32nd Annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival (August 20–23)
Aug 22: 8:00pm-10pm
Hawaii Convention Center 1st and 3rd floors
A central gathering of Hawaii’s own entrepreneurs showing their creativity and skill, from taste to feel. Come see the ingenituity of Hawaii’s own, using island sources.
Christopher Aki serves as Operations Manager for the Aloha Ambassadors program in Waikīkī, where he oversees daily operations and supports the success of the district’s Clean & Safe initiatives. Chris began his career with the program as a Cleaner and advanced through several leadership roles before becoming Operations Manager. Known for his reliability, operational expertise, and strong work ethic, he leads with compassion and genuine aloha while supporting his team and helping maintain the high standards expected throughout Waikiki.
Jason Esau serves as Operations Supervisor for the Aloha Ambassadors program in Waikīkī. Since joining the team in 2022, he has advanced through several roles, beginning as a Cleaner and later serving as a Pressure Washer and Team Leader before stepping into his current leadership position. Jason brings valuable hands-on experience and operational knowledge to the role, having worked directly in the field. Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and steady leadership style, he leads with respect, accountability, and aloha while supporting the continued success of the Aloha Ambassadors program.
Solomon Kaimimoku serves as the General Manager of the Aloha Ambassadors program in Waikiki, where he leads daily operations focused on safety, cleanliness, and meaningful community engagement. With a heart for service and a strong belief in leading with aloha, Solomon is committed to creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and local businesses alike. Under his leadership, the Waikiki team has built a reputation for professionalism, compassion, and strong partnerships throughout the district. Solomon takes pride in developing his team, empowering them to grow, and fostering a culture that reflects the values of mālama (care), kuleana (responsibility), and community. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Solomon brings a deep respect for the culture, people, and place he serves. His mission is simple: to make Waikiki a safer, cleaner, and more connected community—one interaction at a time.
John is a U.S. Navy veteran with a degree in finance and more than a decade of leadership experience in complex, results-driven organizations, including roles with Daimler Truck in Oregon and Servco Toyota in Hawaii where he oversaw multimillion-dollar monthly operations, and drove process improvements focused on accountability, efficiency, and results. At the Waikiki Business Improvement District, he focuses on strengthening organizational alignment, advancing strategic initiatives, and supporting partnerships that enhance the long-term vitality of Waikiki. Outside of work, John enjoys time on the water with his wife and two children – paddling OC1, boating, and exploring Hawaiʻi’s outdoors.
Suzanne Kirio is the Administrative Director for the Waikiki Business Improvement District (WBID), providing administrative, technical and archival support to carry out the activities and program services of the organization. Ms. Kirio joined WBID as Program Coordinator in March 2002.
Ms. Kirio received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Travel Industry Management with a Minor in Music Performance; and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Katie Kaahanui was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Deeply inspired by the intersections of criminal justice and mental health locally, she completed her practicum hours at the Oahu Public Defender’s Office and served as an academic tutor at Halawa Correctional Facility. She is thrilled to serve as the Executive Coordinator for Safe & Sound Waikiki and is a strong advocate for creating safe, supportive communities that encourage holistic healing on a mind, body, and soul level.
She holds a BA in Justice Administration from UH West Oahu, an MS in Criminal Justice from Chaminade University, and is currently pursuing an additional MS in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University. Passionate about giving back to her community, she also currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Women in Filmmaking, the Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii, and the Honolulu Chapter of Executive Women International.
Robert is a seasoned customer service professional with over 30 years of industry experience. He has a proven track record, with more than 20 years dedicated to Aloha Airlines and ten years at the Hawaii Theatre. Robert excels in providing exceptional customer service and effectively managing customer complaints. His operational expertise has significantly enhanced productivity across various brands and fostered positive relationships with external partners. Known for his ability to pinpoint ineffective processes, Robert implements technological solutions and introduces new best practices to enhance efficiency and drive success. He is highly motivated and always looking for opportunities to improve products, create conducive environments for success, and add significant value to organizations.
Accomplished operations leader with an innovative, forward-looking style. Strong passion for assembling teams to address challenging issues related to safety, security, groundskeeping, and facilities maintenance in public spaces.
Reputation throughout career for integrity and professionalism, combined with a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, rapidly-changing environments. Builds effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Background includes careers in Naval Aviation Maintenance and Operations Management in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Educational credentials include a M.A. Degree in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship and B.S. in Organizational Leadership. Additional coursework includes; Green Belt and Six Sigma Methods, Operational Risk Management, Legal Policy Compliance, Lean Manufacturing and the Theory of Constraints.
Trevor Abarzua, President and Executive Director of the Waikiki Business Improvement District since May 2023, brings an ambitious and strategic vision to his leadership role, emphasizing the mission of creating a clean and safe Waikiki. Under his direction, the district has intensified efforts to reduce crime, address homelessness, and enhance cleanliness, greatly improving the area’s appeal to both locals and visitors.
Prior to leading the Waikiki Business Improvement District, Trevor was the Associate Vice President of Business Advocacy & Development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, where he shaped legislative and public policy priorities that profoundly affected the business landscape. His tenure at the Arizona Commerce Authority as Vice President of Business Attraction saw him successfully attracting over $1 billion in capital investments and creating thousands of jobs, showcasing his capability in driving economic growth. Trevor has also served in significant roles for notable leaders such as Senator John McCain and Governor Doug Ducey, which enhanced his expertise in governance and policy implementation.
Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University, where his participation in the U.S. Capitol Scholar Program furthered his understanding of policy and legislative processes. Married to his wife Jaena, Trevor enjoys an active community life in Kailua. His profound leadership skills and strategic vision are pivotal in ensuring that Waikiki thrives as a premier destination and community.
Chair Tommy Waters has served his community for the past 38 years, currently as City Council Chair and council member for District IV.
He first served on the Kailua Neighborhood Board, law clerk to a Circuit Court Judge, as a trial attorney for the State of Hawai’i and as a Hawai’i State Legislator. During his service as a Hawai’i State Representative, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Higher Education Committee and the Joint Senate-House Task Force on Ice and Drug Abatement.
Sugg previously served as a television executive in Hawai‘i and has years of experience in working alongside Mayor Blangiardi. Their long-standing professional partnership will allow them to immediately focus on strategic initiatives that benefit our communities.
Originally hailing from Buffalo, New York, Sugg’s decision to return to Honolulu underscores his commitment to serving the people of Oʻahu and contributing to the continued progress and well-being of the city. During his previous stint in Hawai‘i, Sugg gained valuable insights into the unique needs and aspirations of our communities, and his understanding of the local culture — combined with his professional expertise — positions him as an invaluable asset to Mayor Blangiardi’s team.
As Chief of Staff, he will play a pivotal role in advancing the Mayor’s vision for the city and ensuring effective governance. His background in media and his familiarity with the intricacies of city affairs make him well-suited to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Sugg is a St. Lawrence University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English. He is an eight-time Associated Press Award winner, five-time Murrow Award winner and four-time Emmy Award winner. He has also served on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Hawai’i and New England.
Julie Plant is the Vice President of Retail at the Honolulu Cookie Company, where for the past 10 years has directed a team of great leaders for the operations, visual merchandising, and sales revenue at the stores in their Las Vegas, Guam and Hawaii Regions while also overseeing the company’s Customer Service call center and Corporate Sales department. Her dedication and commitment to this role is advanced by living the vision of the company “to share the spirit of aloha with world class products and experiences.”
Julie is a member of the Senior Management team that is responsible for the short-and long-term strategic planning which includes the overall growth of the company and expansion of their retail locations which are now located in Hawaii, Las Vegas and Guam.
Julie has 35 years of Retail Management experience in the Hawaii market having held Director positions in companies such as McInerny, Philips Van Heusen, Price Busters, and G.H. Bass. She previously owned hotel gift shops in the Florida market before moving to Hawaii in 1989. She was a moderator for the Annual ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Hawaii Idea Exchange in 2020. She has served on multiple advisory boards over the years and served three years as Chairperson for the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, is a board member of the Waikiki Improvement Association as well as the Waikiki Business Improvement District and the S.J. Foundation.
Julie passionately believes it is vital to engage with not only your customers but also your entire staff to develop leaders while keeping the energy and excitement in the workplace. It is imperative that you network and build professional relationships with all aspects of your business to stay apprised of the ever-changing retail market.
Julie is an avid traveler, enjoys cooking and gardening. She is originally from Canada but gave up the cold over 35 years ago to live in paradise….. Hawaii.
Chi Mok is the accomplished Director of Room Operations at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where he has dedicated 28 of his 32 years in the hospitality industry. Starting his career at the front desk, Chi quickly demonstrated his aptitude and commitment, advancing through various roles including Night Audit, Bell/Valet, and Manager on Duty. His extensive experience encompasses significant positions such as Director of Safety & Security and Market Director of Safety & Security for Hawaii and French Polynesia, underscoring his broad expertise and leadership capabilities.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chi is deeply engaged in community service. He serves as the Vice President of HHVISA and is a member of the WBID Board. Chi also represents the hotel in critical community initiatives, coordinating with Next Step and Keauhou Shelter, and the Blood Bank of Hawaii. His contributions extend to assisting the HPD with the HONU Program, facilitating donations of essential items like bedding, towels, and toiletries from the Marriott Safety & Security Group. Chi’s leadership not only enhances the guest experience but also significantly impacts the community, making him a respected figure in both the hospitality and local sectors.
Darcy Lindamood is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in direct-to-consumer, ecommerce, retail marketing and database marketing. Throughout her dynamic career, she has left her mark on renowned brands such as Ballard Design, Yankee Candle, Orvis, and Sharper Image.
For over a decade, Darcy serves as the VP of Marketing and Outside Sales at Crazy Shirts, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing marketing, direct-to-consumer sales & operations, wholesale and custom product divisions, and ecommerce strategies. Her strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving growth and fostering innovation within the company.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Darcy is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She has been a staunch supporter of numerous non-profit organizations, including the Red Cross of Hawaii, Hawaiian Humane Society, and Maui Humane Society. Through her philanthropic efforts, Darcy continues to make a positive impact on the lives of others, both professionally and personally.
Mr. Kawano began his career in public accounting in 1983 with Arthur Young, a predecessor firm of Ernst & Young. In 1995, he left public accounting as a senior audit manager at Ernst & Young to take on the role of Controller at Food Pantry, Ltd, a diverse operator of grocery stores, visitor convenience stores and hotel sundry and resort wear shops. He was promoted to vice president – finance in January 2000, and worked closely with the company’s executive team on the expansion of hotel and resort shop operations to the U.S. mainland and diversification into other retail divisions serving the traveling public. Mr. Kawano was promoted to chief financial officer in January 2005 and expanded his responsibilities to oversee the accounting and finance functions for the Sullivan family of companies. From 2005 through early January 2021, he took on operational, technology and facilities management assignments for Foodland and its affiliates. He has been the Director of Budget and Fiscal Services at the City & County of Honolulu since January 2021.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and received his Certified Public Accountant certification in 1983.
Mr. Kawano has served on the volunteer boards of Alzheimer Association of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Health. Mr. Kawano is currently a volunteer board member of the HPH Medical Group. He also represents the City & County of Honolulu on the Board of the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association as an ex-officio member.
Dave Kajihiro is currently the Complex Director of Safety & Security for Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts. Is a retired Deputy Chief of Police from the Honolulu Police Department. Has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Also serves on the Board of Directors for the Honolulu Police Community Foundation, Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, and the Hawaii Hotel Visitor Industry Security Association.
With over 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Eron has dedicated 25 years to Hyatt Hotels Corporation, distinguishing himself with multiple Manager of the Year awards and a Leadership Award nomination. His career highlights include his role in the award-winning Rooms Division Team at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa in 2014, and pivotal roles in major projects such as the expansion of the Manchester Grand Hyatt and operational enhancements across several Hyatt properties. Eron’s innovative contributions were recognized with the “Edison Award” in 2022 for his creation of a groundbreaking Diversity Expo that linked over 70 Black Owned businesses with 35 Bay Area Hyatt hotels.
Currently, Eron contributes to multiple boards in Waikiki, enhancing both community and business environments. His personal interests include hiking, surfing, and spending quality time with family and friends, reflecting his passion for both nature and community.
Mark Demello was born and raised on Oahu, where he attended ‘Iolani School and then attended Northwestern University in Illinois. He was the Lead Singer for the Kasuals, a showband that performed throughout the Pacific and across the mainland United States. Mark became interested in the hospitality business through his travels, and started a career that included Hyatt Hotels, the Halekulani Corporation, a private developer, and Aqua Aston Hospitality. Mark currently serves as RVP, Operations for Aqua Aston. He enjoys openings, renovations, and improvement projects, as they improve guest experiences for Visitors to a destination. Mark enjoys spending time with his two adult children, as well as an active lifestyle.
Michael Cox has more than 24 years of commercial real estate management experience. Since 2017, he has been the Director of Operations for the Royal Hawaiian Center and oversees all daily operations. He joined the Festival Management Team in 2014 as the General Manager for Salt at Kaka’ako.
Prior to joining The Festival Management Team, he spent 9 years as a Senior Property Manager for CB Richard Ellis, a global, real estate services and investment company and worked closely with various developers and landowners overseeing approximately 1.4 million square feet, valued in excess of $90 million dollars.
He began his career in Commercial real estate as an Asset Analyst for GE Capital Hawaii underwriting and restructuring the portfolio. He was then promoted to Asset Manager (Assistant Vice President) and responsible for a $60 million dollar portfolio that consisted of an array of approximately 63 assets in Hawaii and Alaska.
He obtained his Bachelor of Business from the University of Hawaii in 1992 and his Master of Business from the University of Phoenix in 2002.
Throughout his career, he has worked with JP Morgan, Kamehameha Schools, The Shidler Group, A&B Properties, The Sullivan Family of Companies, The McNaughton Group, MW Group, The Mills Group, Stanford Carr Development, REDICO, Del Mar Pacific and American Property Management Corporation.
Mr. Ching is the Vice President of Operations for Hawaii. He oversees restaurant operations of eight restaurants on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Maui which include world famous brands like Dukes and Hula Grill. He is from the Island of Maui and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools at Kapalama and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Sandiego. His work experience started off playing professional football in Canada for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for three seasons. He grew up in the restaurant business and has worked at TS on and off since 1994. He started off as a bus boy at Leilani’s on the beach in Maui and has worked his way up from there. He spent 6 years as the General Manager at Dukes Waikiki and two years as the Regional Director of Operations for his region before being promoted to VP of Operations in 2019. As of September 2022, he has been promoted to VP of Operations for the state of Hawaii. He currently sits on the Waikiki Community Center, WBIDA (Waikiki Business Improvement District Association), WBSIDA (Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association), Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Corporate Board, BMAC (Bishop Museum Advisory Council), Treasure for Let Grace In nonprofit, and the President of the Tommy Holmes Foundation. He is also a proud alumnus of the Pacific Century Fellows class of 2018.
Debi Bishop is a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry, overseeing two key Hilton properties in Hawaii, including the world’s largest Hilton hotel, the 2,860-room Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, and the 317-room DoubleTree by Hilton Alana – Waikiki Beach. With over three decades of experience, Bishop has significantly enhanced operational outcomes and established a culture of engagement and support among her team of over 2,000 members. Her exemplary leadership earned her the “Outstanding General Manager of the Year (Large Property)” award in 2020 from the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the “General Manager of the Year” in 2019 by Park Hotels and Resorts.
Before her current role, Bishop managed Hilton Waikoloa Village and held senior positions at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and Interstate Hotels & Resorts. Her extensive background also includes a role as Vice President of Operations at Meristar Hotels and Resorts, where she was responsible for the strategic oversight of 23 hotels across various major brands. Bishop is actively involved in revitalizing Hawaii’s tourism sector, serving on the boards of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, and other local business improvement associations.
In July of 2023, Gene Albano was confirmed by the City and County of Honolulu Council as the appointed Director and Chief Engineer of the Department of Facility Maintenance. His primary duties are to oversee 850 strong staff responsible for the maintenance of City-owned streets, sidewalks, streams, building structures and systems, electrical systems and street lights, automotive vehicle fleet; in addition to the State and Federal compliance for Storm water quality. He is also an ex-officio board member of the Board of Water Supply.
Prior to joining the City, he started his career with a local electrical engineering consulting firm for 15 years then moved on to a global engineering firm where he was President of the legacy Australian-based company, named as a Honolulu Magazine Best Place to Work 2013, then later Senior Vice President and Business Line Leader of the Honolulu office for 17 years. His primary duties included managing a multi-discipline engineering staff of over 30 strong in the Honolulu and Manila offices; being a corporate liaison for the Asia Pacific and USA regions; and leading major technical projects through the USA, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, China, Singapore, and various Pacific islands. His credentials include being a licensed professional engineer in the States of Hawaii and California, the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island; a LEED Accredited Professional and an ICC Certified Plans Reviewer.
Laurie Akau is CBRE General Manager of Luxury Row at 2100 Kalakaua Avenue. She was previously employed as Manager, Property Management for A&B Properties, Inc. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Waikīkī Improvement Association.
Ms. Akau co-founded ThinkTechHawaii, a high tech website and radio show. She is a former licensed Dale Carnegie Training Instructor. She has served on the Board of Directors for BOMA-Building Owners And Managers Association and The Life Foundation, an AIDS education organization.
Patricia Tam, Chief Executive Advisor for Halekulani Corporation, is a highly recognized and seasoned luxury hotel professional, with a hospitality career spanning over four decades. Born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, Ms. Tam has been with Halekulani since its re-opening under the ownership of Mitsui Fudosan of Japan, and rose to prominence in the Hawaii hotel industry with her appointment in 1987 to the position of General Manager of Waikiki Parc Hotel, followed by her promotion to General Manager of Halekulani.
Ms. Tam has been the recipient of numerous industry and business awards over the years, including “Hotelier of the World” by HOTELS magazine, 100 Top Travel Professionals in the U.S. , and the University of Hawaii TIM Legacy in Tourism award.
She is currently responsible for the company’s brand oversight, as well as Halekulani Corporation’s extensive community contributions, with a focus on the areas of arts and culture and education. She has previously served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Employers’ Council, as well as chaired the Hawaii Hotel Association (now HLTA); she currently serves on the board of Waikiki Business Improvement District Association, and Waikiki Improvement Association.
As Vice President and Trustee of the Queen Emma Land Company, Bruce is responsible for directing initiatives to strengthen and grow QEL’s legacy real estate portfolio which supports the mission of The Queen’s Health System. After beginning his career in commercial property appraisal, he managed the real estate investment portfolio of the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate and co-founded MN Capital Partners which merged into Tradewind Capital Group.
Bruce serves on a numerous non-profit boards including the Waikiki Improvement Association, Waikiki Business Improvement District, Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, and McKinley High School Foundation. He is also keenly involved with the Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation as an administrator of the Matsuo Takabuki, Goldman Sachs and William Richardson Commemorative Scholarship Funds established to assist Native Hawaiian post-graduate students in business and law.
Bruce earned his BBA and MBA degrees from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. He is also a member of the Lambda Alpha International land economics society. His most important credential is his wife Vanina and two children, Nicolas and Noëlle.
Jason Ito joined the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1987 working through various operational departments and leading improvement projects until his appointment as General Manager, Support Services, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Waikiki in 2003. In 2009, Jason joined Kyo-ya and currently serves as its vice president. His responsibilities are aligned with Kyo-ya’s core values of taking care of its employees, doing what is right for the community, and maintaining the long term legacy and stewardship of the Osano family’s assets.
Jason’s service to the community extends to Aloha United Way, Waikiki Business Improvement District, KAMP Hawaii, Hawaii Bowl, Hawai`i Green Growth, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Shoji is Vice President and Banking Center Manager at the Bank of Hawai’i Waikiki Banking Center. Paul was born and raised on the Island of O’ahu and graduate from Punahou School and Willamette University. Paul has been in the financial services industry for nearly a decade and has vast experience working with business owners, mass affluent markets and private banking clients as well. Paul’s goal has always been to do right by the customer and provide the best experiences possible for his clients and his employees. In his free time, Paul enjoys hitting the links and also keeping up with the latest and greatest happenings in the NBA.
PAUL KOSASA is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the President and CEO of ABC Stores, a chain of resort convenience stores throughout Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Guam. ABC Stores was founded by Paul’s parents, Sidney and Minnie Kosasa in 1964.
Paul is a graduate of the University of Michigan, B.S. Electrical Engineering. In 1980, Paul moved back to Hawaii to work for the family company ABC Stores. He worked in various divisions: warehouse, store operations, purchasing, merchandising, and administration. In 1999, Paul was appointed President and CEO.
Paul is President of the Kosasa Foundation, a private charitable organization. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Central Pacific Financial Corporation, as well as various non-profit organizations.