John Aeto, Board Member
General Manager – Visionary Related Entertainment LLC

John Aeto is the General Manager and Managing Partner of VRE Hawai‘i. VRE Hawai‘i (also know as Visionary Related Entertainment LLC) is a locally owned Hawai‘i Broadcast company headquartered on O‘ahu. VRE Hawai‘i has 21 Radio Stations through out the State of Hawai‘i and represented on every major Hawaiian Island. VRE Hawai‘i owns and operates KUMU AM/FM, KPOI FM, KQMQ FM, KDDB FM, KAOI AM/FM, KDLX FM, KNUQ FM, KQNG AM/FM, KSRF FM, KSHK FM, KUAI AM, KTBH FM and KMKK FM. Prior to VRE Hawai‘i John was the Director of Sales with Cox Radio; KCCN AM/FM, KINE FM, KRTR AM/FM and KPHW FM. He has been in Broadcasting since 1987.

Mr. Aeto is also President of Hiki No Records, a record and production company that stated in 1996.

Mr. Aeto graduated from the Kamehameha Schools in 1985 and attended San Mateo College in San Fransico and Hawai‘i Pacifc University. He has two children, Jarrison (son) and Janae (daughter), and currently resides in Kapälama Heights.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA), Board Member
Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, Board Member
Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl, Board Member
MDA Hawai‘i, Board Member
Flavors of Hawai‘i, Board Member
Pacific Club, Member

Daniel "Kaniela" Kahikina Akaka, Jr., Board Member
Director of Cultural Affairs, Mauna Lani Resort

Daniel “Kaniela” Kahikina Akaka, Jr. was born & raised in Nu‘uanu and Pauoa Valleys. He attended the Kamehameha Schools for 13 years. His educational career continued at the University of Hawai‘i where he received a Bachelors degree in the Hawaiian Studies Program.

Mr. Akaka is presently employed at the Mauna Lani Resort, on the Island of Hawai‘i, as the Director of Cultural Affairs. His position at the resort allows him to share the history and culture of Hawai‘i with the hotel guests as well as the many school groups that come to Mauna Lani to learn about Hawaiian aquaculture.

Although he has been employed at Mauna Lani for the past 22 years, his business career has included Aloha Airlines, Hawaiian Holidays, Hawaiian Foliage & Landscaping, the Hawai‘i Maritime Center, and a few years ago held the position of Director of Corporate Affairs for American Hawai‘i Cruises.

Mr. Akaka comes from a family of seven which include his parents. He and his wife, formerly Anna Lui-Kwan (KS Class ‘72) have chosen Kona to be their home. They have 5 children, one daughter and four sons.

In keeping with the Hawaiian culture, he has had the opportunity to be a crewmember of the Hokule‘a for two of its voyages. His first voyage with the canoe was in 1995 along the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Anna, in attendance. His second voyage was in 1999 in which he participated on the second leg of the voyage to Rapa Nui. His position on the canoe was as the Protocol Officer. Mr. Akaka was also honored to be a participant on other canoe projects which included the making of the “Mauloa” canoe as well as working on the construction and sailing on the double-hulled canoe “Makali‘i”.
In his work today, Mr. Akaka is involved in perpetuating the culture, the essence, and the Spirit of Hawai‘i.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Bishop Museum, Board member
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board member
Pohakuloa Cultural Advisory Board
Na Kokua Kaloko-Honokohau (Friends of Kaloko-Honokohau)
Pohakuloa Cultural Committee, participant


Peter Apo, Board Member
President/Owner, Peter Apo Company

Peter Apo is the former Director of Culture and Education for the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He currently works in his own company as a consultant to the tourism industry and provides training in incorporating Hawaiian values and hospitality traditions into the industry’s day-to-day operations.

Mr. Apo is a Lecturer in Management by Hawaiian Values at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Travel Industry Management. He is the past Director of the Office of Waikïkï Development for the City and County of Honolulu. He was elected to the first Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in 1980 followed by election to the State House of Representatives in 1982, where he served for 12 years. In 1994 he served as Director of the Office of Culture and Arts for the City and County of Honolulu. From 1996 – 1998, he was a Special Assistant to Governor Ben Cayetano.

Renowned as a Hawaiian musician, composer and recording artist, Mr. Apo also serves as a private consultant in music and culture.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Founding Board Member
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Board of Directors
State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Commissioner
State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Sustainable Tourism Study Group; and Native Hawaiian Study Group
Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust Advisory Council
Business Enterprises For Sustainable Travel-The Conference Board (New York), Steering Committee
Pacific Islanders in Communications, Board of Directors
Hawai`i Alliance for Arts Education, Board of Directors
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board of Directors
Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, Board of Directors
Mayor’s Advisory Council On Historic Preservation
Oahu Burial Council – State Department of Land & Natural Resources
The Royal Order of Kamehameha

Cy Bridges, Past President
Cultural Director, Polynesian Cultural Center

Cy M. Bridges is a musician, composer, singer, Kumu Hula, lecturer, and genealogist. He serves as V.P. Cultural Presentations and Theater Director at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Mr. Bridges has lectured and made presentations at the: Bishop Museum, Brigham Young University Hawai‘i, ALU LIKE, Inc., Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center and cultural conferences in New Zealand, Cook Islands and Tahiti. He also serves as a judge for various hula competitions, most notably the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival.

Mr. Bridges served as Artistic Director: Hawai‘i Delegation to the 7th Pacific Arts Festival Western Samoa 1996 and Hawai‘i Delegate to four Pacific Arts Festivals, New Zealand.


Kainoa Daines, Board Member ‘Opio Council
Sales Manager – Miramar Hotel Waikiki

Kainoa Daines is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and is very proud to be Hawaiian. He also understands the importance of projecting Hawai‘i in the right light within the Visitor Industry.

After receiving his Bachelors Degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kainoa moved home to start his career in Hospitality.

For a few months he worked simultaneously for Fun Sun Vacations and the Magic of Polynesia. However it was later at the Miramar at Waikīkī, where he is currently their Sales Manager and unofficial Hawaiian Cultural Coordinator, that he truly found his footing.

“It has been good fun,” said Kainoa. “I love this Industry, and I have so much to accomplish.” One of his goals is the infusion of the Hawaiian Culture and the visitor’s experience. “The Host Culture is what everyone is coming to see, feel and experience. There are beaches and beautiful weather all around the world, but you can only find the Aloha Spirit in the home of my ancestors.” He teaches Hawaiian Values at the Miramar and introduced a joint effort with ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, Hawaiian Immersion Schools based in Hilo to teach the language to the employees at the hotel.

He has also represented the State at the “See America Show” in Australia and New Zealand where he was able to present to hundreds of Travel Agents regarding the true culture and history of Hawai‘i.

Kainoa’s message to the Hospitality Industry, “We have a wonderful opportunity to share Hawai‘i with the rest of the world. Let’s do it in the most pono way possible and cherish and respect our beautiful island paradise.”

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Hawai‘i Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association
Hawai‘i Business Travel Association
Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, O‘ahu Region
Kamehameha Alumni Networking Association
Aloha Festivals Marketing Committee
King Kamehameha Day Celebration Commission
Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Moku o Hawai‘i
Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i, Kumu Hula John R. Kaha‘i Topolinski
Ola Hawai‘i Apprenticeship Program
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member ‘Opio Council
Kalo Kanu o ka ‘Āina, Native Hawaiians in Tourism

Stella Burgess, Board Member
Manager, Hawaiian Culture, Hyatt Regency Kaua'i

Stella Burgess is Manager, Hawaiian Culture, at the Hyatt Regency Kaua‘i Resort & Spa. She provides ongoing cultural training for the Hyatt’s 900 employees. Ms. Burgess is prominent in the Kaua‘i community, heading island-wide cultural events throughout the year.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member
Koloa Community Association
American Lung Association
Pu'u Wanawana
Na Hui Kau Kahoku, cultural sites protocol
Kupuna Koloa School, volunteer 4 hours a week
Kaua`i United Way Representative
Koloa Plantation Days Parade Coordinator
Hawaiiana Festival Coordinator, celebrating all cultures of Hawai‘i
Kauaiian Days: Representative on behalf of the Hyatt Regency
Koloa Heritage Trail
Prince Kuhio Day, Coordinator

John DeFries, President
President, Hokuli'a and Native Sun Business Group

John DeFries is the Founder and President of Native Sun Business Group, a tourism consulting firm whose clients come from diverse fields such as hotel-resort operations and marketing, real estate development, entertainment and the performing arts, television sports marketing and health and wellness.

Mr. DeFries has been directly involved with the Hawai‘i visitor Industry for the past 28 years, with 20 years of management and senior executive responsibilities. From 1972 - 1985 his work experience encompassed tour and travel operations, hotel operations, and hotel sales, and marketing, while employed at Amfac Hotels and Resorts and its subsidiary, Island Holidays Tours.

From 1985 - 1992 he served as Vice President-Assistant to the Chairman of Landmark Hotels. During this period, the company had a half-billion dollars worth of Hawai‘i development projects under way including the Embassy Suites Ka‘anapali; the Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui; and the Pointe at Poipu on Kaua’i.

Mr. DeFries was born and raised in Waikīkī, Oahu. He is a graduate of Punahou School and attended the University of Hawai‘i. Today, he and his wife, Ginny, reside in Kona, Hawai‘i.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

The Five Mountain Medical Community, Board Member
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member & Officer
Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program - Bishop Museum, Board Member

Albert Kanahele, Board Member
Community Planning & Development Consultant

Albert Kanahele has recently retired from Hawai`i Reserves, Inc., as Director of Planning & Property Development. However, Mr. Kanahele plans to continue as a Consultant with the Community Planning & Development aspect. He is a resident of both Hawai‘i and Henderson, Nevada and plans to enjoy spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Prior to working with Hawai‘i Reserves Albert was the Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Provo, Utah. He was responsible for developing an annual "Economic and Demographic Profile" used for marketing Provo as part of his overall responsibilities. He was also the Project Manager for the East Bay Business Center in Utah. In this capacity, he had an integral role on the economic development team that succeeded in marketing Provo and transforming the City's economy from one dependent on smokestack industrial companies to that of one based on information technology software and hardware companies. Money Magazine nationally recognized his team in 1991 when Provo was named "America's Most Livable City".

Mr. Kanahele is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. He has a B.A. Degree in Public Administration from Los Angeles State University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University, Provo.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

The Hawaiian Civic Club of Utah Valley, Orem, Utah, Past President
The Lanihuli Hawaiian Civic Club, La‘ie, Hawai‘i, Past Vice President
The Friends of Malaekahana, a non-profit Native Hawaiian community economic development corporation, Board Member
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member
Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Active Member

Noelani Mahoe, Board Member
Hawaiian Cultural Specialist

A well-known and highly respected singer and musicologist, Noelani Mahoe has been singing professionally for over 30 years. She has performed in various Hawaiian and international venues and was finalist for Female Vocalist of the year 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Award. Her specialty is true Native Hawaiian songs.

Ms. Mahoe is co-author, with Samuel H. Elbert, of Na Mele o Hawai‘i Nei: 101 Hawaiian Songs, an annotated collection of Hawaiian songs in an authoritative text with translation. Compiled E Himeni Hawai‘i Kakou, a special project for the Hawai‘i State Governor's Committee, provided to each school and library in Hawai‘i. Compiled Na Mele Ho‘ona‘auao, a Hawaiian Studies Resource music book, for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education.

She has taught music, hula and/or Hawaiian Studies at schools and community organizations throughout Hawai‘i. She has developed and led adult and keiki (children) choruses in Hawai‘i, California and Japan. Also, she has assisted the Department of Education in the development of the Hawaiian Studies Curriculum Guides and trained principals, teachers, and kūpuna. Ms. Mahoe has coordinated Hawaiian music concerts for the Hawaiian Music Foundation and has also planned and organized their Na Mele Hawai‘i video series for the Hawai‘i Public Television. She served as judge for Hawaiian song contests statewide, organized choruses for the Outrigger Hotels and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and organized the first Hospitality Industry Song Contest.

Ms. Mahoe graduated from Kamehameha School for Girls and received her B.S. Degree and Professional Teaching Certificate from the University of Hawai‘i.

Jace McQuivey, Secretary
Vice President/General Counsel, Hawai'i Reserves, Inc.

Jace McQuivey is currently the General Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Hawai‘i Reserves, Inc. He is responsible for all legal issues related to land and utility management. Prior to joining Hawai‘i Reserves McQuivey was Vice President and General Legal Counsel for Consolidated Resorts, Inc. In this capacity, he was responsible for all legal issues related to time-share development and sales.

Mr. McQuivey has a B.A. Degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University, Provo and a Juris Doctor Degree from Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School. During law school, he served as President of the Native American Law Students Association.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member & Officer
Lanihuli Hawaiian Civic Club, Charter Director

Maile Meyer Broderick, Board Member
Founder, Native Books, Inc. Na Mea Hawai`i Stores

Maile Meyer founded Native Books in 1990, Native Books & Beautiful Things in 1995, and Na Mea Hawai‘i in 2003. She is an entrepreneur with a passion to support Native Hawaiian producers, artists and manufacturers of made-in Hawai’i products. Na Mea Hawai‘i currently has three retail stores that celebrate Hawaiian material culture and local products. Native Books works extensively with schools, institutions and libraries to ensure that culturally sensitive, historically accurate information on Hawai‘i is readily available. Native Books maintains a website and assists in the publication of materials important to the Hawaiian community.

Ms. Meyer received an MBA in Marketing and Arts Management at Anderson School of Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, California. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member
Queen Lili`uokalani Children's Center, Advisory Council, Member
Hawai‘i Book Publishers Association
Malama Hawai‘i Publications Committee
Daughters of Hawai‘i
Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club
Young of Heart Workshop and Gallery
Pacific Writers Connection
Honolulu Book Festival


Joni Paaha‘o, Board Member
Consultant

Joni Paaha‘o has been an integral part of Hawaii’s visitor industry enjoying a 25 year career with experience in meetings and conventions, corporate and leisure travel.  During  the last 7 years, she held the position of Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Revenue Management with ResortQuest Hawaii, formerly Aston Hotels and Resorts.  She provided the strategic direction and leadership to achieve and exceed all fiscal goals by successfully marketing a portfolio of 30 plus diverse hotel and condominium resort properties on the four major Hawaiian Islands to a broad customer base. ($178 million in 2006). She also orchestrated and experienced first hand the understanding of organization change as part of the leadership team that successfully led the transition of a privately owned local kamaaina company to a publicly held firm and the creation of a new brand.   

She has experienced all aspects of tourism through the best and worst of times, has in-depth working knowledge of this industry and has established relationships with top travel industry leaders and companies that sell, promote, and market Hawaii throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.  

Joni’s true Ho’ohana is found in the fulfillment of a purpose driven life.

She recently retired to pursue and fulfill her personal interests and passions.  As a native Hawaiian, she believes that the greatest challenges we face is our ability to influence and redirect increasing external and global forces that have an impact on our island state, our sense of place, our natural God given wealth, our social heritage, and the basis of our precious lifestyles found on these islands.  She believes that much of the responsibility and influence lies with local government to create and implement well intended policies and practices that support sustainable tourism and the need for travel industry leaders to reach out to local communities to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster a common understanding and a shared vision. 

          During her tenure With ResortQuest Hawaii and with the support of Frank Haas of HTA, she created “the Responsibility of Aloha” a cultural awareness program bringing together travel industry leaders and community groups from the ahupua`a of Ko`olaupoko on the windward side of Oahu.  She supports a paradigm shift that is based on the concept of malama `aina, stewardship and the notion that if it is good for the locals and residence, it will be good for the tourist and not the other way.

          Retirement will allow her to further pursue her desire to heighten awareness and recognition of the impact of tourism.  She hopes to create a needed sense of community and serve as a bridge to remove barriers between the travel industry and grassroots communities while engendering hope.  We all share responsibility for the mobilization of large numbers of foreigners into a local social system that benefit the economics of corporate conglomerates but also undermines pre existing social relationships, natural resources and local lifestyles.  Through her “Responsibility of Aloha Program”, she is striving for the creation and development of a sustainable model for community and cultural tourism.  “The future is up to each and every one of us” says  Paahao,  “and it is not too late for us to be diligent about stewardship to protect, manage and nurture what has been given to us.”


Diane Peters-Nguyen, Board Member
Vice President, Institutional Advancement - Chaminade University

Diane Peters-Nguyen currently is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Chaminade University. She has extensive experience in communications and public relations, non-profit management, and education.

Prior to working at Chaminade University, Ms. Peters-Nguyen was Vice President, Corporate & Public Affairs at The Limtiaco Company (TLC). She served as Director of Development for the Oceanic Institute, a preeminent aquaculture and marine biotechnology research institution. During her tenure there, she launched a program to increase awareness about the institute, develop partnerships and establish a community relations program.

Before her work with the Oceanic Institute, Diane served as Executive Director of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) where she worked with community groups, schools and extensively with the Hawaii State Legislature.

On the TLC team, Diane handled business development functions, working in tandem with the company President. She also spearheaded a team managing public agency, corporate, education and land use client accounts. Her client stream included Kamehameha Schools, the State Department of Transportation, Island Princess Macadamia Company and Dowling Company.

Ms. Peters-Nguyen has a M.A. in International Affairs with an emphasis in East-Asia from George Washington University. She earned her B.A. from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Hawaii Society of Corporate Planners, President
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member
University Community Partnership, Member
UH Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Advisory Council
Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, Member
Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Member
Honolulu City & County Planning Commission, Chair 2005

Lori Sablas, Board Member
Po'okela Director, Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

Lori Sablas is the Director of Po‘okela at the Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel on the Island of Maui, a position she has held since 1989. Started in 1986, the Po‘okela program has won state and national recognition for its success in its host cultural training of its employees.

Her past experiences include positions at SRI International in California, as Director of Leisure Sales at the Stouffer Wailea Beach Resort and Managing Director of the Ka‘anapali Beach Operators Association from 1977-1987 with the responsibility of marketing and promoting the world’s first master-planned resort.

Ms. Sablas has traveled extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific Islands.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Founding Board Member
Friends of Moku‘ula, Founding Board Member
Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Board Member
Maui Hawaiian Agencies and Organizations
National Ecotourism Association, Advisor
Maui County Cultural Resources Commission, Chairperson
Mayor’s Transportation Committee, Member

Phil Sammer, Board Member
General Manager, 'Ilima Hotel

Phil Sammer has been General Manager of the ‘Ilima Hotel in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, since 1984.

His previous positions include: Hotel General Manager, Captain Cook Beach Hotel, Moorea, French Polynesia; and Hotel Assistant Manager, Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu Hawai‘i.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:

Hawai‘i Hotel Association 1994-1995, Chair
State Tourism Training Council 1992-1997, Member
Chamber of Commerce Visitor Industry Council, Past Chairman
Board of Managers of Central YMCA, Past Chairman
Alliance Franchise of Hawai‘i, Past President
Rotary Club of Waikīkī, Past President
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member
Hawai‘i Region, Y's Men International, Regional Director
Better Business Bureau, Board Member

Carla Thomas, Vice President
Senior Director of Human Resources, Hyatt Regency Kaua'i

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael B. White, Treasurer
General Manager, Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

Michael White has been the General Manager of the Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel since 1985 and represented the seventh district in the State House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998. In the Legislation, Mr. White has served on the Tourism, Economic Development and Finance Committees. During his tenure he has spearheaded the effort to educate his colleagues on the importance of increased and dedicated funding for visitor promotion as an economic development stimulator.

A lifetime resident of Hawai‘i, Mr. White received his degree from the University of Hawai‘i School of Travel Industry Management. His hotel career began in 1969 at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikīkī, bussing tables in the Hau Tree Terrace Restaurant. He has held various managerial positions at the Hawaiian Regent (1971-1973), Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1973 – 1982), and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel (1982 to 1985).

At Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel, Mr. White and Dr. George Kanahele implemented Project Po'okela, a program designed to enhance employees’ understanding of the Hawaiian culture and its values so that visitors will have a more enriching and enjoyable visit. As a result of this process, the Hotel employees have created an atmosphere in which they freely share their aloha with visitors through song, crafts and education. The Po‘okela process has resulted in KBH being recognized as Hawaii’s “Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The focus on the Hawaiian culture has created true aloha and has provided the Hotel with a product differentiation.

Boards, Commissions, and Community Involvement:
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Board Member & Officer