DEI Is Alive and Well in Hawai‘i
While sometimes demonized, local leaders say the underlying values of diversity, equity and inclusion still play an important role in the Islands.
Kathryn Drury Wagner
Kathryn Drury Wagner is an award-winning writer and editor. As The Careerist columnist for Hawaii Business Magazine, she explores issues in the modern workplace. In the past, she was the executive editor at HONOLULU Magazine, and she is the author of two books, including Hawaii’s Strangest, Ickiest, Wildest Book Ever! which inspires young readers using science and history facts about the Islands.
Have a question about work, life and that place in the middle where it all gets tangled up? Ask me!
Articles
Hawai‘i’s Housing Crisis Was Decades in the Making
A look at the policy decisions, external crises and social changes that gave Hawai‘i the most expensive housing in the nation.
Hawai‘i’s Top Business Leaders in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s
From Chinn Ho to David Murdock, here are the men and occasional women selected as the year’s most influential leaders.
Hui Kapili Accelerator Feeds the Local Pipeline of Contractors
The first cohort of 16 leaders from small and medium companies learned to scale up their contracting businesses.
Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2024: John Leong, CEO of Kupu
His extensive leadership experience and unwavering vision has built Kupu into a powerhouse environmental nonprofit.
Hawai‘i Data Collaborative Helps Nonprofits Make Better Decisions
Hawai‘i’s large nonprofits generate a ton of data but struggle to make sense of it all. Enter the experts at HDC.
Five Daughters Who Stepped Up in the Family Business
Profiles of Hisae Uki, Candice Sombrero Ishikawa, Alison “Bo” Tanaka, Heather Cutter and Clarice Casamina
A State Program Is Helping Critical Workers Buy Homes
Teachers, nurses, police officers and others can purchase new condos at below-market prices under the DURF Equity Pilot Program.
An Important Hawai‘i Nonprofit That You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
The Pacific Telecommunications Council helps set the pace for digital infrastructure throughout the Pacific.
For Maui: Lessons in Recovery and Hope from Japan
Local leaders in the Kibou for Maui Project share what they learned in Japan about dealing with disaster – both before and after it happens.
Six Steps for Making Your Home More Wildfire-Resistant
Wildfires are on the rise in Hawai‘i. Here are ways to protect homes and neighborhoods.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride 2024: Spotlight on Chad Yamamoto
The VP of advertising at First Hawaiian Bank strengthens community connections through his work with the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride 2024: Spotlight on Greg Waibel
The president and CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu says switching from biotech to the nonprofit sector was a “values match.”
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride 2024: Spotlight on Elena Cabatu
Hilo Medical Center’s director of marketing, legislative and public affairs advocates for women, girls and the LGBTQ+ community.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride 2024: Spotlight on Justice Sabrina McKenna
The Hawai‘i Supreme Court associate justice is one of only a handful of openly gay state supreme court justices in the U.S.
Fernandez Entertainment Has Brought Fun to Hawai‘i for 121 Years
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: CEO Linda Fernandez oversees a large family enterprise founded by the “Barnum of the Pacific.”
Kona Boys Leads Big Island Visitors on Ecotours on and in the Water
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-CEOs Frank Carpenter and Brock Stratton are working to protect Kealakekua Bay’s natural and cultural treasures.
A-1 Auto Repair Wins Loyal Customers with Honesty and Reliability
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Bubba Smith, a former Navy aircraft-engine mechanic, works on everything from Hondas to Ferraris.
Ken Kao: The Movie Mogul Among Us
The O‘ahu-based producer has worked with Martin Scorsese, Olivia Colman, Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Brie Larson and many other stars.
Simonpietri Enterprises Turns Demolition and Construction Waste into Energy
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President Joelle Simonpietri helps supply O‘ahu with renewable gas and jet fuel, with new ventures on the way.
Lights On Helps Independent Hotels Manage the Business Side of Hospitality
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO Will Song and President Patrick Ahler use revenue management and digital marketing to keep rooms filled.
U.S. Military Works with Local Partners to Protect Hawai‘i’s Natural Environment
In 2024, nearly $10 million in defense spending is going to habitat preservation, reforestation, watershed protection, and flood and wildfire mitigation.
20 for the Next 20: Sharilyn Tanaka, Atlas Insurance Agency
This senior VP discovered a passion for the multifaceted world of insurance, from locating the best coverage to securing funds for fire-impacted businesses.
20 for the Next 20: Billy Pieper, American Savings Bank
A “bridge builder” who’s active on multiple boards, this senior VP and director of strategic partnerships leads the bank’s affordable housing programs.
20 for the Next 20: Raoul Magaña, First Hawaiian Bank
This retired Navy Reserve commander applies leadership lessons from the military to his role as senior VP and division manager of the Consumer Products Division.
20 for the Next 20: Torrie Inouye, Bank of Hawai‘i
For this “fearless” executive VP and chief data officer, numbers offer clues for solving business problems and opportunities to do things differently.
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.”
20 for the Next 20: Tracy Camuso, G70
As a partner in the Honolulu design firm, she’s helping resorts face the challenges of sea-level rise and start planning now.
20 for the Next 20: Daniel Arita, American Floor and Home
After years working his way up in the family business, he now leads the expansion of the employee-owned company as president.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2024
Profiles of 27 winners and finalists who are making a difference in startup paradise.
Sages Over 70
After long and successful careers, these seven kūpuna are still helping their communities in inspiring ways.
Hawai‘i’s Women of Influence
10 wāhine who have stepped up to lead, from corporate executives to organizers of grassroots relief efforts on Maui.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Jack Law
It took four years for the co-founder and owner of Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand to make money, but the groundbreaking bar still thrives today.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Beth Whitehead
The executive VP and CEO of American Savings Bank says “inclusivity is truly welcoming all the diverse people and points of view.”
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Francine Naoko Beppu
The VP of Integrated Marketing at NMG Network says “it’s stressful to not share who you are when you’re at work.”
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Ha‘aheo Zablan
The GM at Kaimana Beach Hotel strives to create “a hub, a wonderful mix” for employees and diverse communities.
The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi 2023
Profiles of 12 local companies that won our 2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards for their ingenuity, grit, service, perseverance or all of the above. Plus two inductees into the 2023 Hawai‘i Small Business Hall of Fame, each more than a century old.
Fujikami Florist Has 104 Years of Experience Expressing Emotions Through Flowers
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Eileen Miura continues a proud family legacy at Hawai‘i’s oldest florist in Downtown Honolulu.
Tip Top Motel, Café & Bakery Preserves a No-frills, Family Atmosphere on Kaua‘i
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Fourth-generation owner Jonathan Ota maintains the spirit of the original Līhu‘e breakfast spot started in 1916.
20 for the Next 20: Kelly J. Ueoka, Pacxa
This “quiet but effective” president of a local technology company is devoted to developing Hawai‘i’s tech workforce.
