YP Meet and Greet Pau Hana with Derek Kawakami

Your vote is your voice!

Hawaii's future is shaped by the decisions made today, and YP Civic Engagement is bringing you closer to the people who want to lead it!

Join us for a meet and greet pau hana featuring Derek Kawakami, Mayor of Kauai County and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. Taking place in the casual setting of Chinatown's newest bar, PEWA by Pono Potions, this is a rare opportunity to speak candidly and engage in meaningful conversation directly with the candidate in a relaxed environment.

Don't miss this opportunity to talk story, connect with fellow YPs, and walk away feeling informed!

Registration fees include one (1) drink tickets and pupus. Fees are not considered endorsement of, nor contribution to, any campaign.

Derek Kawakami
Mayor of Kauai County

Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami is a third-generation Kauai resident who was born in Hilo, Hawaii, on August 19, 1977. Mayor Kawakami is married to his wife, Monica; has two children; and is the son of the late Charles and Arlene Kawakami.

Mayor Kawakami graduated from Kauai High School in 1995, attended Kauai Community College, and graduated from Chaminade University in Honolulu in 2001 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Mayor Kawakami is also a Credentialed Cooperative Director from the National Rural Electric Association in Arlington, Virginia.

Mayor 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. Mayor 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's experiences in the private sector range 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.

On November 8, 2022, Mayor Kawakami was re-elected to a second term as mayor of the County of Kauai and Niihau.

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Event Sponsors

Date and Time

Thursday May 28, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM HST

Location

PEWA by Pono Potions

Parking Options (Not included with registration)

- Mark's Garage (1154 Fort St. Mall) — Paid parking
- Chinatown Municipal Parking (160 S Beretania St.) —Paid parking
- Street Parking

1115 Bethel Street Honolulu HI 96813

Fees/Admission

Online Registration:

YP Member: $35
Non-Member: $50
YP Alumni: $50

At the Door:

YP Member: $45
Non-Member: $60
YP Alumni: $60

Refund Policy

5 or more business days before the event – Full refund
2–4 business days before the event – 50% refund
1 business day before the event or day of event – No refund

Please note: Refund eligibility is based on the calendar day prior to the event, not a 24-hour window. Once we reach the business day before the event, refunds are no longer available due to final guest counts and event preparation. If you are unable to attend, tickets may be transferred to another attendee. Please contact us with the new attendee’s name and email prior to the event.

In consideration for participating as a guest in any Chamber of Commerce Hawaii event, I agree to hold the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii harmless and release it from any liability arising from any lost, missing stolen or damaged personal property at any of its events. Please keep all personal property under observation or secured.

This event is being photographed and videoed. By entering, you agree to the use of recordings of you in connection with editorial, promotional, and/or advertising materials relating to this event or our other events in any media. Please inform our photographer if you do not want your image used in this manner.

Website

http://cochawaii.org/ypprogram

Contact Information

Kaya Ishimine
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