ASD Staff

Adopt a Pet

"BamBam is a 35-pound, 1-year-old terrier mix who’s as sweet as he is photogenic," says 

. "He came into our care after being found wandering in Waipahu.

"This active boy loves hiking, beach days, and a lively game of fetch. He’s also a smart pup who thrives on treats while learning new skills to add to his growing repertoire. After a day full of fun and discovery, BamBam is all about cuddling up on the couch with his favorite human. 

"If you’re looking for the perfect adventure buddy, BamBam is excited to meet you at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili, open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m."

Bam Bam 4 25 2025

<title>Adopt-a-Pet April 28, 2025: BamBam, who loves beach days</title>

"He’s a smart pup who thrives on treats while learning new skills," says Hawaiian Humane Society.

Adopt-a-Pet April 28, 2025: BamBam, who loves beach days

"BamBam is a 35-pound, 1-year-old terrier mix who’s as sweet as he is photogenic," says Hawaiian Humane Society. "He came into our care after being found wandering in Waipahu. "This active boy loves hiking, beach days, and a lively game of fetch. He’s also a smart pup who thrives on treats while learning new skills to add to his growing repertoire. After a day full of fun and discovery, BamBam is all about cuddling up on the couch with his favorite human.  "If you’re looking for the perfect adventure buddy, BamBam is excited to meet you at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili, open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m."

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Columnists

In the heart of downtown Honolulu stands a structure with clean lines, an open ceiling, and ominous whispers. Modern and minimalist, the Hawai‘i State Capitol building is a striking departure from the domed, classical government buildings found across the Continental U.S. But beneath its sleek geometry and sunlit courtyards lies a deeper story that begins with royalty, dislocation, and spirits that may never have left.

The land beneath the Capitol wasn’t always reserved for democracy. It once held the castle-like ‘Iolani Barracks, also known as Hale Koa, the House of Warriors. Built in 1871 of coral blocks, the barracks housed the royal guard of King Kamehameha V. Surrounding the open courtyard were rooms once used by the guards for various purposes, including a kitchen and mess hall, a medical dispensary, and a temporary jail.

After the disbanding of the Royal Guard and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the building was repurposed in a variety of ways. It served as a temporary shelter for refugees of the devastating 1899 Chinatown fire, became headquarters for the National Guard of Hawaiʻi, housed government offices, and even functioned as a storage facility. Though its role shifted with the times, the stone walls of the barracks remained. For nearly a century, Hale Koa stood firm while the cultural and political landscape evolved around it.

When Governor John A. Burns envisioned a new Capitol to symbolize Hawai‘i’s future, builders carefully dismantled Hale Koa, meticulously numbering each block, and reassembled the structure within the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace, where it remains today.

From this transplant grew something entirely new.

Completed in 1969, the Hawai‘i State Capitol breaks from tradition. There’s no dome. No rotunda. Instead, its architecture is shaped by island geography and cultural symbolism. A wide reflecting pool surrounds the structure, representing the Pacific Ocean that embraces the Hawaiian Islands. Housing the Senate and the House of Representatives, two conical chambers rise on either side, representing the Islands’ volcanic origins. Tall concrete columns line the perimeter of the building, shaped like majestic coconut palms. The central courtyard is open to the sky, allowing sun, rain, and wind to move freely, just as they do in nature.

At the dedication of Hawaii’s state Capitol in 1969, Governor John A. Burns stated, “The open sea, the open sky, the open doorway, open arms, and open hearts — these are the symbols of our Hawaiian heritage. In this great State Capitol, there are no doors at the grand entrances which open toward the mountains and toward the sea. There is no roof or dome to separate its vast inner court from the heavens and from the same eternal stars which guided the first voyagers to the primeval beauty of these shores.”

Reflecting balance and openness, the entire structure is a conversation between earth and sky, people and place. But some believe the conversation has grown … crowded. They say Governor Burns never left.

John A. Burns, Hawai‘i’s second elected governor and the man who championed the construction of the Capitol, is often felt within its walls. Governor Burns was well known for smoking cigars in his office on the fifth floor. People would know the governor was in whenever the pungent scent of cigar smoke drifted through the halls and along the lānai. Now, visitors and staff routinely catch the distinct aroma of a burning cigar in various places around the building, even though the Capitol has been smoke-free since 2006. But not all the hauntings are so stately.

The women’s restroom on the chamber level has a reputation all its own. Staff have complained of the hand dryer turning on suddenly, followed by the sound of water running, even when the room is empty. While skeptics blame faulty sensors, others aren’t so quick to dismiss the encounters. Staffers that say the restroom feels creepy and those who’ve had strange experiences there are office managers and legal aides whose professions demand logic and order, making their encounters all the more eerie.

Unfamiliar with the story, one woman recalled her eerie experience on her first visit to the Capitol building just a few years ago. She explained that while she was in the stall, she heard low, continuous mumbling, just soft enough that she couldn’t make out words. She assumed someone else was in the restroom, but when she stepped out, the restroom was completely empty. The murmuring had stopped, and the woman realized she had been alone all along. When asked if she noticed anyone outside the door, she said there was no one. Nobody outside the door and no one disappearing down the hall. She said aside from the chicken skin moment, she had a nice visit that day at the Capitol, but she doesn’t think she’ll be returning any time soon.

Although the building was designed to echo the harmony of the Islands’ natural beauty, some strange presence still lingers. Maybe it’s the land that was once home to royal warriors, speaking out. Or perhaps some spirits feel they still have work left to do.

Whatever the cause, the Capitol is not as silent as it seems.

Queen looks upon the state seal

<title>Smoke and Whispers at the State Capitol</title>

Something more than the memory of thousands of failed bills haunts the State Capitol, possibly including a gubernatorial ghost.

Smoke and Whispers at the State Capitol

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

It’s paused again for now, but the ongoing eruption of Kīlauea volcano hit striking heights once again, with lava fountains reaching more than 1,000 feet high during its most recent eruptive episode.

Episode 23 ended around 10:25 p.m. Sunday, May 25, after six hours of sustained fountaining, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said in an update Monday.

In an subsequent update Tuesday, HVO said there have been 23 episodes separated by pauses in activity since the current eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater within Kaluapele, the summit caldera, began on Dec. 23, 2024.

Fountaining episodes have occurred about once a week since the eruption started, HVO said.

All activity remains within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai‘i Island, according to HVO, and no significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

The volcano’s latest fiery display drew throngs of visitors to HVNP.

"This was a three-day Memorial Day weekend and coincided with graduation and happened in the afternoon — as opposed to the middle of the night like some previous episodes — so that timing dramatically increased the number of people who were able to come and see the eruption in person," HVNP spokesperson Jessica Ferracane told Aloha State Daily in an email Tuesday.

Ferracane couldn’t immediately provide a total visitor count for the weekend, but said "it seemed like the whole island was here! Many thousands of locals and visitors came to the park to witness the fountains that exceeded 1,000 feet at times."

The crowds snarled traffic along Highway 11 near the park. An alert from Hawai‘i Police Department late Sunday urged people to avoid the roadway "for the next several hours" because of congestion.

An HPD spokesperson told ASD in an email Tuesday that traffic "was indeed slow-going for about three hours Sunday evening."

"At one point traffic was backed up for about five to six miles to the 24-mile-marker on Highway 11," the spokesperson said.

Compounding the increased visitation is a "significant one-way detour" through Kīlauea Visitor Center, which Ferracane said created a bottle neck just inside the park's entrance.

"This is due to the construction of a roundabout and additional administrative lane near the park entrance," she explained. "This is expected to be complete in another month or two, and will greatly improve visitor safety."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Planning a visit to the park?"}]

During high demand times, Ferracane said visitors should keep in mind that there's an ongoing construction project and visitor center renovation underway at the Kīlauea summit, resulting in limited parking at the visitor center and detours from the park entrance.

"Visitors need to drive slowly, heed all signs and traffic control workers, and bring their patience," she told ASD. "Rideshare if can!"

, at night, Ferracane said to bring a head lamp or flashlight — and stay away from cliff edges.

"There are steep and undercut cliff edges with nearly 500-foot drops along the caldera rim," she said. "Stay on trail and out of closed areas. There are plenty of safe overlooks along Crater Rim Trail and the caldera rim to safely watch eruptive activity."

HAVO 20250525 Episode 23 fountain flows J Wei

<title>Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams</title>

The most recent episode of the ongoing eruption drew thousands of visitors to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park over the weekend.

Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams

Real Estate

Are you a homebuyer on the hunt? At least if you're on O‘ahu, there are more options on the market.

The active inventory of single-family homes and condominiums last month was higher than the number of homes on the market in April 2024 by a good amount, according to 

Active inventory grew in most O‘ahu neighborhoods, a recent 

 from HBR, which looks at statistics by neighborhoods, noted.

In the single-family home market, the ‘Ewa Plain had 147 active listings last month, the most of all areas islandwide, while Mākaha-Nānākuli had 95, each area up from 90 the prior April, 

according to recent statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors.

Makiki-Mō‘ili‘ili was the only neighborhood to see a decline in active inventory, down 13% year-over-year with 39 homes for sale compared to 45.

The island's condominium market had more options: Waikīkī had the most condos for sale last month with 659, while Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako had 402 condos, up from 453 and 317, respectively.

Trevor Benn, president of HBR and president and owner of Forward Realty, told Aloha State Daily last week that O'ahu's condo market has about 6.8 months of inventory.

That's essentially how long it will take to sell existing inventory if nothing new comes on the market.

The "norm," he said, is about two months, "so we're over triple our normal inventory months."

"I think that's pretty easily correlated to the increases in hurricane insurance and what the effects of that are," he said. "Whenever you increase the monthly carrying costs for a real estate asset, then in like kind, you need to expect the underlying value to decrease. But we've been pretty fortunate that we've been pretty resilient in that the median [home price] hasn't changed a whole lot."

, a government-sponsored enterprise that buys mortgages from lenders and bundles them into mortgage-back securities that then are sold the investors, will not buy loans for properties in buildings that do not have 100% replacement hurricane insurance.

That means buyers may not be able to get mortgages for units in buildings without full coverage, which may also limit people’s ability to sell units they already own. It also increases the maintenance fees in buildings that have acquired the required insurance. Benn says some policies have increased tenfold.

The number of single-family homes for sale also has grown a bit, with about 3.5 months of inventory, when the norm is about 2 months, he said.

Benn said the single-family home market seems to be "a little more stable than condos right now."

"People who have condos are concerned about the carrying costs," he continued. "It's not just the hurricane insurance, but your maintenance fees are going up because of pipe replacement, because of fire sprinkler suppression systems they want to see installed after the Marco Polo fire [

which killed four residents and a dog in 2017

]. Our statistics show that maintenance fees have gone up about 60% over the last 10 years in the buildings that we can track through the MLS. We also have about 178 buildings that have special assessments."

But any real estate agent selling condos right now, "will tell you that they're taking longer to sell, but interestingly, the prices have been holding, so that's interesting."

Benn sums it up: The condo market is feeling pressure due to higher carrying costs from increased maintenance fees and hurricane insurance. Residents will have to determine their own situations, but if you're looking for a condo, it's "a good time to get something for a good price."

There were 805 single-family homes for sale islandwide in April, compared to 618 in the same month last year, an increase of 30.3%, according to HBR. And there were a total of 2,512 condos for sale last month compared to 1,575.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Popular areas"}]

‘Ewa Plain was the most popular area for buyers in April, with 30 sales. That number was down from 52 the prior year.

Meanwhile, Mākaha-Nānākuli saw 24 sales and Kailua-Waimānalo had 22. Both of those neighborhoods had 26 sales in April 2024.

Waikīkī had the most condo sales in April with 88, down from 107 in April 2024, followed by 49 in Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako, down from 52.

Benn says buyers choose neighborhoods based on their own specific needs.

"If you work in town and you need to be somewhere between Nu‘uanu and ‘Āina Haina, you're not even looking at something that comes on the market in Waipahu."

When asked about the neighborhoods that saw the most sales, Benn said in ‘Ewa, for instance, "You've got military and locals that are seeing the value of having malls and hotels and water parks and all the stuff you need to have a viable second city — sort of the Orange County to [Los Angeles] kind of idea — and that is coming to fruition."

That area also is a draw "because there's inventory and there's amenities. If you have family near there, you're going to gravitate towards there. If your work is out there, for sure, you're going to gravitate towards that," Benn said later in the conversation. "Also the price points are more reasonable than town, so there are certain markets that are the exception to the rule. Most people that work in metro Honolulu want to live in metro Honolulu, but sometimes their options are to decide between a small condo versus maybe a starter home, single-family, and they may choose to instead go to Mililani Mauka or [developments] in ‘Ewa Beach. That's a trade-off because they're deciding that they're willing to spend more time on the road."

Interested in learning more about housing activity in specific neighborhoods? You can read the 

Oahu aerial unsplash 051525

<title>Active home inventory up in April</title>

Trevor Benn, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors and president and owner of Forward Realty, says O'ahu's condo market has about 6.8 months of inventory while the single-family home market has about 3.5 months of inventory — the norm is about two months.

Active home inventory up in April

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Residents in Hawai‘i Kai are urging Kamehameha Schools against hypothetical high-rise developments in Haha‘ione Valley.

Among the extensive land holdings of Kamehameha Schools are three properties in Hawai‘i Kai, adjacent commercial land parcels totaling about eight acres. Businesses such as 7-Eleven lease those three parcels, located between 6640 and 6660 Hawai‘i Kai Drive, from KS, although possibly not for much longer.

The leases for all three parcels expire in 2028. And while KS has not stated any plans for the properties following the expiration date, many residents are worried nonetheless.

 “Many people are assuming they do have a plan,” said Tom Cooper, a spokesman for 

Haha‘ione Advocates for Respectful Development

 (HARD), a volunteer community organization raising awareness about resident concerns regarding the future of the three parcels.

Because, while Cooper confirmed that KS has told HARD it has no current stated plans for the future of the parcels, eight contiguous acres of land directly at the mouth of Haha‘ione Valley could no doubt seem enticing for a possible high-rise development along Hawai‘i Kai Drive, he said.

“It’s like getting Boardwalk and Park Place in Monopoly for a developer,” Cooper said.

Cooper estimated there are perhaps 30 businesses located on the parcels. The westernmost contains a 7-11, a gas station and Boston Pizza; the middle one holds a business plaza that is home to numerous small businesses; and the easternmost parcel, the largest, contains the former Japan-America Institute for Management Sciences building.

While JAIMS permanently dissolved in 2024, part of the building is currently used as a preschool.

HARD’s concerns about a large-scale development are not mere NIMBYism, Cooper said, referring to an acronym for “Not In My BackYard,” which is often leveled at opponents of high-density housing.

“There is only one way in or out of the valley,” Cooper said. “In a major fire, such as the ones in Lahaina and L.A., if you add 200, 300, 400 new cars to traffic that’s already bottlenecked, it would be devastating.”

Of course, other concerns do include the impact to view planes within the valley, increased noise pollution and crime, Cooper added.

Furthermore, he said, the JAIMS parcel directly borders Haha‘ione Elementary School, and major construction next to the school could not only be a safety hazard for students — who, Cooper said, could try to explore a dangerous construction site — but would also have a deleterious effect on their education due to the chronic noise

HARD does not oppose respectful development, Cooper said. The group has met with the majority of property owners and residents in “the donut” (the ring of properties immediately surrounding the three parcels) and said that the majority seem to support converting the JAIMS building into a community center, a cultural center, or something else with social or community value.

For now, though, with nothing officially on the horizon, HARD is simply gathering support. Cooper said the group has met with "a key member" of the Honolulu City Council to be notified if and when any proposal for a zoning variance or other changes to the properties is submitted to the City and County.

At the same time, Cooper said HARD has circulated 

 among residents that has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, something he hopes will help sway KS’ eventual decision. That petition specifically requests that KS maintains the JAIMS building “nestled under the magnificent trees … for over 50 years” and that government groups not approve plans for buildings on the properties taller than the current developments.

[{"type":"text","text":"Aloha State Daily reached out to Kamehameha Schools for comment."}]

Hawaiikaimap

<title>Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise</title>

As three Kamehameha Schools leases run out in Hawai‘i Kai, residents worry about what comes next

Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise

Jerry Clay Clay Partnering IQ5 A1553 1 CP

Gerald “Jerry” Clay

Viewpoints

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, effective collaboration is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re managing a small or large business, leading a nonprofit, or navigating complex partnerships, the key to success often lies not just in strategy but in team relationships. 

 is a structured, proactive, facilitation-based process that empowers groups to align and unanimously agree to shared goals, solve problems collaboratively and build lasting trust. Originally developed to enhance efficiency and reduce litigation in large-scale construction projects, 

 has since proven valuable across a wide range of sectors, including business, nonprofit organizations, public service and legislative design.

Last month, a newly organized nonprofit [on Oʻahu's North Shore] requested I help its board of directors apply the 

 process to its planning efforts. At the outset, the board responded to a confidential 

 survey. The board’s responses to the survey indicated that the board needed to develop camaraderie, trust and a clear roadmap to accomplish its goals.

Based on these needs, I designed a retreat for the board members. At the retreat, the board engaged in goal setting, goal prioritization and determination of the tasks necessary to achieve each goal. Individual board members then took responsibility for accomplishing each task within a specified time. At the end of the retreat, this new team had a detailed roadmap for accomplishing the group’s most important goals.

I was notified in a follow-up thank-you letter from the board that the group now clearly sees what is needed to be successful, is in alignment on how to achieve its goals and is motivated to do so as a team. The above wins were accomplished after the group completed a survey and attended a retreat that lasted only five hours.  

For organizations looking to improve internal alignment, stakeholder engagement, and/or internal or external collaboration, 

 offers a compelling alternative to traditional problem-solving and strategic planning models.

Shifting from reactive conflict resolution to proactive relationship-building isn’t just a procedural adjustment — it’s a transformative approach that boosts performance, sparks innovation, and builds stronger and more sustainable relationships and results. 

 early adoption came from the construction sector, where agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Caltrans reported remarkable gains, it is equally effective in other environments.

Ltn. Gen. Henry Hatch, one of the founding fathers of 

, said at the time, “Clearly, the best dispute resolution is dispute prevention.” 

 delivers exactly that — and much more. The process establishes a collaborative environment, rooted in trust, shared goals and cooperative problem solving, that is proven to help any group achieve optimal outcomes.

[{"text":"What is ","type":"text"},{"text":"Partnering","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"italic"}]}]

 brings all stakeholders to the table to: 

[{"text":"-Unanimously establish goals and priorities ","type":"text"}]

[{"text":"-Establish responsibilities and personal expectations ","type":"text"}]

[{"text":"-Identify risks and mitigation strategies ","type":"text"}]

-Build a “problem resolution ladder” to address issues as they emerge 

 Charter — a shared moral, not legal, agreement that reflects the team’s commitments The result is a more aligned, focused, and resilient team — capable of navigating complexity without friction or misunderstandings.

[{"text":"Who can benefit?","type":"text"}]

 is ideal for any group of individuals or entities working together toward a shared outcome. This includes: 

 process in one of the following three ways:

 facilitator – Bring in a trained professional to guide your next strategic meeting or retreat. 

-Train internal leaders – Build capacity within your team to use 

 principles for group facilitation and goal setting. 

-Recommend the process to clients or partners – If you advise or support others in collaboration or negotiation, 

Aloha State Daily previously reported on Partnering, 

. Clay also recently authored an article about Partnering 

For more information about Partnering, visit 

Jerry Clay Clay Partnering IQ5 A1789 1 CP 1

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

“Partnering", a collaborative approach designed to help groups become more effective, is an alternative to the legal system’s traditional dispute resolution because it promotes dispute prevention among stakeholders, says Clay, who is a trained facilitator. He recently wrote an article for the Hawai’i Bar Journal about why he launched Clay Partnering LLC, a company that aims to positively impact local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and beyond.

Honolulu Jerry S. Clay Clay Partnering

Longtime Hawaii attorney Gerald Clay wants his legacy to be ‘Partnering’

Keone Kealoha

We are looking at a collapse of many systems that our communities rely upon to sustain themselves. We will all need to step up our service going forward. Here, I share more about that forward-looking evolution.

Lahainaluna High School, Maui

Community Voices: Backyard Kuleana 2025 – When the systems fail, we must return to each other

<title>Community Voices: Partnering is a proven process for building stronger teams, securing…</title>

For organizations looking to improve internal alignment, stakeholder engagement, and/or internal or external collaboration, this structured, facilitation-based process offers a compelling alternative to traditional problem-solving and strategic planning models.

Community Voices: Partnering is a proven process for building stronger teams, securing better outcomes and preventing disputes

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Growing up in Honolulu, Terry George always knew he wanted to make the world a better place, but wasn't sure how to. 

He left the Islands to attend college and began a long career in philanthropy, which took him from the Mainland to Southeast Asia with 

, until settling on Oʻahu to marry his long-distance girlfriend and former teacher, Julie. Today, the pair have two adult children.

George told Aloha State Daily he worked locally for 

 before getting recruited by Mitch D’Olier, board chair of 

, and began his first day on the job as executive director in August 2003. 

“There was no mission, no values, no strategy when I first joined, and nonprofits were waiting at least six months just to hear back on a grant,” he said. “We looked at how to make grantmaking faster and established those things. That year, we also invested heavily in building a leadership pipeline, which created career pathways for low-income students through work-based learning initiatives, pre-college credits, and better counseling and guidance.”

Nearly 22 years later, George plans to retire in July from his role as president and CEO to “spend time traveling with family and stay involved with the community.”

“I had let the board know of my intention over a year ago, but it was ultimately my decision on when," he said. "It’s been a smooth process so far because of the board’s engagement. I have so much aloha for them." 

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation recently named two successors for George – Alex Harris as president and Eric Co as CEO – essentially splitting up the work and skillsets. The co-leadership model was voted on by the board, to which the pair will report, and a 100-day succession plan is under way for Harris, Eric and George. 

“Leadership is a team effort and this will be a good renewal for the foundation,” George said. “Alex and Eric, both internal hires, have been poised for this work for a long time and are shadowing me now, so I want to make sure I am thorough and set them up to succeed.”

Meet Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s newly appointed leaders, starting July 1:

Who is Eric Co and what is his role as CEO?

Who is Alex Harris and what is his role as president?

Both will uphold  its mission, goals and values

[{"text":"The foundation then and now","type":"text"}]

Founded in 1962 by the longtime owner of Kāneʻohe Ranch, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has awarded more than $259 million in grants, with over $60 million going to organizations serving Windward Oʻahu, 

By December 2013, the foundation had sold all of its land, including retail and commercial parcels, George said. “We aim to grow beyond the level of inflation through both public and private equity markets to continue to make an impact in local communities."

Last year, the foundation dispersed more than $5 million toward statewide public education, ocean and climate resiliency, among other areas. The foundation is funded by the Castle family’s land and liquid assets, totaling about $200 million, of which 5% annually is used toward local grantmaking. 

Drive down any street [in Windward Oʻahu] and read the neighbors’ names:  Smith … Nobriga … Matsumoto … Ching … Park … Naone … Dela Cruz! Here are people — good neighbors — whose measure of each other is not ‘who’ you are [ethnically] but ‘what’ you are [as a person].

[{"text":"Q&A: Lessons in leadership, legacy and mentorship","type":"text"}]

Aloha State Daily: What are you looking forward to in retirement?

 I might spend all of July picking weeds, or in other forms of community service. I also want to learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, mentor middle school students, maybe get into consulting. Spend time with family and travel. I feel hopeful for Hawaiʻi’s future, in schools, nonprofits, government, business. We need to support them to move forward.

[{"text":"ASD: Who are some of your local mentors?","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

 D’Olier with the foundation; Jan Dill, founder of Partners in Development Foundation; Rachael Wong of One Shared Future; Corbett Kalama, president and CEO, of Locations; Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society – just to name a few.

ASD: What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?

 A web of trust-based relationships that span from small-scale organizations to top-level business executives. The legacy of showing that you can create an ecosystem of for-profits, nonprofits, policymakers and community members to nurture and create growth. Serving others. Be accountable to the children, youth, grassroots community leaders, and know that change takes time. Never give in to cynicism. We need to grow the muscle to solve problems – we have huge ones in Hawai‘i, and we have a choice to be a part of the solution or sit on the sidelines.

[{"text":"ASD: What will you miss most about this job?","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

It’s been 22 years of gratitude and a privilege to be a part of so many good things going on in Hawaiʻi. Humility is a part of good leadership here. Hawaiʻi is worth fighting for, so my advice for other leaders is: Get off the sidelines, find out what inspires you and go serve. Get in the canoe and paddle.

To learn more about how the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation is shaping Windward Oʻahu communities, check out this 20-year review video, presented by Terry George: 

To learn more about its work in nearshore fisheries, see below: 

To learn more about its work in education, see below:

HLKC Foundation Leadership 2025 16x9

Leadership may be shifting at the foundation, but George, who is set to retire in July, says the mission remains the same: To build resources for Hawaiʻi’s future, including addressing achievement gaps in public education, restoring reefs and fisheries statewide, and investing in resilient Windward O’ahu communities and beyond.

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