The KBG Board, membership, and guest audience would like to extend a warm “Aloha and Mahalo” to Senator Brenton Awa for his time to come and speak with us at big city diner, windward mall, Wednesday May 24th, 2023. The member and Senator Awa engaged in a spirited and fascinating conversation about the current legislature processes and inner-workings of the latest session. There were a diverse array of questions regarding his observations, experiences, and dealings with the Hawaii State government. Senator Awa gave a candid look at what he was aware of in the near future of his districts operations. We heard extensive elaboration on his agenda as to what to prioritize for this 2023 year: housing, non-local investment property sales, community projects, projected engineering projects and proposals, Land allocation and distributions for agriculture and local communities in his district.
The members were spirited and inspired by the whole event.
The KBG board also elected their BOD, and officers for the next 2023-2024 yearly cycle.
2023 Kaneohe Business Group Leadership:
PRESIDENT
Matt Hara, LISC
VICE PRESIDENT
John Fred Bogert, John B. Design
TREASURER
Linda Kuklinsky, L & M Consultants
SECRETARY
Adriel Lam, Kaneohe Town
KBG Board of Directors:
Allie Morales, PARENTS Inc.
Angeline Smith, First Hawaiian Bank
Ashlee Tawarahara, WestPac Wealth Partners
Lokelani Cameros, KinaʻOle Estate
Catherine Sato, Bank of Hawaii
Dustin Cronhardt, EXP Realty
Brenton Awa is a Leader.
Blessed to have been given the opportunity to work for the people of District 23 in the State Senate (Kāne‘ohe, Kahalu‘u through Lā‘ie, Kahuku through Mokulē‘ia, Schofield Barracks, Kunia Camp). Born in Ka‘a‘awa, raised in Kahalu‘u, and a graduate of Kahuku High School, Awa is committed to putting the needs of local people over politics, while representing them with the values embraced in the country. Awa is currently the youngest State Senator at age 36. The Senator’s top priority is to make sure locals can afford to continue living in Hawaii, while also helping those who’ve been forced to leave, return. Awa has deep roots in Ko‘olauloa and Ko‘olaupoko. The father of three currently lives in Kahalu‘u. Prior to being elected in November of 2022, Awa had spent nearly a decade working as a TV News Anchor and Reporter for local ABC affiliate KITV4 Island News. Awa started his broadcast career in 2009 as the last intern for then KGMB9 News prior to being one of the first new hires at Hawaii News Now following the KGMB/KHNL/KFVE merger. Awa also worked for the Department of Education as a substitute teacher within the Windward District and helped students at Kahuku High School create a weekly news broadcast, while also restoring the school’s agricultural farm. Awa, a former D1 collegiate wrestler, returned to Kahuku High School in 2008 and led the Junior Varsity Wrestling team to an undefeated season and an OIA title in his only stint as head coach.