7:30am

Registration / Breakfast

Welcome Remarks 

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8:30am

Overview

What’s a P3, how it works?

This panel introduces the fundamentals of public‑private partnerships (P3s) and how they differ from traditional project delivery. Speakers will highlight a successful Hawai‘i‑based P3 to show how collaboration and shared risk can support long‑term public goals. The discussion will address common concerns such as transparency, financial commitments, and community trust. Panelists will also explore emerging P3 opportunities at the University, including housing, research facilities, and sustainability projects. Attendees will leave with a clear foundation for understanding and evaluating P3s.

Speakers: Kalbert Young, Mike Shibata and Duane Kurisu

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9:30am

Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT)

This panel offers an inside look at how the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) is leveraging public‑private partnerships (P3s) to advance the state’s economic resilience and infrastructure goals. The discussion will address key considerations for prospective partners, including regulatory frameworks, long‑term investment structures, and alignment with statewide economic priorities.

Speaker: Dane Wicker

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10:00am

Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

This panel explores how the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is advancing public‑private partnerships (P3s) to modernize the state’s transportation systems and improve long‑term infrastructure resilience. Speakers will highlight priority P3 opportunities across airports, harbors, highways, and multimodal mobility projects, emphasizing initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency, and statewide connectivity. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of where collaboration is most needed and how private partners can support Hawai‘i’s next generation of transportation infrastructure.

Speaker: Ed Sniffen

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10:30am

Break

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10:45am

School Facilities Authority (SFA)

Speaker: Cheri Nakamura

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11:15am

Hawaiian Home Lands (HHL)

Speaker: Kali Watson

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11:45am

Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA)

This presentation highlights how the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is using public‑private partnerships (P3s) to modernize and expand affordable housing across the state. HPHA Executive Director Hakim Ouansafi will outline HPHA’s current redevelopment strategy and showcase priority P3 opportunities aimed at replacing aging public housing, increasing mixed‑income units, and improving community‑serving infrastructure. The discussion will address key considerations for prospective partners, including financing models, regulatory requirements, and long‑term stewardship of public assets. Attendees will gain clarity on where collaboration is most needed and how private partners can support Hawai‘i’s housing future.

Speaker: Hakim Ouansafi

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12:15pm

Networking Lunch

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1:30pm

Breakout Sessions

Facilitated afternoon detailed discussions on topic areas (DOT, SFA, HHL, HPHA)

Speakers: Hakim Ouansafi, Kali Watson, Cheri Nakamura, Ed Sniffen

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3:30pm

Pau

Kalbert Young

Executive Director

Hawaii State Employees’ Retirement System

Kalbert Young is Executive Director of the Hawaii State Employees’ Retirement System. He previously served as CFO of the University of Hawai‘i System and director of finance for both the state and Maui County. With experience in public and private sectors, he also serves on multiple boards and is a UH Mānoa graduate.

Hakim Ouansafi

Executive Director

Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Hakim Ouansafi is Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, overseeing major federal and state housing programs. A founder and former CEO of multiple companies, he has decades of leadership in public service. Hakim serves on several nonprofit boards and is widely recognized for his humanitarian work, including honors from the State of Hawai‘i and an international Doctor Honoris Causa.

Duane Kurisu

Founder and Chairman

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Dane K. Wicker

Deputy Director

Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Ed Sniffen

Deputy Director for Highways

Hawaii Department of Transportation

Ed Sniffen is Deputy Director for Highways at the Hawaii Department of Transportation, overseeing about 2,500 lane miles of state highways. A civil engineer, he has held multiple leadership roles within DOT and previously served as executive assistant to the Honolulu mayor. He also chairs a national transportation committee focused on system security and resilience.

Cheri Nakamura

Program and Policy Officer

Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority

Cheri Nakamura is Program and Policy Officer at the Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority, where she works on policy, legislative affairs, and stakeholder engagement. Her work includes supporting public-private partnership projects such as teacher workforce housing. Cheri holds degrees from UCLA and the University of Hawaiʻi.

Kali Watson

Chairperson

Hawaiian Homes Commission

Watson previously served as President and CEO of the native Hawaiian nonprofit, Hawaiian Community Development Board (HCDB), he worked with Nānākuli Hawaiian Homestead Community Association and oversaw the development of the Nānākuli Village Center, which includes a commercial center, several medical clinics, the Kalaniho‘okaha Cope Hawaiian Cultural Learning Center and a 48-unit Hale Makana O Nānākuli affordable housing project.

Michael Shibata

Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships

University of Hawai‘i System

Michael Shibata is Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships for the University of Hawai‘i System. He previously served as Director of Real Estate for Liliʻuokalani Trust and has worked with Stanford Carr Development and PBR Hawaii. Michael holds degrees in economics and political science, and an MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.