I was named one of Hawaii’s Most Admired Leaders by Pacific Business News for my work to strengthen my community in tangible, sustainable ways. I partner with politicians, fellow philanthropists, and community leaders to make life better for local families.
Here’s how I’m making an impact:
Financial assistance
& education
Disaster relief
Together with my friend Michael Capponi of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), I’ve led recovery efforts following devastating wildfires on Maui and major flooding on Kauai. Together we’ve distributed immediate aid to thousands of people, rebuilt Sacred Hearts School, and provided homes for displaced families. We’ve also developed a rapid response stockpile of power generators and other emergency equipment in case of future disasters.
Through a partnership with Governor Josh Green, Invest America, and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, I helped make Hawaii the first state in the union to provide funded investment accounts for all eligible foster kids. Along with this head start on savings for their future education, homes, or retirement, the program will also provide financial literacy to help vulnerable kids learn about managing money.
Healthcare facilities and equipment
I’ve collaborated with Maui Healthcare Foundation on multiple projects to update their facilities and equipment. Most recently, I stewarded a $2 million gift that allowed them to purchase a new MRI machine for Maui’s biggest hospital. I’ve also helped them renovate their Heart, Brain & Vascular Center and purchase cutting-edge equipment like an Impella heart pump and two heart-lung machines.
Ocean conservation
I helped bring KULEANA—a documentary about plastic pollution in our oceans narrated by Woody Harrelson—to audiences in Hawaii and around the world. Hailed as a “visually stunning” film by Maui News after its premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), KULEANA won the Audience Choice Award from the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival and the Producer Vision Award at the Blue Water Film Festival.
Environmental restoration
I teamed up with TreeCovery Hawaii, a local nonprofit, to plant over 9,000 indigenous trees and shrubs across Maui after wildfires devastated much of the island. I’ve also worked with the Hawai’i Land Trust (HILT) to provide educational signage at some of Maui’s most renowned wildlife refuges, and participated in beach cleanups in the island’s most gorgeous and isolated areas.
Education & recreation programs
As a supporter of Imua Family Services for nearly a decade, I support a wide array of their projects: from annual community events like Paddle Imua and ColorFest, to the construction of their new Imua Preschool. I’ve also held Family Fun Days in support of Camp Imua at my home, and helped arrange a surprise film screening of KULEANA at their inaugural BeReel Film Festival.
