“Hawaiʻi will face numerous challenges in the upcoming years. If our island home is to prosper economically, socially and culturally, we need to identify and support the emerging generation of leaders. By nurturing them, we will ensure the future of Hawaiʻi.”
— Mufi Hannemann
Founder, Pacific Century Fellows & Former Honolulu Mayor
PRESS RELEASE
19TH PACIFIC CENTURY FELLOWS CLASS SELECTED
(Honolulu, Hawaii, August 29, 2025) – The Pacific Century Fellows Program is proud to announce the selection of its 19th class of Fellows, comprised of 36 outstanding and talented men and women.
Modeled after the prestigious White House Fellows program, the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) is the signature initiative of the nonprofit Fund for the Pacific Century. Founded in 1996 by former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, PCF has grown into Hawaii’s landmark leadership development program. It brings together a diverse group of emerging leaders, enhances civic engagement, and builds lasting networks while exploring the most pressing issues facing our community.
This year’s Fellows were chosen through a competitive process by a blue-ribbon panel of judges. Representing the broad professional and individual diversity of Hawaii—from government and education to health care, business, and the nonprofit sector—the new class reflects the energy, intelligence, and leadership ability of Hawaii’s next generation. Most importantly, each Fellow has demonstrated the potential to make significant contributions to the future of our islands.
Hannemann, himself a White House Fellow (1983–84), said: “With our 19th class of Fellows, we continue to build on the cadre of just over 500 bright and energetic alumni who are making meaningful contributions to Hawaii and the Pacific region. The judges are to be commended for selecting this exceptional group from a very competitive pool of applicants. Throughout the year, Fellows will engage with senior policymakers and community leaders, exchange ideas and perspectives, and participate in site visits and collaborative projects. Last year marked a significant milestone when fellows and alumni participated in the program’s first international visit — a trip to the Philippines that included a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In 2026, a trip to South Korea is being planned so that fellows will continue to connect with other emerging leaders across the Pacific.”
Those selected include:
Chad Asato, Director of Corporate Strategy, Hawaiian Electric
Pōhai Nu`uhiwa Campbell, Partner, Cades Schutte, LLP
Heather de la Garza, Pre-construction Manager, Albert C. Kobayashi, Inc.
Kyle Dowd, Attorney, Office of Kyle T. Dowd, LLLC
Stephen Enos, Vice President, Bank of Hawaii
Claudia “Lala” Fernandez, Executive Vice President, Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii
Chris Fong, Senior Associate, Tradewind Capital
Scott Fuji, Ways and Means Committee Clerk, Hawaii State Senate
Sharon Hanamoto ,Senior Development Management, Kobayashi Group
Josh Hargrove (Maui), General Manager, Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Lance Hirai, Associate Principal, G70
Kimberly Hults ,Director of Marketing & Outreach Relations, College of Engineering, University of Hawaii
Christie Izutsu, M.D., Physician, Kidney Clinic of Hawaii
Summer Kaiawe, Partner, Watanabe Ing LLP
Andrew Kwon, Vice President & Director, Central Pacific Bank
Randi Lau, Director of Business Development, Seal Masters of Hawaii
Jon Lee, Principal, WCIT Architecture
Thomas Lee, PhD, Director of Government Partnerships, Hawaii Data Collaborative
Nicole Lim, Executive Director, Movers and Shakas
Marissa Machida, Vice President, Bank of Hawaii
Lauren Matsumoto, Representative, Hawaii State House of Representatives
Heather Miyasato, Vice President Health Finance, Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA)
Patricia Chang Moad, Managing Director, Continental Assets Management
James Odan, Vice President and Manager, First Hawaiian Bank
Constancio Paranal III, Director, Office of Grants & Innovation, City and County of Honolulu
Naadia Puri, Government Affairs Liaison, US Navy-Command Region Hawaii
Marissa Ross, Sales Executive, Standard Textile
Naki Sabas, Executive Director, Native Hawaiian Organizations Association
Matt Sasai, Senior Director, The Queen’s Health Systems
Ian Scheuring, Deputy Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office, City and County of Honolulu
Kainalu Severson, Chief Risk and Operating Officer, Child and Family Services
Darin Tann (Kauai), General Manager, Keoki’s Paradise
Mark Towill, Owner and President, Hawaii Nautical, Inc.
Liann Unebasami, Vice President, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union
Valerie Wang, Senior Director & Area Vice President, Kaiser Permanente
Gregg Yamauchi, Director, Alexander & Baldwin
The program year will launch with a two-day retreat, featuring seminars, discussions, and opportunities for Fellows to shape their agenda for the year ahead. Monthly sessions will then focus on critical issues such as crime, education, the environment, the economy, and the role of the military in Hawaii. The overarching goal is to nurture relationships among individuals who are committed to exploring creative and constructive solutions to far-reaching challenges, positively influencing the quality of life in Hawaii.
Since 1997, Pacific Century Fellows has united Hawaiʻi’s most promising individuals from various walks of life and professions, with each fellow bringing unique perspectives, ideas and experiences to the group. During the nine-month program, fellows gain a deeper insight into civic duty through direct engagement with senior community, social and government leaders. The program provides fellows the chance to create lasting relationships, encourages creative thinking when searching for solutions to state problems and instills an aspiration to give back to Hawaiʻi.
