Lists & Awards

This group of 20 included Keith Hayashi, now interim superintendent of the Hawai‘i Department of Education, plus leaders in fashion, food, finance and other fields.

This diverse group included people in government, social work, startups, art and farming – and the recently promoted CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries.

Hawaii Business Magazine profiled rising leaders that year in insurance, academics, tourism, tech, energy and other sectors.

The cohort 10 years ago included future CEO of the Year Bettina Mehnert plus Robert Nobriga, Sherry Menor-McNamara, Dawn Lippert and John Leong.

The cohort that year included future CEO of the Year Ray Vara, Cameron Nekota, Bryan Luke and Kalei Cadinha-Pua‘a.

After a two-year hiatus, Hawaii Business Magazine began again to identify emerging leaders in the Islands. We have published 20 for the Next 20 every year since.

Each year, Hawaii Business Magazine honors 20 accomplished people who are poised to have an even bigger impact over the next 20 years.

Young previously spent over 21 years in traditional banking before joining HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union in October 2019.

His vision and leadership helped Diagnostic Laboratory Services overcome the Covid-19 crisis in many innovative and creative ways.

He started HawaiiKidsCAN in 2017 to advocate for equitable learning environments for all students.

The partner at Lung Rose Voss Wagnild serves on the boards of Re-use Hawai‘i and the U.S. Green Building Council Hawaii, which aim to make Hawai‘i a more sustainable place to live and work.

The SVP and manager of commercial real estate loans at American Savings Bank oversees more than 20 low-income housing projects statewide.

The president of ClimbHI aims to provide Hawai‘i students with information on careers and opportunities so they can make good choices about their own futures.

The Central Pacific Bank executive serves as the board treasurer of the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i and played a vital role in the rebuild its Camp Paumalū on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

He helped launch Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s student morning announcements show and digital media program.

Kawanami hopes to help Hawai‘i become a model for how to produce renewable energy, in part using customer-sited resources like rooftop solar panels.

The CEO of Hawai‘i Investment Ready aims to create a more sustainable future for the next generation.

The SVP and personal trust division manager at First Hawaiian Bank serves on the Hawaii Women’s Legal Foundation board and is active with several other local organizations.

As the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s chief brand officer, Ka‘anā‘anā oversees a sweeping strategic plan that supports natural resources, Hawaiian culture and community while enhancing Hawai‘i’s brand.

She created a new department and her current position at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center to help nearby residents who need better access to healthy food and support in adopting healthier lifestyles.

As executive director of UH’s PACE, Fujiyama helps run 20 programs that provide mentoring and support to student entrepreneurs.

The Bank of Hawaii executive VP and director leads the bank’s sustainable finance group, which focuses on affordable housing and renewable energy.

The senior advisor for the Institute for Climate and Peace and Native Hawaiian liaison for AlohaCare is finishing up her seventh degree.