Leadership Conference 2019

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Honoring Hawai‘i Makes Sense on All Levels

Kuhao Zane, Creative Director, Sig Zane Designs Hawaii & Founder, SZKaiao

Kuhao Zane comes from a generational Hula family and practice that grounds and informs his process as a designer. Zane, who studied graphic design at the FIDM in Los Angeles, was a member of PBN’s Forty Under 40 class of 2015 and Hawaii Business’s 20 for the next 20 in 2019. He’s worked with his father, Sig Zane for the past 16 years, on everything from the company’s signature aloha shirts to their Oahu location, SigOnSmith. With their studio team SZKaiao, they expand their unique design aesthetic to now include airplane liveries, hotel interiors and surfboards. 

Malia Kaaihue, Founder & President, DTL Hawaii

Mālia Ka‘aihue is the President of DTL, a Hawaiian strategy studio she co-founded in 2014. DTL’s core services include strategy, design, communications and planning.  Using her bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies and Language, as well as her master and doctoral degrees in Political Science, Mālia develops and executes strategies that are culturally relevant and community minded.

Kawika McKeague, Principal and Director of Cultural Planning, G70

Mr. McKeague’s background, experience, and passion have resulted in a unique and knowledgeable approach to land use planning and cultural resource management. For nearly ten years as a Senior Planner at G70 from 2001-2011, Mr. McKeague effectively administered and advocated a Native Hawaiian perspective in environmental and land use planning, as well as architectural design and space programming, In January 2012, Mr. McKeague returned to G70 after serving briefly as the Senior Cultural Resource Manager for Kamehameha Schools, responsible for the stewardship of cultural resources within nearly 360,000 acres of conservation and agricultural lands. Mr. McKeague brings nearly 16 years of experience in facilitating local and national level planning efforts that have enabled a diverse clientele base within the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, Chef & Co-Founder, The Pili Group

“I cook from an ʻāina based perspective. It’s important for us to know where our food comes from, it defines who we are. The awareness of this intimate connection keeps me grounded.”

Mark Noguchi was born and raised in Mānoa Valley and spent his early 20’s dancing with Hālau o Kekuhi in Hilo. He credits Hālau for fostering his deep respect of home and resources. Noguchi is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of The Pacific and the Culinary Institute of America. Although he prefers to just be known as a “cook,” Mark’s dedication to empowering his community through food and education has landed him a spot as a leader in Hawaiʻi’s sustainable food movement.

Moderator: Mahina Paishon-Duarte, Co-Founder, The Waiwai Collective

Mahina Paishon-Duarte is co-founder and managing partner of Waiwai Collective, a co-creative hub for community, culture and commerce. Mahina is a social entrepreneur who has worked in a number of educational and cultural organizations. Most notably, she is the founding executive director of Paepae o Heeia, served as policy program manager with NOAA Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and held the position of head of school at Halau Ku Mana and Kanu o ka Aina public charter schools. In addition, she studies and hones her practice as a cultural practitioner with Na Kalai Waa, Halau o ke Aalii Ku Makani and at Heʻeia fishpond. Mahina holds degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and Hawaii Pacific University. She also serves on the boards of Kahilu Theatre, the Oahu Economic Development Board, Friends of Iolani Palace, and the Trust for Public Land.