2026

HAWAIʻI'S PEOPLE TO WATCH

Introducing 20 accomplished professionals who are poised to make a big impact in the decades ahead.

Each year, Hawaii Business Magazine celebrates 20 people whose talents, accomplishments and potential set them apart as emerging leaders of Hawaiʻi. These “people to watch” can come from any field, including business, law, education, government, health care, the nonprofit sector or elsewhere. Read about them now, and follow their progress as they become the innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Congratulations to the class of 2026!

Profiles will be published alphabetically starting on March 2 and continuing through the month.

Walter Altona

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union

Lance Askildson

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Dr. Kapua Chandler

Namahana School

Chelsie Evans

Hawaiian Community Assets

Chris Fong

Tradewind Capital

Tricia Fujikawa Lee

First Hawaiian Bank

Elaine Gascon

Atlas Insurance Agency

Victoria Hanes

Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center

Zack Hernandez

AEP Hawai‘i

Jamila Jarmon

Hawaiian Electric

Ryan Kuniyuki

Bank of Hawai‘i

Trung Lam

Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation

Su Lazo

City and County of Honolulu

Richard Matsui

KWH Analytics

Daniel Moats

Architects Hawaii Limited

Danicole Ramos

Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic

Kaloa Robinson

Stanford Carr Development

Summer Shelverton

Cades Schutte

Erin Kanno Uehara

Choco Le‘a

Gabriel Yanagihara

‘Iolani School

The March issue of Hawaii Business introduces the new HB20 cohort, 20 rising leaders who are already making a mark across Hawaiʻi’s business community. From entrepreneurs and executives to nonprofit changemakers, these profiles spotlight the people shaping what’s next.

Get to know their stories, their work and what drives them. Pick up the March issue and see who’s on the rise.

Buy Single-Issue

03 24 20 For 20 Heroes 1800x1200 Nicole Hokoana

20 for the Next 20: Nicole Hokoana, Maui Behavioral Health Resources

After the fires, this Maui-born CEO has guided her team through unprecedented challenges, while “bringing people into the safety net.”

03 24 20 For 20 Heroes 1800x1200 Spencer Dung

20 for the Next 20: Spencer Dung, Westpac Wealth Partners

This “methodical” managing director and wealth management advisor is dedicated to helping people make better financial decisions.

HB20: Lance Askildson, Chaminade University of Honolulu

By asking what the community needs first, Lance Askildson has launched five first-to-market doctoral programs and chairs the Pacific's first UN training center.

HB20: Warren Altona, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union

Redefining growth as stability and opportunity for members, this first-generation college graduate leads HSFCU's boldest era of expansion yet.

20 for the Next 20: Nominate Local Emerging Leaders

Each year, Hawaii Business Magazine honors 20 individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and potential set them apart as rising stars in our community. We call them “20 for the Next 20: Hawai‘i’s People to Watch.” now we’re looking for the class of 2026, and we’d love your help.

20 for the Next 20: Aaron Vallely, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union

The executive VP of retail experience and operations has “revolutionized” banking by introducing customer-friendly technology.

Categories: 20 for 20, 20 for the Next 20, Lists & Awards