and core values throughout the agency&rsquo\;s services\, operations and Human Resources. Additionally\, she engages the local community in CCH&rsquo\;s mission through its Social Policy efforts and with the neighboring islands advisory boards.
\n
\nPrior to joining CCH in 2003\, Ms. Andrade was an educator at several Hawaii Catholic schools and worked within the Catholic community in the area of religious education and social ministry.
\n
\nShe received her Bachelor of Religious Studies and Master in Pastoral Theology from Chaminade University Hawaii. Additionally\, she has an Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Transformational Leadership from Notre Dame University and a Professional Certificate in Human Resource &\; Workforce Development &\; Management from Michigan State University.
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\nSeth Colby
\nChief State Economist
\nHawaii Department of Business\, Economic Development &\; Tourism\n\n
\nSeth Colby is the Chief State Economist at Hawaii&rsquo\;s Department of Business\, Economic Development &\; Tourism\, where he leads a team producing economic analysis and statistics. He previously served as Tax Research &\; Planning Officer for the Hawaii Department of Taxation\, overseeing research on the state&rsquo\;s revenue system\, macroeconomic forecasting\, and the fiscal impacts of proposed legislation. Earlier in his career\, Seth focused on economic and social development in Latin America\, the Caribbean\, and Africa\, working with the Inter-American Development Bank\, the World Bank\, and Johns Hopkins University. He is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and holds a PhD in Political Economy from Johns Hopkins University.
\n \;
\n\n
\nKamaka Dias
\nCo-Founder of Hawaiiverse \;
\nHost of \;Keep It Aloha Podcast \;
\n
\nKamaka Dias is a Native-Hawaiian\, Japanese\, Korean\, and Portuguese local boy from the Big Island of Hawaii.
\n
\nHe grew up in Hilo speaking Hawaiian as his first language while attending Hawaiian Language Immersion schools all his life until moving to Kaiser High School on Oahu for his senior year. Before leaving for Madagascar to volunteer in the Peace Corps for three years\, Kamaka attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated with a B.A. in Communications and a certificate in Spanish.
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\nAfter returning home from the Peace Corps in 2019\, Kamaka started a campaign called The Race To $50k where he documented himself paying off $53\,757 of student loans in one year by doing all kinds of odd jobs.
\n
\nCurrently he is the Director of Outreach and host for Hawaiiverse\, an online platform he helped create to support local businesses\, and of course our host for the Keep it Aloha Podcast.
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\n\nSarah Guay
\n\nPresident &\; CEO
\n\nHawaii Employers Council \;
\n\n \;
\n\nSarah Guay was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2022. In her role\, she collaborates with HEC&rsquo\;s board of governors and staff to address the ever-evolving needs of Hawaii&rsquo\;s employers. She is responsible for the organization&rsquo\;s long-term strategy\, leadership\, and key initiatives.
\n\nSarah has an exceptional track record designing and leading human resources\, change management\, and workplace culture initiatives. Prior to her appointment as President &\; CEO at Hawaii Employers Council\, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at HEMIC\, where she led the digitization of their Human Resources function. Sarah also played an instrumental role in leading the change management efforts behind American Savings Bank&rsquo\;s campus development. She is a director with the Oahu Economic Development Board\, serves as an advisor for the Patsy T Mink Center for Business and Leadership\, and was honored as a Woman Who Means Business by Pacific Business News in 2024.
\n\nSarah received her master&rsquo\;s degree in organizational communication and a bachelor&rsquo\;s degree in general communication from Washington State University. She and her husband have three kids and enjoy spending time outdoors or at the beach in Kailua\, where they live.
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\n
\nMeli James
\nCo-Founder
\nMana Up
\n
\nMeli James is the cofounder of Mana Up\, a Hawaii-based product accelerator and venture fund building the state&rsquo\;s next generation of consumer brands. She is also the president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Born and raised in Honolulu\, Meli lived in Silicon Valley for more than 10 years where she co-founded numerous startups including Nirvino &ndash\; a #1 ranked wine app and Apple Platform Top 100 App\, during its time.
\n
\nMeli has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of five Women to Watch and as one of eight Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship. She serves on the board of UHA Health Insurance\, board of regents for Chaminade University and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. Meli is a graduate of Punahou School and Cornell University.
\n
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\n
\nMichelle Luxton \;
\nFirst Vice President
\nAmerican Savings Bank
\n
\nMichelle Luxton leads American Savings Bank&rsquo\;s Private Lending Group as a first vice president and executive residential loan officer. With more than 15 years of industry experience\, Michelle is a seasoned mortgage expert dedicated to making homeownership dreams possible. Prior to ASB\, Michelle served as a producing branch sales manager for the Honolulu office of a national mortgage company and was consistently ranked among the company&rsquo\;s top 5 producers nationwide. Michelle has been recognized as one of Hawaii&rsquo\;s Top 10 Loan Officers and #1 Overall Producer by ASB multiple times.
\n
\nAn active member of the community\, Michelle is a board member at Junior Achievement of Hawaii and previously served as a board member for the Outrigger Canoe Club and Punahou Alumni Association. She is also a member of several professional organizations\, including the Hawaii Association of Mortgage Brokers (HAMB) and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii (MBAH).
\n
\nMichelle is a graduate of Punahou School and Santa Clara University.
\n
\n
\nGavin Thornton
\nDirector of Housing Policy
\nCity &\; County of Honolulu
\n
\nGavin \;Thornton is dedicated to fostering compassion&ndash\;helping individuals recognize their worth\, purpose\, and potential\; inspiring them to see the same in others\; and working to build a society that affirms these ideals. His career has centered on ensuring everyone in Hawaii has stable housing\; purposeful\, dignified work\; and access to essential resources that support their families&rsquo\; well-being and success. \;
\n
\nGavin \;currently serves as the director of Housing Policy for the City &\; County of Honolulu. He began his career in 2002 as an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii in Kona and later served as the executive director of Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice\, where he worked for 16 years. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.
\n
\n
\nTracy Tonaki
\nHawaii Division President
\nD.R. Horton Inc.
\n
\nBorn and raised in Hawaii\, Tracy Tonaki is passionate about working to provide the homes Hawaii families need. As the president of D.R. Horton Inc.&rsquo\;s Hawaii division\, Tracy brings that passion to life each day\, leading a team equally as committed to being a part of this journey.
\n \;
\nA licensed architect in the State of Hawaii\, and a proud graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa&rsquo\;s School of Architecture\, Tracy joined the D.R. Horton Hawaii team in 2003. Since then\, she has been an integral part of the homebuilder&rsquo\;s mission and success\, including the overall vision and development of Hoopili\, the state&rsquo\;s largest active master planned mixed-use community currently under development. In 2021\, she took on her current role leading the Hawaii division\, making her the first woman and the fourth person to hold the position in the company&rsquo\;s 52-year history. \;
\n \;
\nTracy&rsquo\;s work and life philosophy revolves around teamwork and collaboration. She leads by example\, creating a workplace that encourages people to share and expand knowledge\, experience and grow collectively and as individuals.
\n \;
\nHer commitment to our community stretches well beyond the office. She is a long-time board member and past chairperson for the Institute of Human Services board of directors and recently joined the Hawaiian Humane Society board of directors. She is also a strong supporter of Housing No Kā\;kou\, a coalition of housing advocates promoting reforms that protect access to much needed housing for Hawaii&rsquo\;s families.
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\n\nNicole Velasco
\n\nBusiness Development Lead
\n\nNORESCO \;
\n\n \;
\n\nNicole serves Hawaii\, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest as the business development lead for NORESCO\, an energy advisor and asset developer. On behalf of NORESCO\, she raises awareness about opportunities for greater energy efficiency and sustainability\, supports green collar workforce training\, and drives impact through systems optimization for both public and private entities. Nicole&rsquo\;s public speaking engagements often focus on leadership development\, generational synergy\, and gender equity. Velasco is a graduate of Princeton University.\n
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\n
Clifton Ysutomi
\n\n
Co-Founder &\; Managing Partner
\n\n
Mission Financial Group
\n
\nWith a background in engineering for the Central Intelligence Agency\, Clifton Yasutomi began his financial advising practice with Merrill Lynch in 2005. In 2018\, he became a co-founder and Managing Partner of Mission Financial Group\, an independent RIA. \;
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\nClifton has been a special guest on business talk radio and a regular contributor to the Wall Street Business Network with weekly &ldquo\;Money Thought&rdquo\; radio commentaries. As a former member of the National Society of Financial Educators\, he continues to enjoy conducting financial education classes focused on retirement planning and tax strategy.
\n
\nIn 2014\, Clifton completed studies to earn the Certified Wealth Strategist CWS®\; designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. In 2019\, he attained the AIF®\; designation\, demonstrating an understanding of the Prudent Practices®\; and methodology. \;
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\nClifton is an executive member of the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army\, was a board member of the Iolani Alumni Association\, and was the youngest Rotary Club president in Hawaii. He also serves his church at Grace Bible Honolulu as a board member and small group leader. Outside of the office\, he enjoys spending time with his wife\, Renee\, and sons (10 years and 7 years old). Clifton stays active surfing\, coaching basketball\, golfing\, and practicing photography.
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LOCATION:Prince Waikiki
UID:e.2453.1114672
SEQUENCE:3
DTSTAMP:20260501T201440Z
URL:https://business.cochawaii.org/events/details/yp-cost-of-living-summit-presented-by-tradewind-group-speakers-special-guests-1114672
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR