HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0200.026 2024-2026 P/GOE,c
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From: Sharon Sakai
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2025 10:26 AM
To: Council Testimony; Inaba, Holeka; Onishi, Dennis; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada,Jennifer;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Galimba, Michelle M.;Villegas, Rebecca; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt;
Hustace, James
Subject: TESTIMONIAL on the Nomination of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning
Commission
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March 28,2025
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TO: County of Hawaii County Council Members
RE: Comm. 200: Nomination of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission
Aloha County Council Members,
It is with deep admiration and pride that I submit this letter in strong support of Kawehi
Inaba's nomination to the Leeward Planning Commission.
My professional journey with Kawehi began in 2003,when I joined her team at Mokulele Airlines—a
groundbreaking, Native Hawaiian-owned interisland air service she founded and led with vision and grit.
From there, I had the privilege of working with her through several other ventures: Fit Xpress Hawaii,
where she created a safe and empowering fitness space for women; Kupa'a Business Planners, her
consulting firm that has helped countless businesses across the state thrive; and today, at La'i'opua
2020,where she continues to lead transformational community development efforts in West Hawaii.
Across all these endeavors, one thing has remained constant: Kawehi's unwavering commitment to
excellence, her heart for people, and her ability to turn vision into impact. She's not only a strategic
thinker—she's a compassionate one.Whether she's navigating complex regulatory processes,
mentoring young professionals, or showing up at sunrise to support community events, Kawehi leads
with aloha, humility, and a fierce sense of kuleana.
She also has a rare talent for seeing both the big picture and the fine details—always anticipating the
needs of the community while remaining grounded in practicality. I've watched her successfully move
between sectors and challenges with grace and determination, never losing sight of her values or the
people she serves.
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Kawehi Inaba is not only prepared to serve on the Leeward Planning Commission—she's deeply qualified
and uniquely suited for it. Her experience, perspective, and integrity will bring tremendous value to the
decisions that shape our island's future.
It is an honor to support her nomination.
With deep respect,
Sharon Sakai
Kona resident and Independent Consultant
Sharonl.sakai@gmail.com
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