Pacific Edge Q2 2023

GIVING

BACK

TO THE COMMUNITY BUSINESS LEADERS IN HAWAI‘I SHARE INSIGHT ON BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

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Koba’s Nursery, Waimanalo

John

Mark

Kelly

Ivan

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Naomi Hazelton

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E. S. Adler Production

Creative Director

Chase Nuuhiwa

Editor

Jacob Kamhis

Social Media & Marketing

Sydney Quilalang

Pacific Edge magazine is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail and at bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. The views expressed within Pacific Edge magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership. Pacific Edge magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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In Hawai‘i, the concept of community holds a special place in the heart of every person. Kuleana, the Hawaiian word for “responsibility,” is at the core of Hawaiian culture. It is often described as the obligation we have to our family and community. It reminds us we are all connected and have a role to play in bettering our ‘āina. With Hawai‘i’s unique sense of togetherness, compassion, and unity, we recognize the significance of supporting and uplifting one another. The 21 individuals showcased in this issue demonstrate their sense of kuleana through their exceptional commitment to serving the community.

The act of giving back, whether through volunteering, donating to charitable causes, or lending a helping hand, connects us, inspires us, and builds a stronger and more resilient community. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, has a domino effect that extends far beyond our tangible surroundings.

With this in mind, we believe it is our kuleana at Pacific Edge to communicate through our magazines, business networking events, social media platforms, and our television shows to give real people with incredible lives a platform to share their inspiring and innovating stories.

It’s been an exciting quarter at Pacific Edge magazine as we unveiled our first hour-long “Women in Business” television show in partnership with HI Now Weekender celebrating the talented wahine in our community. The episode showcased the remarkable achievements of Olga Reym from Mana Pacific, Jessica Munoz from Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, and Louise Ing from Dentons Law on June 10th on K5, KHNL, KGMB and was rebroadcasted June 11th and 12th on K5. You can view the show on our website at Pacificedgemagazine.com.

We also hosted our annual "Women in Business" soirée which was successfully hosted on March 29th at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The event brought together inspiring and influential women from various industries.

Furthermore, after a 5-year hiatus, Pacific Edge magazine and Green Magazine Hawaii joined forces to host the long-awaited Green Drinks Honolulu event on Tuesday, May 9th at the Green Lady Cocktail Room in White Sands Hotel. This event aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues in Hawai‘i and provided a platform for like-minded individuals to connect. As we celebrate our 18th Anniversary, Pacific Edge magazine invites you to save the date for our highly anticipated annual Business Achievement Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on September 7, 2023, at the prestigious Kahala Hotel & Resort. Nominations are open now at PacificEdgeAwards.com, and winners in each category will be announced during the exclusive red carpet awards gala from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Stay tuned for our upcoming Hospitality Issue and details about our Green Drinks events at Wayfinder Waikiki!

As you navigate through the pages of our publication, we hope to not only entertain and inform you, but also inspire you to think about how you can show your kuleana to the ‘āina. Together, we can create a brighter future for Hawai‘i—a future built on love, compassion, and the spirit of aloha. Cheers to 18 years of motivation, inspiration, and innovation!

Mahalo & Aloha, NAOMI HAZELTON

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, CEO, Pacific Edge Magazine Women Owned & Family Owned

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FOUNDER & LEAD DIRECTOR HAWAII WALLS

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How do you give back to your community?

I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on families and children living in underserved areas. Our efforts have spanned across the globe, where we have transformed spaces through art and murals in public housing, libraries, schools, and even homeless centers for children in Kathmandu. Recently, we successfully completed over 70 murals in Kalihi, a community heavily populated by lowincome and public housing residents. This particular neighborhood holds special significance to me, as it is where I grew up. My childhood was spent in the back of my mother's grocery store and bakery, located

across from Farrington High School. Beautifying this area was not only a way for me to give back to my home, but also to uplift and bring visibility to a community in need.

My involvement in giving back began with teaching art classes at Palama Settlement, a community center with a remarkable 120-year history. Originally established to support newly arrived immigrants lacking resources, the center continues to fulfill its mission of providing healthcare, education, and a safe space. I felt a strong desire to support the children and families there, recognizing the selfless dedication of the individuals who work tirelessly to provide sanctuary and assistance to those that have been disenfranchised.

I am incredibly passionate about the transformative power of art in improving neighborhoods. Throughout my journey, I have organized and participated in 11 festivals in Hawai‘i and nearly 70 festivals worldwide. Murals serve as a medium for sharing stories and honoring individuals, infusing vibrant colors into otherwise ordinary places. Sometimes, a touch of color is all it takes to make a place better.

Giving back to communities is a vital endeavor that holds immense importance. It allows us to address inequality, provide support to those facing adversity, and create spaces that inspire and uplift. By dedicating

our time, resources, and skills, we can contribute to building stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone to thrive in.

What does giving back mean to you?

It is better to give than to receive. We don't always have to undertake grand, world-changing initiatives. Small gestures that positively impact those around us are enough. Take a moment to look around your own community. Whether it's assisting a neighbor in need or volunteering to clean up a local park, the act of doing something selfless matters.

In today's society, with the prevalence of social media and its influence, it's easy to become self-centered. We often measure our success by the number of likes our posts receive. As an artist, I've experienced this firsthand. We constantly engage in self-promotion, and at times, it can feel like a selfish pursuit leading to isolation. I used to struggle with these feelings, believing that my work held no significance and only served my personal interests. However, I discovered art can also be a tool for change and a means of bringing people together. It has the power to alter perceptions and even de-stigmatize certain issues. One remarkable example is a mural project we undertook in Massachusetts at a public housing community.

In this particular community, there was a mother with two daughters. The oldest daughter never disclosed where they lived due to the stigma associated with public housing. However, after our mural project, the youngest daughter mentioned their home to someone,

who then asked if it was the place where all the painting was taking place. This simple mural changed the perception of their living environment and meant everything to them.

To me, giving back doesn't have to be grand or elaborate. It can start with small acts of kindness within your own community. These actions have the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of those around you, fostering a sense of unity and compassion.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Finding funding for art projects is a challenge. Unfortunately, there isn't much support for the arts, and it is not recognized as a significant part of our lives. Furthermore, art and music are still being removed from some public schools, which is a disheartening reality. What we often fail to realize is that art surrounds us. It is present in our homes, the clothes we wear, the books we read, the movies we watch, and even the chairs we sit on. All of these things derive from art, which begins with a simple pencil and paper. Art holds great importance, yet many fail to recognize it as such. Consequently, there is limited funding for projects and events that showcase and celebrate art.

Personally, I organize public art and mural festivals in over 25 cities. Out of all these locations, Hawai‘i proves to be one of the most challenging to gather support and funding. However, for over a decade, we have managed to make these events happen through sheer determination and working tirelessly day and night to bring them to fruition. We

are fortunate the community desires these events to take place and believes in the transformative power of art to impact lives and neighborhoods. This is something we have in abundance—a love for the arts and a strong belief in its significance.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I have dedicated my art career to creating public art projects, sacrificing my own personal artistic pursuits. The sheer amount of time and energy required to bring a festival to life is monumental. I must prioritize these projects over my own artistic practice to make them a reality. I have organized and facilitated hundreds, even thousands, of murals worldwide, yet I won't paint a single mural during my own festivals. However, this doesn't bother me. My intention is to provide platforms for artists and showcase their work. I aim to connect them with communities, particularly those that are underserved. I believe this work is of utmost importance. Ultimately, what may seem like a sacrifice is truly a worthwhile endeavor. I genuinely believe it is necessary to set aside my personal ambitions to uplift artists and communities.

What has been the biggest reward? Countless rewards. The smiles and the adoration and the embrace we receive when people see that we care. When people realize they are seen and not forgotten. I have had many kids come up to me to tell me thank you for painting their school or their neighborhood. It brightens their day. Those smiles are the biggest rewards.

To me, giving back doesn't have to be grand or elaborate. It can start with small acts of kindness within your own community.”

Arita PRESIDENT AMERICAN FLOOR AND HOME

How do you give back to your community?

As an employee-owned company, giving back to the community is an essential part of our culture. At American Floor and Home, we believe in taking good people and making them into great owners for our business while serving the community. We are heavily involved in the Salvation Army, Aloha United Way, Executive Women International, The Pali Momi Foundation, and donate to other non-profits throughout the year. Our workplace campaigns for Aloha United Way have had 100% participation from our employee owners for the last nine years.

We organize various events and initiatives to support different causes, including pet adoptions with the Humane Society, and quarterly cleanups on the portion of Sand Island Access Road that we have adopted. We also hold blood drives, allowing our team and the community to donate blood.

During the holidays, we support Toys for Tots and in December, we did a teacher area rug giveaway where we gave out over 500 area rugs to teachers so they could use them in their classrooms for their students.

All in all, our company has a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community, and we are proud of the efforts we have made to give back to the community.

What does giving back mean to you?

As an employee-owned company, giving back means even more to us as it aligns with our core values and beliefs. We believe our employees are not just workers but owners who have a stake in the success of our company and our community. By giving back, we show our commitment to our community and our responsibility as owners to

Daniel

make a positive impact beyond our business operations. As employeeowners, we take pride in our work and in our contributions to the community. Giving back is not just a philanthropic gesture for us; it is an integral part of our culture. We recognize that our employees and our community are intertwined, and by giving back, we can build stronger relationships with our employees and our community. Overall, giving back as an employeeowned company is a win-win situation. It not only benefits our community but also strengthens our business and our sense of ownership and purpose.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

When the pandemic hit, we had to change our culture and how we lead our teams. We looked into a business strategy called The Great Game of Business that made a huge impact in our culture, especially since we are employee owned. The Great Game of Business involves opening up the company's financial statements and sharing them with all employees to give them a better understanding of how the business operates and how their actions impact the bottom line. By involving employees in the financial decision-making process and showing them the financial results of their efforts, The Great Game of Business aims to create a sense of ownership, accountability, and transparency. The Great Game of Business also involves setting goals, creating scoreboards, and incentivizing employees to achieve those goals through a system of rewards and recognition.

The scoreboards track progress towards the goals and are updated regularly, giving employees real-time feedback on their performance. The philosophy behind The Great Game of Business is that by involving employees in the business and empowering them to make decisions, the company can improve its financial performance and create a more engaged and

motivated workforce. It's a way to align the interests of employees with the interests of the company. The Great Game of Business is a management philosophy that involves teaching employees about the financials of the business and empowering them to make decisions that impact the bottom line. It's a way to create a more engaged and motivated workforce and align the interests of employees with the interests of the company. The Great Game of Business challenges my leadership style to be different, and I believe the employee owners prefer this style of inclusiveness versus if we weren’t employee owned.

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success?

As a leader, I believe success should not be limited to personal achievements or the performance of the organization alone. Success is when I can empower and support team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. It means creating a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and supportive, where team members can feel valued, appreciated, and fulfilled.

Success should be viewed as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Success is not a finite game but an infinite game. It involves continuous learning, improvement, and growth, both for the organization

and its team members. Our company culture is based on “Kaizen,” which is continuous improvement, willingness to change, and perfection is our standard. Success means setting ambitious yet achievable goals and constantly challenging ourselves to do better and be better.

What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was from my dad. He taught me to prioritize our employees as the biggest asset in the company. His advice highlights the importance of valuing and investing in our employees as the key driver of the company's success. By prioritizing our employees, our leaders can create a positive work environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered. This, in turn, can lead to higher productivity, increased engagement, and better retention rates.

I read the book, LEAD WITH LUV by Colleen Barrett and Ken Blanchard. It highlights that if you don’t love your people then they won’t be able to show love to their customers and each other. My dad said that you must invest in your time with your team to get the return on investment you really want from them.

Success should be viewed as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.”

John Morgan PRESIDENT KUALOA RANCH

How do you give back to your community?

Giving back to the community is very important and is an integral part of leadership. Through the company, we give back by donating money, goods, and services to many worthwhile organizations. We also support many individuals, schools, and organizations by providing enriching experiences amidst the many beautiful landscapes of Kualoa Ranch.

We also give back by doing our best to be a role model for regenerative tourism, tourism that helps improve the environment and community. We hope our model will inspire others. We have also set up a foundation funded by the company and is run by our seventh generation family members. The purpose of the foundation is to enrich the community. I also give back by contributing my time, serving on several boards of community organizations.

What does giving back mean to you?

To me, giving back is part of my kuleana, my responsibility. It is also a privilege. If I am able to add value to someone else’s life, or the betterment of an organization, it is an honor to do so. It is also a way to find balance. We all have a variety of roles and responsibilities, whether it is as a son, husband, father, friend, business manager, or community member and giving back provides balance. Giving back also helps me because it is pono, the right thing to do, and it feels good.

What do you love most about your job?

It is not as much of a job as it is a calling. I started working at Kualoa Ranch during the summers when I was 14. I became the manager at 25 and 41 years later I am still dreaming of ways to improve and help navigate a course toward a better future for our employees, our guests, and our community.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Finding good people. There are many great people in Hawai‘i, but good people are in demand and as we all know, the cost of living is high here. The population is aging, people are retiring, and there is an outmigration of young people to the mainland. We are lucky we are a relatively big employer in a small community and we are a fun place to work, so our hiring challenges may not be as much as others in our industry.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I don’t look at my choices as being sacrifices. I may not have the time I would like to do many of the things I want to do, but since I am in control of my life and am responsible for my choices, I don’t look at them as sacrifices.

What has been the biggest reward? A lifetime of creativity and fulfillment. I get to work with amazing people and we get to work in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We get to continually improve this special place and create amazing experiences for our guests and employees.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

I am not sure I would call them failures. I have made many mistakes along the way and each one is an opportunity to learn. I have made business mistakes, mistakes dealing with people, and many other mistakes that I forgot about. One of my favorite books is THE FOUR AGREEMENTS by Don Miguel Ruiz.

The Agreements (that we should make with ourselves) are the following:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

3. Don’t Make Assumptions, and

4. Always Do Your Best.

None of us performs perfectly with all of these always, but if we keep at it, we will make less mistakes.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I run an amazing company with a great mission that people really appreciate. I am not that sure I am a great leader though. I am the boss and I am a visionary, but you would have to ask my team to see if I am a good leader or not.

Guilty Instagram Follow

I am not too active in social media. Ask my family. If there is a real dinosaur in the family, it is me.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Read THE FOUR AGREEMENTS earlier. Know that not all knowledge is taught in the same school. Be aware of your infatuation with new ideas. Measure twice, cut once. Trust your instincts. Write more thank you notes.

Giving back also helps me because it is pono, the right thing to do, and it feels good.”

How do you give back to your community?

MN: Our ‘āina (land)-based advocacy really began when our girls were born. Our daughters were a reminder that our daily work with our nonprofit, Chef Hui, is a small part of a larger picture—to use food beyond feeding people in a restaurant and instead as a vehicle for change. These hands-on moments inspired my work at Punahou School as a Food & Sustainability Curriculum Specialist as well.

By sharing meaningful experiences around food with our youth, we encourage growth and resilience. In Hawai‘i, we believe our ancestors guide our actions. We activate our kuleana through our ancestral knowledge by utilizing indigenous ingredients, contributing to regenerative agriculture, and cooking our heritage. Through food, we fulfill our kuleana to give the next generation resources today to answer the challenges of tomorrow.

ACN: At Chef Hui, our goal is to do more than feed people. We strive to foster relationships that connect you to your food, your community, and to yourself. Through this process we’ve found the true gift is this work feeds our souls in a way we didn’t know possible. Being of service to others and approaching this simple act with compassion, trust, and kindness may be the best medicine the world has to offer. We see being of service as being a good neighbor and being a good ancestor to future generations. Our hope is we are able to curate experiences and connections that allow us all to see ways of collaborating and supporting each other for the greater good while remembering your soul is your core. Feed it well and feed it often.

How do you balance your personal and professional lives as a married couple that works together?

ACN: Mark and I always say we wish people would stop using the word “balance” and instead replace it with “integration.” That is really how we view work and family life, and it seems

like a more realistic approach. Our careers are our passion both individually and as a couple, so we’ve worked hard to incorporate dedicating our time to what fulfills us, while being present for our girls. We’ve brought our girls along with us to work and community projects from the time they were born and that has truly shaped who they are. These experiences have made them well rounded and taught them a lot of life lessons you don’t learn in school. Most importantly, it has created a bond for us as a unit that is really special. We have a lot of fun together regardless of the task.

As a married couple (who also run a business and nonprofit together), we decided early on to create a system that allowed us to collaborate where our talents align and where we have great synergy while also creating boundaries that may have a negative impact on our personal lives. For example, I realized that me bugging Mark about deadlines was not healthy for our marriage, so we quickly hired a logistics assistant so I wouldn’t be the one hounding him for things.

We also have monthly planning/calendar meetings for just the two of us so we can make sure our schedules align and flag any pinch points. During these meetings we set boundaries for ourselves so when we have a streak of busy work life, we block off a weekend for us all to just stay home and hang out as a normal family. We really value the hours we spend as a family while doing simple things like making dinner, working in the yard, and having picnics on the beach.

Last but most important, having a village made of our amazing colleagues, therapists, family and friends who are there to support us has been key. Learning to ask for help and lean into others strengths is key to living a balanced life when you are an entrepreneur and a parent.

What does giving back mean to you?

ACN: My parents always told me to treat others how I wanted to be treated. Although my family wasn’t always “volunteering” in the traditional way we do now, they were always doing what

they could to help other people and to share the little they had. I think for me, giving back really goes back to keeping that kind of abundance mentality. Being in service to life not to profit. Operating from a place of abundance, doing things for others, and sharing what you have is really so simple yet so fulfilling. It has a ripple effect that is magical. Since I moved to Hawai‘i 23 years ago, my family and so many others have given so much to me along my journey, so it feels natural to do that for others. Seeing how kind and generous our girls are reminds me that being of service to others everyday really makes the world a better place. The ripple effect of one good deed is endless and it always comes full circle. To me, that is the definition of giving back.

MN: For those of us who cook, we understand that food is a kuleana. In Hawai‘i, kuleana is one’s responsibility and privilege. As a chef, it is my kuleana to be of service and showcase food as a path to advocacy, connection, and sustainability.

One of the nuances about living in Hawai‘i is the importance of bringing our community with us as we move forward. Throughout my career, I’ve been given the privilege of creating a small platform across social and traditional media. Whether in front of a large audience or my classroom at Punahou, I bring our lāhui (community) with me as I share my knowledge and the knowledge of others for the benefit of our island home.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

ACN: It took having children for me to really understand that asking for help, setting healthy boundaries, and leaning into others is a mutually beneficial emotional exchange. I think trying to do everything myself and feeling guilty about setting boundaries, saying no and asking for help almost drove me to complete burnout. When our first daughter was born, Mark and I tried to please everyone and had too much on our plates professionally, but we didn’t know how to dig ourselves out.

I think our biggest fail forward moment came when our businesses were at rock bottom and it was taking a toll on our marriage and then Mark’s mom got sick with cancer. Knowing we only had a short time with her and then losing my dad unexpectedly in the middle of her treatments really put life into perspective. We stopped doing what other people wanted us to do and started making decisions best for us as a family. Once we made ourselves whole again and opened our eyes to doing life a little differently, our businesses began to flourish and so many doors we never thought possible opened for us.

How do your individual strengths complement each other in the business?

MN: Even when Amanda pulls 12-14 hour days for weeks on end, she still makes time for all of us. We try to eat dinner together as a family almost every night. We don’t require constant attention from each other—thankfully we both run on the same frequency about that. We both knew the other was a Type-A when we met. Amanda keeps me grounded, motivated, and I truly wouldn’t be able to accomplish life without her and her tribe.

What advice would you give to other married couples who are thinking of starting a business together?

ACN: Over the past 10 years, I’ve come to realize a life partner and a business partner require a lot of the same needs. Trust, time, attention, good communication (including times when you refrain from talking long enough to listen), patience, respect, consideration, willingness/ability to compromise, constructive conversations post disagreements, willingness to see another’s viewpoint, ability to forgive and apologize; and most importantly fun are just a few of the traits/habits you must be willing to commit to for each other.

Out of all the work Mark and I have done together (and separately), I’m most proud of the work we’ve committed to do together, such as making time for one another, and actively listening to what the other person needs. It is not always going to be 50/50. Sometimes the work may be split 60/40, sometimes it’s 90/10, but working alongside Mark both professionally and as his wife, the mother of his two girls—that will always be 100% the most rewarding role I’ll ever have. And of course having a therapist! We’re big advocates for normalizing leaning into a professional to help you build the necessary tools for communicating when you come from very different places and have a lot of complicated issues to constantly navigate.

How do you divide your time between work and family responsibilities?

MN: There is no magic formula for the way we divide our work. The word “pili” is at the core of each and every one of our business concepts past and present. It means to connect or be intertwined. Just like words are woven together to create beautiful poetry, our family, work, and passion are all intertwined to create a beautiful mosaic that is our adventure-packed life. When we had our girls, Amanda would strap them on her while she was working a 300-person event, and they have definitely seen their fair share of kitchens. Some may disagree with mixing family and work. But for us, we’re grateful to have the support of our lāhui to work hard, laugh hard, never quit, and have fun.

What are some challenges you face in running a business together, and how do you overcome them?

ACN: The challenges you face when running a business together run the gamut, but as long as you put in the work, show up for one another, make each other feel seen, and learn to laugh along the way, you can overcome just about anything.

Gulity Instagram Follow

ACN: We have a bit of an urban farm at our house including dogs, chickens, a rabbit, and lots of plant babies so my feed is typically filled with #chickenmom reels and DIY gardening tips. Our whole family loves growing food and caring for our ‘āina and animals, so it's a good distraction both online and in our own yard..

If you could tell your younger self some bit of advice, what would it be?

ACN: Not to take yourself or life too seriously. When I met Mark I was a workaholic who constantly felt like I needed to prove myself to everyone. I put my needs last and often felt guilty if I wasn’t working or doing something for others. Mark, our girls, and lots of fail forwards along the way have taught me to enjoy the ride, slow down and have fun! Finding joy in little things like watching the birds or exploring the ocean keep you grounded and creative.

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How do you give back to your community?

As CEO of HEMIC, I was proud to spearhead the founding of the HEMIC Foundation in 2020, a 501(c) (3) which formalized and deepened HEMIC’s community philanthropy. Our foundation partners with local organizations dedicated to supporting our local community with impactful, outcomes-based programs and initiatives. The foundation's giving continues to grow year-over-year: Since its recent inception, HEMIC Foundation has donated more than $350,000 to local organizations, including over $40,000 raised annually from our charitable golf tournament.

I have actively supported and advocated for Hawai‘i’s business community through my involvement with the Chamber of Commerce. I have found it particularly rewarding to work with the Chamber’s YP (Young Professionals) Mentorship program, to engage and grow our next generation of business leaders. My own life has also been enriched by how much I have learned from them.

In 2019, HEMIC made a purposeful decision to purchase the downtown office building that now houses our corporate headquarters. This was intended to keep us close to many of our customers, agents, and business partners, as well as to be part of the solution for maintaining a healthy downtown business community. While we also experienced, first-hand, the ripple effects the pandemic had on homelessness, crime, and safety in Downtown Honolulu and surrounding neighborhoods, we became actively engaged with the Mayor’s Office, HPD, the Chief Prosecutor’s office and others, to create a safer downtown

environment that will encourage new business development and a vibrant, productive community.

I have been an ardent supporter of the Arthritis Foundation for much of my life, including as Chairman of the Hawaii Arthritis Foundation for the past eight years. One in four adults in the U.S. lives with arthritis, including several members of my extended family. While many people think of arthritis as something that afflicts the elderly, two-thirds of the people living with arthritis are younger than age 65, including more than 300,000 children in the U.S. (1,200 here in Hawai‘i). The Arthritis Foundation funds research, education and life-changing programs like Camp Mana‘olana, which provides keiki with arthritis the opportunity to interact with other children just like them, facilitating their learning more about their disease and helping them to thrive.

What does giving back mean to you?

As members of a community, we have a responsibility, and the privilege, to care for our neighbors, so that together we can enjoy fuller, richer lives. At HEMIC, we believe it is our kuleana to help and support not only our employer customers, but the greater community that serves their employees and families as well.

As a result, in 2020, when we experienced the severe impacts of a worldwide pandemic and its devastating impact on our economy, HEMIC looked for ways to specifically address the immediate needs of our customers and their employees. We offered a Premium Suspension Program, enabling businesses with little or no revenue coming in to

delay their premium without fear of cancellation; soon after, we launched a $2 million Premium Relief Program to put real cash back in our policyholders’ hands at a time when they needed it most.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

As you spend your career working to become the self-actualized version of yourself, don’t miss the journey. Remember that life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.

What are you doing to maintain your mindset during this chaotic time?

As someone who has loved history for his entire life, chaotic times are far from unprecedented. We and previous generations have survived and transcended much more dire circumstances than we face today— the attack on Pearl Harbor, JFK’s assassination, the 9/11 attacks, a worldwide pandemic, to name a few. Maintaining perspective, exhibiting resilience, and thinking beyond yourself will continue to provide hope and strength to ensure a better future.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic positively affected your career/ business?

At HEMIC, our genuine focus on our customers’ and our employees’ well-being during Covid has built up a tremendous amount of loyalty among both, producing an even stronger organization delivering exceptional results for Hawai‘i.

Remember that life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”

How do you give back to your community?

Sharing my experiences in starting up a small business with other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The hope is they’ll be able to avoid the same mistakes I made.

What does giving back mean to you?

Just trying to do what others did for me, which helped the Hawaiian Chip Company survive over the years. Without guidance from others with more experience I wouldn’t have made it past year three.

What do you love most about your job?

The ability to make decisions (often the wrong choice) then quickly change things (not always to a better choice…) as needed…

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Manufacturing food is not a job that allows for a lot of remote work, which seems to be a desired perk in choosing work. The number one job aspiration of “becoming a social media influencer” also does not bode well for recruiting people to work in a factory where personal phones should only be accessed on personal time… Lol…

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

Missed time with family and friends. You don’t get that back.

What has been the biggest reward? Survival, lol.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

The brink of bankruptcy in year two made me accountable for learning how to run a business instead of trying to make money with a hobby. Creating new products and operating freely was fun, but my business really needed structure and discipline to become profitable.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I don’t think there is anything that would necessarily make me stand out as a leader. But the brightly colored buildings in the middle of an industrial area do kinda stick out.

If you could tell your younger self some bit of advice, what would it be?

Drink a little less, you’ll be able to work more and save a lot of money. You won’t miss it as much as you’d think…

Jimmy Chan

OWNER/GENERAL MANAGER HAWAIIAN CHIP COMPANY

A Taste of Napa in Ewa Beach

BY AUSTIN BOURCIER

Kitchen Door Wai Kai is a fresh, local offshoot of the Napa Valley native, Kitchen Door Napa.

Kitchen Door Wai Kai combines cultural elements from Napa Valley, California, and Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i, where the restaurant is situated on Keoneula Boulevard. The family friendly establishment has classically trained chefs and consists of the Plaza Grill with its ocean and mountain views, and the adjacent open-air Boulevard Cafe along the lagoon.

Opening a few months ago in March, Kitchen Door Wai Kai is still building its brand in the community. With promotional strategies still “in development,” Keith Mallini, Director of Operations at Kitchen Door Wai Kai, has been tasked with honing in on the West Side restaurant market. While some regular guests and nearby neighbors already know of Kitchen Door Wai Kai, we need to attract and make it worthwhile for locals to come and try our food, says Mallini.

Emphasizing identity is essential for Kitchen Door Wai Kai. Aside from making great food and servicing customers, Mallini’s top priority is to establish character for Kitchen Door Wai Kai by not only focusing on but practicing sustainable measures and always providing honest cooking.

Everything from the menu is freshly grown, caught, bought, thoughtfully cooked, or obtained in an effort to promote sustainability. Being able to maintain the highest standards of sustainability and honest practices can be tough in an industry like the restaurant business, but Mallini is determined to do just that.

In a recent effort toward sustainability, Kitchen Door Wai Kai partnered with Head High, an ocean positive, carbon neutral winery company from Sonoma County striving toward zero emissions. This collaboration is the latest of what Kitchen Door Wai Kai has planned for the future, says Mallini.

“Ultimately, we want to stimulate, promote a certain mood. We want our guests not only to have a great meal, but to also feel satisfied and have a good time,” explains Mallini, who has managed numerous restaurants over the years while always enjoying a business challenge. He’s thrilled to lead Kitchen Door Wai Kai and the team to success.

Kitchen Door Wai Kai’s dual-dining concept allows guests to sit and dine inside at the Plaza Grill, or stroll across the boardwalk and grab a quick bite at the Boardwalk Cafe. The decision to incorporate this indoor-outdoor concept was greatly encouraged and supported by Mallini, who felt it delivers both class

and comfort, and offers a great option for guests.

When creating the menu, Mallini notes he wants to maintain the brand of Kitchen Door Napa while incorporating local preferences. Luckily, there is a strong crossover when it comes to the Californian-derived menu items intertwined with local tastes.

Chef Joe Rose, Kitchen Door Wai Kai’s Director of Culinary, says the restaurant management took great inspiration from the menu served at the Napa location. Items like the Yuzu Kosho Chicken Ramen were heavily inspired by local Asian flavors and tastes, while still retaining the same offering as Napa. Other menu classics like the popular Mushroom Pizza were added to the menu without diverting from the original.

The outdoor Boardwalk Cafe takes notes from distant Napa Valley neighbors like Monterey Bay and Pier 39, with its “Seafood Shack” themed offerings and light meals.

Mallini plans to continue expanding Kitchen Door Wai Kai’s offerings to better fit with the various local communities in West O‘ahu. He is devoted to establishing Kitchen Door Wai Kai as the premier destination for dining at Wai Kai.

Welcome to the West Side.

Brandon Lam

What does giving back mean to you?

To me, it means supporting your community, nurturing the environment that you grew in, and expanding that reach as far as you can. I went to Maryknoll High School and our motto was Noblesse Oblige which means, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And this really stuck with me.

What do you love most about your job?

Developing new products and trying new things! I most of all love challenging myself and our team through creativity and innovation. Bringing an idea to life and seeing others enjoy something we created is so rewarding.

What inspires you?

Traveling and learning about new cultures, especially how they share their love for food. Everyone’s relationship with food is different and there’s something really special about connecting with someone from another culture over a shared meal.

What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?

How do you give back to your community?

I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community and to be able to call Hawai‘i home. Growing up here, one of the ways I learned to show love is by feeding others. Since our business is food, that has become an integral part of how we give back. Whether through our role as part of Hawai‘i’s food security, in-kind donations, or supporting other organizations in their efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on our community.

At La Tour Cafe, we have a program called “La Tour gives back” in which we feature a signature dish, with proceeds going to a non-profit we select as a team. Recently, we ran a campaign to benefit Alzheimer’s Association-Hawaii in collaboration with Matsumoto Shave Ice.

Next year in 2024, La Tour Bakehouse celebrates our 40th anniversary and as a thank you for all the support over the years, we are working on campaigns to engage with our Hawai‘i community and give back throughout the year.

As a boy scout, before leaving any camp site our troop would line up side-byside across the entire camp area. Then, we would all duck-walk slowly from one end to the other, picking up any trash along the way. As a kid you might ask, “Why do we have to pick up other people’s trash?” Our leaders’ responses were always, “Leave it better than you found it!” I really like that idea and strive to always make a positive impact wherever I go.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LA TOUR BAKEHOUSE & LA TOUR CAFE

How do you give back to your community?

I enjoy giving back to my community by volunteering, sharing expertise and thought leadership, and supporting charitable organizations. On average, I spend 20 hours or more per week supporting nearly 30 social missions, issues, and causes. Whether it is volunteering on boards, issue/advocacy groups, fundraising efforts or contributing financially, I am generous with my time, talent, and resources. My brand is impact. My passion and purpose are to serve.

What does giving back mean to you?

My motto, “I aspire to inspire, I live to give” informs all I do. For me, giving back is and always has been about “purpose.” It is my “why” and defines who I am. I find giving back to be fulfilling and rewarding.

What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?

“If you build an insatiable appetite for challenge, success is the only thing you will burp”—the best advice I received from my mom, my original mentor. She encourages me to take on challenges and embrace uncertainty with an open mind and a smile.

What makes an authentic leader?

Authentic leadership is a practice, an “art” that connects people, passion, and possibilities to achieve positive impact, and driven by the aloha to serve. Authentic leaders tend to be servant minded and lead with empathy. While titles and accolades speak to a leader’s accomplishments, the true mark of leadership is in how they serve beyond their formal roles. By giving back, by having a positive impact on others, the community and beyond. Authentic leaders are also committed to nurturing future leaders.

How do you mentor and why?

I enjoy mentoring young professionals, emerging leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders, youth, those seeking to build their professional brand and networks, among others. I simply enjoy helping others. Mentoring is a great way to give back by helping others unleash their hidden potential. As a beneficiary of countless mentors in my own life, the benefits of mentorship can never be overstated.

Joy Barua PRESIDENT FINANCE INSURANCE LTD.

How do you give back to your community?

I’ve always believed that our world would be a much better place if each of us did our part to give back to the communities that we’re most passionate about. Throughout my life, I’ve had wonderful experiences within the Chinese and LGBTQ+ communities by volunteering my time with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation. Now, in my role with

Alaska Airlines, I’m fortunate to work for a company with a generous heart that’s all about giving back to, and doing right by, our community. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to support the work of so many amazing organizations focused on making Hawai‘i a better place to live for all of us.

What does giving back mean to you?

My personal philosophy is to “always care”—and that’s at the core of what giving back means to me. When we care about something, we want to make it better and to contribute in a meaningful way. Giving back expresses gratitude for the many blessings we’ve been given and gives us a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What do you love most about your job?

Whenever I tell people what I do, they always say I have a great job—and I agree! I get to connect an amazing company with my home—the place that I love—and work to support important causes and interesting projects in our community. I have always been attracted to work that allows me to contribute to the greater good, so being able to see the impact of our contributions and efforts is so fulfilling.

Do you believe in luck and fate? Why?

I believe in a bit of both, but perhaps more fate than luck—or kismet, to be exact. I believe if you are doing the right things for the right reasons, the result will be kismet. I also believe luck is generated by the perfect combination of hard work, commitment, and a strategic investment of time.

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success?

My definition of success these days is related to my belief in kismet and is articulated perfectly in a quote from leadership development architect and founder of Fierce, Susan Scott: “I am successful to the degree that who I am and what I live are in alignment; I am doing the right work, with the right people, for the right reasons.”

Daniel Chun

DIRECTOR OF SALES, COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS-HAWAI‘I ALASKA AIRLINES

Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu

DDS, FAGD, PH.D.

Growing up poor yourself, why are you so generous in helping others?

Because of my compassion and empathy. I want to prevent others from feeling like I did—existing from day to day without the barest necessities of life to survive at times. I have often seen my poor mother silently crying for us kids because we went to bed hungry on many nights. I felt completely lost and hopeless. It is for that reason I am today, a Humanitarian.

For their own future financial security, people who grew up poor would be self-serving by saving for their rainy day. Why aren’t you doing the same?

In my religious teachings, upbringing and belief as a Latter-Day Saint (LDS), all of our earthly wealth and worldly possessions were made possible by the blessings of God, our Heavenly Father. He instilled in us the desire, the motivation, and the determination to succeed. He also gave us the ability and the talent so we can be financially successful, so we can help others in need.

That being the case, all that we have are really gifts from our Heavenly Father. We are only stewards to our

given earthly wealth. We are expected to share it with the poor and the needy, the widows and the fatherless. The money we have is not to be saved for one rainy day but to share it.

Being in such a hopeless situation as a youngster, how did you expect to succeed later in life and eventually manage to become a philanthropist? My parents told all of us kids, the only way out of poverty is to get a good education. It is one of the ways you can compete with the rich that inherited their wealth.

Long story short: I needed to attend a good private school to begin my educational process. At 9 years old, when WWII first started in 1941, I shined shoes every day after school and on Saturdays in downtown Honolulu so that with my own earnings, I could enroll at St. Louis.

While in high school I joined the Hawaii Army National Guard to earn extra money while training on weekends as light-artillery gunner. I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War for the G.I. Bill being offered by the government to help pay for my education. I had a full-time night job working while attending

College at BYU and at Northwestern University Dental School.

Do you believe in luck and fate? Why?

Our fates are determined only by being successful in our chosen profession. By our dedication, hard work and our willingness to sacrifice our own comfort, that creates our own fate. I don’t believe in being lucky either. We also create our own luck and good fortune by being financially successful to do and have whatever we want and whenever we want it. The right timing is also paramount.

What was the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?

I must give credit to my parents who are very spiritual. They told us kids when we became old enough to realize that there is a God in Heaven. Quote: “If you will love and honor God our Heavenly Father, with all your heart, might, mind and strength, He will bless, guide and protect you in spite of all the many challenges, trials and tribulations you will face in this mortal life. With your devotion to God, you will be successful and happy because of His love for you.” Unquote.

To me, giving back doesn't have to be grand or elaborate. It can start with small acts of kindness within your own community.”

Dr. John Henry Felix

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, CFO, COO HMAA

How do you give back to your community?

Wherever there’s a need. I’m involved with a number of organizations: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, and March of Dimes to name a few. Wherever there’s a need, I’m always prepared to help whenever I can to the best of my ability.

What does giving back mean to you?

The Three Ts: Giving my talent, treasure, and time.

What motto do you live by?

A very simple motto: Service Above Self. There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the highest creed (Albert Schweitzer).

I adopted this creed when I was eight years old, and for 75-80 years my mission has been to live a life of service. The depth and breadth of this mission and my life were summed up by President Ronald Reagan who wrote to me in October 1983, upon my being the first American awarded the International Red Cross Medal of Honor: “You exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism for humanitarian aid to your fellow man.” My goal has been to give freely of my time, talent, and treasure, with the purpose of truly living a life of service above self.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Service above self is what life is all about. We all can make a difference in small, but significant ways, acts of kindness.

How old were you when you started to give back to the community?

I joined the Junior Red Cross in 1938 at Lincoln Elementary School, Honolulu. I assembled “care” kits for the children of China who were victims of the Japanese invasion. I joined Cub Scouts at age 8 and Eagle Scouts at age 15, which reinforced my motto of service above self. I joined March of Dimes at age 8 where I went door-to-door collecting dimes with my mother to fight polio.

What has been the biggest reward? Knowing I made a difference. That’s all I want, in some way.

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success? Meeting challenges when you reach my age. Every day is a challenge. I’m 93.

What do you love most about your job?

We’re concerned about the health of our clients. We’ve created several programs—health and welfare of our clients is top priority. We want to ensure the healthy well-being of everyone in Hawai‘i. We want our clients to have access locally, nationally, and internationally to determine their health condition. HMAA provides a very unique program.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I don’t see it as a sacrifice, I see it as an opportunity to serve. I learned at a very tender age from my mother that service is above self. She was a very devout Christian.

Do you believe in luck and fate? Why?

We make our luck, and I believe in fate. Things are bound to happen that you don’t anticipate, so you have to be prepared for those kinds of issues. We didn’t expect Covid to hit, so you have to be quick to address any issues.

Service above self is what life is all about. We all can make a difference in small, but significant ways, acts of kindness.”

HOKALI

SURFING TO A BETTER TOMORROW

In with the tide and sweeping the shores of Hawai‘i joins the refreshing and new surf community marketplace, HOKALI. HOKALI is a recent success story that all began on the beaches of California with two Argentinians, Tomás Bisi and Ignacio Viau. These two founders both started surfing at a young age with competitions and coaching along the way, but it was not until meeting in San Francisco that the opportunity to change the surfing world washed ashore. There was a high demand for surf lessons but no surf coaches hence with passions

for the sport and teaching Tomás and Ignacio decided to change that, and so HOKALI surfed its first wave. The two surfers did not just create a platform for students and coaches to connect but transformed the industry into a community.

HOKALI can be easily found through their website (hokali.co), Instagram (hokali.co), Facebook (HOKALI), LinkedIn (HOKALI), and YouTube. Their interactive platform has everything a student surfer could ever need from gear rental, to video tutorials,

to vetted professional coaches to individual time and beach preferences. They aspire to create value for students, private coaches, and surf schools alike.

Just starting with fifty plus bookings in a mere few days has transformed to over two thousand bookings between five locations with the newest edition being our very own O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. HOKALI just launched its operations in Waikīkī and Haleiwa September fifteenth with the help of Blue Startups, a venture accelerator here in Hawai‘i. The company is partnering with Blue Ocean Reef Surf School and Natty Surf School, and rather than competing with them, HOKALI desires to partner with them instead to simplify their daily operations and further connect everyone with the ocean.

Speaking of ocean life, the company name, HOKALI, was built upon the Hawaiian word for nature which originated from their mission to be sustainable. The company is committed to preserving nature and taking care of our beaches and oceans, so they have partnered with some amazing companies such as the Sea Tree Foundation which restores kelp in California for every surf lesson booked through HOKALI. In addition, their newest challenge is with the nonprofit organization, Scholas Ocurrentes; the hope is to hit one thousand surf lessons and donate the proceeds to provide ten grants to children in South American and Africa to participate in the ‘School of Sea and Beach’ program, and HOKALI does not stop there. They are working with the Groundswell Community and chatting with local nonprofits from North Shore that support environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai‘i, along with organizing beach cleanups as well.

On the horizon for HOKALI is the dream to surf around the world and include new sports such as kitesurfing and scuba diving. With their sixth location being Puerto Rico on the rise and more of Hawai‘i’s islands in plan to come next year, HOKALI will not be bailing on any wave any time soon.

Kelly Sanders

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS HIGHGATE

How do you give back to your community?

We are thrilled to partner in every way possible with many organizations in need in the State of Hawai‘i. This comes from direct giving, inkind, volunteer work, and Mission Work. We have assisted hundreds of organizations over the past year including, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Hawaii Opera, Hawaii Theatre, Diamond Head Theatre, Hawaii Lung Association, and the Hawaii Legacy Foundation supporting our LGBTQ+ community and many, many more.

What does giving back mean to you?

It is not about what you give but the ability to contribute to the success of our broader population. We must help to support the organizations that are making a difference in the lives of the people who call Hawai‘i home and our ‘ohana. Every person needs to be involved at some level as we all live in these islands and philanthropy is extremely important to ensure a vibrant and successful Hawai‘i.

What has been the biggest reward? The biggest reward has most certainly been the lives that I have been able to impact through career growth. It is important to continue to elevate my team to be the best they can be and in return give them the opportunity to grow their lives and families in a way that is special for them, both from an experience and monetary standpoint. Putting People First has always been my first priority and I have built a loyal tribe of leaders, as well as leaders that have moved on to other roles. My hope is these leaders have learned one person does not make an army, but it is the whole of all that wins the day.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

I think failure is the best lesson for everyone as it is where you learn the most. I have failed many times in my life from being a young entrepreneur who owned and operated five restaurants and lost everything. I have learned you must take risks, that moving performance must come from the creation of new ideas, new ways of thinking and pushing the boundaries farther than others. It's in those moments where you find your greatest successes, but you can only get there if you have tried and failed and learned from each failure.

What do you love most about your job?

I love everything about my job, it allows me the opportunity to impact lives in our community in very positive ways from our partnerships with many local non-profits, to impacting our environment and setting the tone for Hawai‘i hospitality in general.

STARN O'TOOLE MARCUS & FISHER

Ivan Lui-Kwan

DIRECTOR

How do you give back to your community?

I have sought to help organizations and public officials who advance healthy communities. In my view, a healthy community is one in which residents have good health, appropriate education, fulfilling occupations, and housing which is affordable, safe, and clean.

More recently, I have focused on development and implementation of projects which specifically advance healthy communities.

What does giving back mean to you?

It means helping people through various vehicles:

‣ As stated above, it means advancing healthy communities.

‣ It also means helping individuals to achieve their specific goals when I am in a position to help them.

What do you love most about your job?

I love my colleagues who are good people. The lawyers are super talented professionals. My colleagues in the administrative group are incredibly skilled, and fun to be with.

I also love that my law partners allow me independence to pursue my passion to do projects which advance healthy communities, and also to work with great clients.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

I don’t see major challenges facing the legal profession. However, a challenge for many lawyers is achieving a healthy balance between investing excessive time on performing legal work, and spending time with family. But I do believe that attorneys possess skills and capacity which can be used to advance healthy communities.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I have invested a large amount of time, hard work, and focus to develop my capacity to serve clients well. However, from my perspective, that investment is not a sacrifice. It is simply a requirement all people must make to live a life which is meaningful, productive, and fulfilling.

What has been the biggest reward? My life has been blessed. I have a great wife, children and family. My friends are a source of joy. People are very kind to me. My work and projects have made my life meaningful and fulfilling.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

My biggest lessons came from my mother. My mother inspired her 10 children by how she lived her life. She was totally dedicated to the care and well-being of her family. She attended Mass every day. She helped innumerable people, strangers, and friends alike, who were in need of help. She was courageous, totally principled, hard-working, spiritual, strong, and passionately independent. The Sisters of St. Francis dedicated a statue of St. Francis of Assisi at its Liliha campus to my mother. The caption under the statue states: “Valentina Lang LuiKwan…her love of God, family and friends continues to inspire.”

I strive every day to live my life the way my mother lived her life. I will have failed if I do not make a genuine effort to live life as my mother lived her life.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I try not to stand out. But I do try hard to advance healthy communities in Hawai‘i by living life as my mother lived her life.

If you could tell your younger self some bit of advice, what would it be?

I would share the story my mother shared with me about her father who was a physician. As a child, she spent time with her father in his medical office as he interacted with his patients. She observed that his sole interest was to cure his patients. He had no interest in acquiring wealth. Poor patients did not pay for medical care he provided. He frequently made up reasons to give them money. She used to ask him, “Papa, why do you give money to your patients? I work in your office, and you do not pay me. They do not work, and you give them money.” He replied, “They need money to care for their families.”

What have been the biggest turning points in your career?

I had a few mentors who taught me a lot. Chief Justice William S. Richardson, for whom I clerked on the Hawaii Supreme Court, taught me fairness is the key to jurisprudence and probably to living a meaningful life. From Senator Dan Akaka, for whom I was campaign manager when he first ran for Congress in 1976 in Hilo, and for whom I was campaign chair when he first ran for the U.S. Senate in 1990, taught me the essence of aloha. He believed strongly that Hawai‘i can play an important role in advancing world peace by building bridges among nations because Hawai‘i’s indigenous culture embodies aloha. The Queen’s Health System chair Kenny Brown, with whom I worked as board vice chair and eventually COO at Queen’s, taught me the value of making Hawai‘i a better place through building healthy communities.

Lincoln Jacobe

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

6 PILLARS MARKETING

How do you give back to your community?

I have made it a priority to mentor young adults for many years now. My firm offers student internships through organizations such as the collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMAUHM) and B.E.S.T. (Business Executive Society of Tomorrow) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business. I am also a member of the Rotary East Honolulu, and I’ve routinely served as a judge for Miss Hawaii, which provides scholarship and professional development opportunities for women in Hawai‘i.

What does giving back mean to you?

With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of marketing, it feels right to take the time to impart the knowledge I’ve gained to the next generation. It means a great deal to me to know I’m playing my part to perpetuate success among Hawai‘i’s future business and community leaders. Beyond mentoring, participating in groups like Rotary and Miss Hawaii allows me to throw a wider net of support to worthy organizations that play important roles in our communities. Giving back invigorates me.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that my job allows me to create quality relationships. What I’ve found is many relationships initiated through work eventually transform into personal friendships that continue for decades. I also love that I can be creative every day of the week, imagining and building new campaigns from the ground up to meet the needs of our clients. I love to work on concepts from scratch— conceptualizing, planning, and executing with excellence.

What inspires you?

There is no doubt about it—people inspire me! Perhaps that’s why I enjoy surrounding myself with all types of people on a daily basis. In business, it’s so inspiring to see people coming together for a common cause. I am also inspired by having the ability to be an entrepreneur for so long, paving my own road as I go. I am inspired by trust, integrity, and character. These “qualities of the heart” inspire me to produce the best work possible for the benefit of my associates, our clients, and the community.

What made you better from the Covid-19 pandemic?

I am proud and humbled to say our agency emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever. Like everyone else, we were challenged greatly. Now we know we are capable of things far beyond what we thought. We learned we could adapt our business protocols within days to respond to the ever-changing needs of not only our own business but also those of our clients. The pandemic exposed areas of strengths and weaknesses in our staffing and operations, and we made some tough choices accordingly. Even as the crisis unfolded, we were able to build on the strengths of our core team. It was time to sink or swim, and we found the true meaning of ‘ohana as we navigated the tumultuous waters.

How do you give back to your community?

Professionally, at Watanabe Floral, we embrace our role as a community leader. In fact, we have increased the number of fundraisers we do yearly. This year, we have already completed a monthly fundraiser with the Women’s Fund of Hawaii (March) and the Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network (May). In July, we’ll be working with Alzheimer’s Association-Hawaii; in August, B.R.A.V.E. Hawaii; and in October, Breast Cancer Awareness.

We love not only helping to raise necessary dollars, but more importantly help raise awareness for these organizations while instilling in our own team a commitment to the greater good for our community. In addition, we have an extensive list of nonprofit organizations that receive excess flowers if/when they are available. We love seeing all flowers help to bring happiness and joy in some way. These flowers have been used in hospitals, care homes, churches, schools and even in prisons to provide activities and a positive environment for healing and nurturing.

Personally, I am on a few boards, coached soccer for many years and led business networking organizations and through these opportunities enjoy the feeling of using my time and knowledge to help others. Understanding that giving of one’s time can bring a smile to someone else! I love what an incredible feeling it is to do for others and make a positive impact wherever we can, and I am inspired by so many in our community that do so much more!

What does giving back mean to you?

To me, giving back is not a financial thing. It might be where you are able to give financially to benefit organizations or causes, but for me it is more a mindset of committing to helping make a difference in our community. Often, your time and talent are more important to getting things accomplished than your financial ability. I believe this message is so critical because for many, if they can’t donate, they feel as though they are unable to help. That is not true. EVERYONE has talent and we all have time that when used together for a positive cause can lead to incredible results!!

Monty Pereira

GENERAL MANAGER AND SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR WATANABE FLORAL, INC.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Don’t get me wrong, we are in an industry that is so blessed because we help bring happiness and joy every day! We are also in an extremely difficult and complicated industry. First, we are dealing with highly perishable products with a finite amount of time to move before they are not saleable. Especially here in Hawai‘i, with so few farms left producing flowers, we see over 90% of the flowers used in Hawai‘i coming from out of state and often out of country. For this reason, sourcing, logistics/transportation, climate change, global economic conditions/ events all have an impact on how and what we can do. We are in an industry where you can plan everything perfectly, yet one storm in California or strike in South America can prevent all those plans from succeeding. Sometimes, you can feel powerless with many variables outside of our control.

Secondly, staffing is such a challenge for us, but really for the entire state. Finding enough people has been impossible since we pulled out of the pandemic. We are currently seeking 5+ team members for various positions on our team. Without the necessary staff, we are limited in our ability to grow and even do as much as we’d want to do for Hawai‘i. We are so grateful for the support and patience of our guests as we do our very best to share the Spirit of Aloha with them, despite our staffing challenges.

Finally, we are in a very competitive industry. When we were growing up, if you wanted flowers, you went to a flower shop. However, today, if you want flowers, you can get them virtually everywhere. Supermarkets, big box stores, farmers markets, as well as online where national brands like FTD spend millions on advertising. This competition has led to many local flower shops closing over the years. That is why whenever I have the opportunity, I thank the people of Hawai‘i and ask them to continue to support local business and local flower shops whose livelihood depends on their floral sales, not like

corporate entities where flowers have little meaning to them other than as a commodity they provide. It may cost a little more to visit your local flower shop, but what you get will be filled with love and passion for flowers and how they make people happy!

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I am reluctant to use the term stand out, but what I believe makes me an effective leader is my love for people! I love people and try to keep a positive, infectious, inspiring attitude every day! I hope everyone feels that love and enthusiasm and commitment to doing not only what is best for our organization and community, but also what is best for them individually. Also, I don’t hold myself above anyone else in our organization and make it a point to interact and engage with each team member so everyone knows and feels how important they are and how much they are appreciated.

As a leader, you also must embrace challenges and be able to react, pivot, and move the team forward regardless of the obstacle. You must be willing to stay calm when there is a crisis. The team will sense a leader’s calmness and that will allow them to feel confident everything will be okay, despite the situation we could be facing.

You also must be a great listener, willing to hear what your team is saying and then acting on those things to create positive results. Great leaders are humble enough to be willing to hear not only the good, but more importantly the negative, so they can take necessary steps to correct moving forward. I always encourage feedback, good or bad, and by doing so, you instill a level of confidence in your team to feel comfortable speaking out, suggesting new ideas and providing important information needed to help us be successful. I recognize that for Watanabe Floral to achieve our goals, it takes all our team working together, feeling inspired, appreciated, and enthusiastic! After all, we are Bringing Happiness to you!

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

At Watanabe Floral, our corporate vision is E Ho‘omau Pono. Ho‘omau in Hawaiian means to continue to last, to be willing to change and perpetuate. Pono, of course, is the Hawaiian term for doing the right thing. When put together, E Ho‘omau Pono for us means, to perpetuate and continue to last by doing things with morality EVERY TIME! With that as a backdrop, there has been no better challenge to our corporate vision than the pandemic. It was hopefully a once in a lifetime situation we will not endure again; however, it was a tremendous opportunity for growth.

I think everyone understands the pivots that were required by most companies and industries. At Watanabe Floral, we had to change what we do and products we carry as well as how we did it. But, for me the growth was in the understanding of focusing on the greater good beyond just Watanabe Floral.

I tried to lead the entire floral industry, working with government leaders, and partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to advocate for the floral and event industries specifically, but also all the business community. It was much more about “us” and not “them.” It was collaboration over competition and finding ways to partner with others to create mutual successes. One example is that to avoid continually being shut down, Watanabe Floral became a food provider, carrying both fresh fruits and vegetables as well as local treats. When doing so, we sought out local providers and partners that were also struggling so that in helping Watanabe Floral, we’d also be helping them remain solvent. I loved the thought of how we can do this together and did not shy away from leading for the benefit of everyone. I am hopeful all of us in the business world and community will resist the temptation to go back to competing at all costs and remember that collaboration and mutual success is an ideal result!

Ryan Tanaka

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER KAI HAWAII, INC.

How do you give back to your community?

Our mission is to help communities create a safe and sustainable tomorrow. We do this by taking care of our employees and clients, and by supporting organizations that ensure a safer and more resilient future for our island home by advancing sustainability of the built environment across public and private sectors.

What does giving back mean to you?

We are stewards of employee and community well-being, and we actively contribute to sustainable and longterm impact for the people of Hawai‘i.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

As a full-service structural engineering firm, we are dedicated to the highest level of strategic and technical expertise including state-of-the-art equipment (e.g. drones–aerial images of inaccessible structures, time lapses; subversive remotely operated vehicles; electromagnetic scanning). We are client-focused and foster a culture where ideas and knowledge are readily exchanged, and we provide vital insight and data to drive efficiencies across the development process.

We also provide clients with various types of assessments and inspections. Investing in ways to best serve our

clients, we have differentiated ourselves through our use of new technologies and continue to diversify our offerings with unmanned inspections which allows for new methods of documentation along with potential cost-savings during design, bidding, and construction phase of a project. This new service will also enable data collection for 3D modeling and analysis.

What are some challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for your industry?

In a world where structural engineers have a significant responsibility for public well-being, we ensure our team provides the highest level of strategic thinking and technical expertise while closely collaborating with our clients and community.

The strength of our company is in our engineering experience and the number of licensed engineers. We aim to cultivate an environment where ideas, experiences, and knowledge are readily exchanged. We operate as a team with trust, honesty, and adherence to the highest standards of business and professional ethics.

What inspires you?

We are an employee-owned and community-focused company with a deep commitment to the people of Hawai‘i. We foster a culture of continual improvement and innovation. Working together as one family, or ‘ohana, we help to enhance each other's strengths and foster creativity to successfully solve challenges and create opportunities. Sharing our experience and expertise, we support and encourage each other, valuing individual and team well-being and providing our clients maximum value for optimum development and utilization of resources.

CLINICAL DIRECTOR ASSETS SCHOOL

Dr. Elsa Lee

How do you give back to the community?

I try to give back to the community in several ways as I wear a number of hats. As a neuropsychologist, I regularly devote my time to conducting free mental health and brain health workshops for community members, parents, and caregivers. I have spoken in public schools, public libraries, community organizations, and churches. The goal is to psychoeducate community members on mental health issues and help people gain awareness and knowledge on topics such as depression, anxiety, parenting, learning differences, and cognitive health.

As a parent, I volunteer at my children's schools at fundraising and class events. One of my proudest mom achievements was to serve as the PTA president and on school leadership teams at one of my child's elementary and middle schools while having a full-time job working 60 hours a week. I also served in churches playing the piano and leading worship services for a number of years.

What does giving back mean to you?

Giving back means that I get to engage in activities or initiating projects that contribute to the well-being and improvement of the community that I am a part of. As a psychologist, my professional role gives me the privilege and convenient access to helping people on a daily, or even hourly basis. As a community member, giving back means I have the honor of sharing my time, gifts, and resources with those who can benefit from being encouraged and uplifted by one another.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

The field of mental health faces a number of challenges that impact individuals, communities, and our healthcare system as a whole. One of the biggest, longstanding challenges I have experienced is the unequal access to mental health services. Accessing treatment is a challenge particularly

for those who are marginalized because of socioeconomic reasons and racialcultural disparities. Barriers can include limited access to mental health providers, long wait times, costs, or simply a lack of awareness of what services are available.

Another challenge pertains to the Covid-19 pandemic and has been witnessed first-hand at my workplace. At Assets, which is a private school that specializes in educating children with learning differences, I conduct psychoeducational assessments for students of all ages in the community. A number of students I evaluated have been impacted psychologically, socially, and academically as a result of Covid. Disruptions in classroom instruction have resulted in learning loss and achievement gaps for some students. The pandemic has also taken a toll on children's mental health. The absence of regular routines and social interactions during those two years had led to more reported cases of heightened stress, anxiety, and depression.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you have made for your career?

I will not necessarily say I have made a “sacrifice” for my career as in giving up one for the other, because my goal has always been to strike a workable, sustainable balance between various aspects of life including family and social relationships as well as, of course, my professional advancement. That said, attempting to “have it all” requires

making intentional and thoughtful decisions. Setting boundaries, knowing my limits, and delineating priorities to find that happy medium is what seems to work best. In my work with patients, I often allude to this idea of “good enough.” We want to shoot for the best and invest every bit of effort to make it to the top but be flexible enough to accept that being good enough is indeed good enough. This mindset can release us from chronic stress and unrealistic expectations that can lead to burnout.

What has been the biggest reward?

The biggest reward for me as a mental health professional is to see patients function better and learn new, healthy ways of managing all sorts of life challenges. Nothing makes me feel happier and more content as a psychologist than to see my patients walking out of my office being more empowered to confront their fears, having more awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and building hope in the present and future. When I work with families, helping the parents understand their children's struggles and genuinely accepting them for who they are makes me feel tremendously fulfilled. Getting through to parents helps build a stronger connection within the family and creates a nurturing environment to help the children thrive. These meaningful moments are what carry me through long days and heavy caseloads.

Toby Tamaye PRESIDENT AT MARKETING

How do you give back to your community?

To support the non-profit sector, I am the founder and current board president of the ‘Alakai Young Leaders for the Hawaii Foodbank. Our mission is to support the Hawaii Foodbank initiatives, support fundraising and sponsorships, and to build the next generation of supporters to feed Hawai‘i’s hungry.

To support the business community, I sit on the board of directors for the University of Hawai‘i Shidler College of Business Alumni Association. I’ve been on that board since 2010, and have helped raise over $500,000 to the association, and organized over 50 events for alumni networking.

To support the outreach to the Japan community, I am one of the original founders of another Young Professional Group—the Japan America Society of Hawaii NextGen Leaders.

What does giving back mean to you?

Giving back means you are using your time wisely. There is never enough time, but you need to volunteer.

What do you love most about your job?

I am in a position where both personally with my social media brand @tobypicks_ and through my company marketing programs, I am delivering messages to over 500,000 people a day. I enjoy having the opportunity to provide this leverage, and to bring customers to the businesses I work with.

What have been the most exciting things about this job/business/ industry?

I think the most exciting thing about my job is that it is never the same every day. Every day is different from the one before.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

I have pivoted quite a lot in the past five years. Social media marketing has now become our highest revenue stream led with Instagram as the main platform. I’ve also been working more with social media influencers based in Hawai‘i and internationally.

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success?

I think there are two types of success paths in business. Financial success, where you are making enough money for a living. And there is social success, where you have connections and

influence over other people. Financial success is very difficult. But social success is attainable if you put the time into it.

What have been the biggest turning points in your career?

The biggest turning point of my career is happening right now. The digital marketing space has never been so popular, and I am working hard to achieve new goals from it. The next 3-5 years will change the way marketing is done.

How has Hawai‘i’s unique culture shaped who you are in business?

I love the business culture here. We have the best of U.S. and Asian influences.

What new technologies have you implemented into your business practices?

Instagram marketing has now become my highest source of revenue.

What made you better from the Covid-19 pandemic?

Zoom meetings have increased work production. The majority of my meetings are online now compared to before Covid-19.

Giving back means you are using your time wisely. There is never enough time, but you need to volunteer.”

Bob Gunter PRESIDENT & CEO KŌLOA RUM COMPANY

What does giving back mean to you?

For us at Kōloa Rum, giving back means fulfilling our commitment to support organizations and important causes in communities where we do business. It’s both gratifying and empowering knowing we have the ability to impact someone’s life in a positive way. Simply put, giving back is our way of sharing “The Spirit of Aloha” and caring for those who need it most. Mahalo!

How do you give back to your community?

Giving back to our community has always been important to us as a local business. We developed our Worthy Cause Program in the very beginning, and it wasn’t long before we began partnering with other local businesses. It has provided us the incredible opportunity to support local organizations and those who provide valuable services and benefits to our fellow community members. Among our community partners are the Kaua‘i Humane Society, Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association; also, University of Hawai‘i, where we had a commemorative bottle release and proceeds went to support the athletic department as well as Kaua‘i Community College, where we support the Wai‘ale‘ale Project designed to provide college opportunities to local residents.

What has been the biggest reward?

Being able to support our local agricultural industry. We’ve done so through valued partnerships such as the ones we have with Lydgate Farms and Kauai Coffee. These types of collaborative efforts help to

preserve our valuable agricultural land, diversify our economy, and provide meaningful employment opportunities for local residents. We currently have 52 employees, 43 based in Hawai‘i. We find it gratifying we’ve been able to accomplish all of this, and it’s rewarding to know we’ve defied so many odds. Especially as a manufacturer competing nationally and globally from a very small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We are succeeding in those areas due to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our team.

How has Hawai‘i’s unique culture shaped who you are in business?

At Kōloa Rum, we embrace our ‘ohana and strive to demonstrate The Spirit of Aloha in all that we do. We work together toward common goals and objectives, which have been instrumental in our success. Everything we do as a company is done to promote Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i as this incredibly special and treasured place we hold so dear. It really isn’t about any of us individually, but rather this place as a whole and all that it means to each of us. Hawai‘i’s unique culture is embodied in the quality of our products and highlighted in the story of where it’s made, how it’s made, and who makes it.

What new technologies have you implemented into your business practices?

We are committed to moving our company forward by embracing new technology and processes to improve production capacity and increase efficiencies. This could otherwise be a challenge for us given the limited space we operate from, which is why we’re building a new expanded distillery. The new facility will feature significant upgrades and be highly automated for maximum efficiency to continue

meeting increasing demands. Our progress is also due to the hard work our sales team has put in to implement and upgrade their programs, applications, and platforms such as our CRM program, which allows us to better manage our customer and distributor relationships, manage inventories, and keep up with demand. We also continually invest in digital marketing, advertising, and social media to create impactful and engaging communication campaigns to position Kōloa Rum in front of key audiences.

What have been the biggest turning points in your career?

The turning point in my career was when I was presented an opportunity by a group of folks who wanted to start a distillery on Maui. I fully pursued it, believing I could apply the experience and skills I had learned over the course of my career in a variety of industries to make this distillery a unique and successful business. I was given the chance to work in and learn about the alcohol beverage business while being mentored by some of the industry’s top professionals. Five years and two distilleries later, I was eager to return to Kaua‘i and join a select group of local investors who shared the vision of establishing a world-class rum distillery on The Garden Isle. My time in the sugar industry at Lihue Plantation, coupled with previous HR and electric utility experience, contributed to the knowledge and comfortability I had to join in the effort to create what is now Kōloa Rum. Looking back, I believe it was just meant to be.

David C. Livingston FINANCIAL

ADVISOR AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL

How do you give back to your community?

Rotary, March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish, Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii, Navy League, YMCA, Armed Services YMCA, Mercury Business Association, Sales & Marketing Executives (SME), Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the Arizona Memorial are just a few of the places I lend my time, talent, and treasure to support.

What does giving back mean to you? Being ready, willing, and able to fill in the gaps between what is getting done and what needs to get done in the community.

What do you love most about your job?

Helping people achieve their goals.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry? The ups and downs of the market have been challenging these past three years. Putting together a plan and adjusting where needed seems to help overcome those challenges.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career? Time away from family.

What has been the biggest reward? Watching your friends and family overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

Not any failures but lots of opportunities to learn and grow in this business.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

Willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. Dedicated to great customer service. Always have a positive attitude. Genuine caring for others.

What have been the most exciting things about this job/business/ industry?

Always learning and helping others to understand.

What inspires you?

Every day finding new challenges and ways to overcome them. Waking up each day and asking, “Who can I help today!”

Do you believe in luck and fate? Why?

I think we make our own luck and fate is a result of that.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

Learned new tools to communicate with people—ways to keep people informed—how to work in this postCovid environment.

What makes you feel like a boss?

Buck stops here. If it is to be, it is up to me! I own my own business, set my own schedule, hire the people I need to achieve the goals my clients and I have set. I am the compass.

What scares you about the future?

Leaders who don’t get it. There’s a difference between doing things right and doing the right things!

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success?

Getting things done that need to get done and finding happiness in the teamwork necessary to bring about that end.

What career mistake taught you the greatest lesson?

Always work with the team that wants to get the job done. Don’t hang out with people who aren’t higher achievers than you are. Listen. (Remember the word WAIT.)

What have been the biggest turning points in your career?

In the YMCA profession, it was taking on jobs no one else wanted and turning situations around (Honolulu YMCA was an exception in my career. It was running great when I got here!)

In my financial advisor role, it was transitioning from an employee at Edward Jones to franchise owner at Ameriprise.

What are you doing to maintain your mindset during this chaotic time? Stay positive. History tells us, ”This too will pass.”

Do you have some habits/routines that work for your lifestyle that you can share?

At a young age I learned to get by with four hours of sleep. Having systems in place to store knowledge has always benefited me. Staying active and always learning and teaching keeps you fresh!

How has Hawai‘i’s unique culture shaped who you are in business? People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Always being there for others in a time of need. We live on an island, and we need to help each other to flourish!

What new technologies have you implemented into your business practices?

High speed internet, the latest in computers, Zoom, Teams, apps—so many small things that help with the overall picture!

What made you better from the Covid-19 pandemic?

‣ Appreciate health more. Always saying ,”I love you!” It may be the last time we see them.

How do you maintain your own health/well-being?

‣ Positive attitude, great family, and friends. I stay away from negative people! I try to stay physically active (I’m a scuba instructor—come join me on Sunday!)

What are some challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for your industry?

Political risk. World needs to get along.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic positively affected your career/ business?

People understand how important it is to set aside funds for bad times. They now know what those times can look like.

What have been the biggest turning points in your career?

Going from an employee to a franchise owner.

Le DÎner En Blanc

The all-white dinner party, Le Dîner en Blanc - Honolulu, made its highly anticipated return, featuring exquisite food, wine, and entertainment on June 17, 2023 at Kualoa Ranch.

Women’s Fund of Hawaii Tea & Champagne

Women's Fund of Hawai‘i (WFH) hosted their annual Tea & Champagne fundraiser at The Kahala Hotel & Resort on April 28, 2023. Their 2023 honoree is philanthropist Marivic Dar.

Pacific Edge Women in Business HourLong Show on HI Now

Pacific Edge magazine partnered with HI Now Weekender for a new, hour-long episode celebrating the talented wahine in the community. The show featured Olga Reym of Mana Pacific, Jessica Munoz of Ho‘ōla Nā Pua and Louise Ing of Dentons Law.

AIRINGS:

June 10th:

K5: 6 - 7 am HI Now Saturday

KHNL: 6 pm - 7 pm HI Now Saturday (encore)

KGMB: 10:30 pm - 11:30 pm HI Now Saturday (encore)

June 11th:

K5: 9 am - 10 am HI Now Sunday (encore)

June 12th:

K5: 7 pm - 8 pm HI Now Monday (encore)

Pacific Edge magazine and Green Magazine Hawaii partnered together to host the first Green Drinks Honolulu event after a 5-year hiatus. The event held on Tuesday, May 9th at the Green Lady Cocktail Room in White Sands Hotel seeked to raise awareness about environmental issues in Hawai‘i and provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect.

Women in Business Event

On Wednesday, March 29th, Pacific Edge magazine hosted its annual “Women in Business” event at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.