T. Ilihia Gionson

T. Ilihia Gionson

Principal

Hiehie Communications

For over a decade, T. Ilihia Gionson has worked to advance Hawaiʻi’s sustainability policy, action, and storytelling. He has been involved in open space purchases for conservation, local ordinance to ban the use of plastic bags, efforts to be smarter with municipal solid waste, national legislation to protect reefs and waterways, international collaboration for climate action, and developing energy projects in pursuit of 100% renewable energy for Hawaiʻi. As principal of Hiehie Communications, he works with clients in housing, energy, community non-profits, and the visitor industry to enhance Hawaiʻi’s culture, communities, and environments in the spirit of mālama.

 

Cyrus Johnasen

 

Cyrus Johnasen

Public Information Officer

County of Hawaiʻi 

Cyrus has served in various roles at the county, state, and federal levels where he led strategic communications and community building efforts. Most recently, Cyrus worked for Kamehameha Schools where he focused on organizational advocacy strategies to address growing disparities in Hawaiʻi’s most underserved populations.

Pomaikai Bartolome

Pōmaikaʻi Bartolome 

Executive Assistant

County of Hawaiʻi 

Pōmai has an extensive background in media, marketing and promotions. She is a Certified Leadership and Success Coach, owner of a talent enhancement program for youth, and offers a variety of administrative skills. 

 Daniel Akaka Jr.

Daniel "Kaniela" Kahikina Akaka, Jr.

Kahu Hānai

Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection 

  • 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 Auberge Resorts Collection on the Island of Hawai‘i, as the Kahu Hānai of the Living Culture Department. 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 as well as the history and stories of this ancient land known as Kalāhuipua’a.

    Although he has been employed at Mauna Lani for nearly 38 years, his business career has also included Aloha Airlines, Hawaiian Holidays, Hawaiian Foliage & Landscaping, the Hawai‘i Maritime Center, as well as, 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., Daniel (deceased) and Millie Akaka. He and his wife, formerly Anna Lui-Kwan (KS Class ‘72), have chosen Kona to be their home. They have 5 children, one daughter, four sons and 6 grandchildren with one more on the way.

    In keeping with the Hawaiian culture, he has had the opportunity to be a crewmember of the Hokule‘a for three 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 3rd voyage was the completion of the voyage, Kū Holo Lā Komohana, which ended its journey in Yokohama, Japan. 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”. The last canoe project was the making of the canoe, “Laulima”, which was a 2 year cultural project for Mauna Lani and which was made in its entirety at the Hālau Wa’a o Keawanui. 

    In his work today, Mr. Akaka is involved in perpetuating the culture, the essence, and the Spirit of Hawai‘i.

    Boards, Commissions, Cultural  Advisory and Community Involvement:
    • Bishop Museum, Board member 
    • Pohakuloa Cultural Advisory Member
    • Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Board member
    • Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, Board member

 DSAdams

Douglass Shipman Adams 

Director

County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development

Douglass Shipman Adams, a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, served twenty years as an Army intelligence officer after graduating from West Point. Now an attorney, he remains active in a variety of non-profit and public sector organizations, as well as vice-chair of WH Shipman, Ltd.

With his wife, Colonel Deb Lewis, in 2010-2011 he bicycled over 18,000 miles through all fifty states to highlight issues facing our country’s veterans, military, and their families. Deb and Doug are very proud of their three adult children and cherish their grandson.

Noʻel K. Tagab-Cruz

Noʻel K. Tagab-Cruz 

Noʻel K. Tagab-Cruz currently serves as the Coordinator for I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles that includes the AA Hawaiian Studies Program, Paepae ʻŌhua Native Hawaiian Student Success Center, Haʻakūmalae Programs Program, etc, for Hawaiʻi Community College. Noʻel is an ʻūniki ʻailolo (graduate) of Unukupukupu. 

Kipaepae