More Than an Anime Convention
Kawaii Kon brings fans, creators and businesses together in a vibrant celebration of pop culture that’s been a launchpad for local creative entrepreneurs.
All Stories
The Trash on Hawai‘i's Beaches Tells a Global Story
Tons of plastic trash wash up on Hawaiʻi beaches every day. Forensic scientists using chemical analysis and other means to trace the sources say 80% is abandoned fishing gear from global fleets in the Pacific. Here's what comes next.
HB20: Gabriel Yanagihara, ‘Iolani School
On a mission to make every teacher, parent, and student in Hawai‘i AI-ready, Gabriel Yangihara believes the fastest path to breakthrough is being willing to fail first.
HB20: Erin Uehara, Choco Le‘a
A chocolate entrepreneur, author, and decade-long Salvation Army volunteer, Erin Uehara turned her business into a relief vehicle after the Maui wildfires.
HB20: Summer Shelverton, Cades Schutte
Summer Shelverton graduated third in her law school class while raising a newborn, and now leads trusts and estates at Hawai‘i's largest law firm.
HB20: Kaloa Robinson, Stanford Carr Development
At 35, Kaloa Robinson is already the lead manager of a $4 billion, 20-year project, one of the largest public infrastructure efforts in Hawai‘i's history.
HB20: Danicole Ramos, UH William S. Richardson School of Law Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic
A single moment with an elderly Filipino client changed everything, setting Danicole Ramos on a path to help over 125 community members pursue citizenship.
Meli James Is Rewriting the Rules for Hawai‘i's Entrepreneurs
As co-founder of Mana Up and president of the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association, Meli James has spent a decade proving that building a world-class company doesn't mean leaving the Islands behind.
HB20: Su Lazo, City and County of Honolulu
Trading a Big Four accounting career for community impact, Su Lazo now builds career pathways that keep local youth rooted in Hawai‘i.
HB20: Richard Matsui, KWH Analytics
Nearly 20 years into a career spanning McKinsey, the Biden Administration, and multiple companies built and sold, Richard Matsui is just getting started at home.
HB20: Daniel Moats, AHL Architecture
Starting as a drafter with no traditional advantages, Daniel Moats worked his way up to shaping Honolulu's skyline one landmark project at a time.
HB20: Trung Lam, Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation
A former bakery owner turned tech economy builder, Trung Lam is positioning Hawai‘i's ocean and space industries as its next competitive advantage.