Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHawaii Sports Management Corporation dba Current Events75-5751 Kuakini Highway, Suite 202 Kailua Kona HI 96740 July 21, 2025 Subject: Statement of Intent – Community Planning / Special Events Category Aloha, Hawaiʻi Sports Management Corporation dba Current Events respectfully submits this statement of intent to apply for funding through the County of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Research & Development under Community Planning category (PR, Special Events). Our mission is rooted in fostering vibrant, resilient communities through the thoughtful design and execution of events that celebrate local culture, support economic vitality, and promote inclusive participation. With a proven history of coordinating large-scale public events across Hawaiʻi Island, we recognize the powerful role special events play in uniting communities, generating revenue, and enhancing civic pride. Through this funding opportunity, we intend to strengthen community planning processes tied to public gatherings and special events—supporting infrastructure, outreach, and programming that reflect the values and priorities of our island residents. Our approach emphasizes collaborative planning, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact for the benefit of both community members and visitors. We look forward to submitting a full proposal that expands on these goals and demonstrates our commitment to enriching Hawaiʻi Island through strategic community engagement. Mahalo for your time and consideration. Ross Wilson, Jr Principal General Education and Training Statement of Qualification Firm: Hawaii Sports Management Corp dba Current Events 75-5751 Kuakini Highway #202 Kailua-Kona HI 96740 Contact: Ross Wilson Jr., Principal O (808) 326-7820 C (808) 937-3678 E ross@current-events.com Overview – A Bit About Us Current Events, an award-winning strategic communications agency, is headquartered in Kailua, Kona on Hawai‘i Island. For the past 35 years, our multi-disciplinary work has provided our clients with strategic communication initiatives, public profile, brand reputation and exposure, insights into policymaking and managing critical issues. We have a longstanding record of providing superior counsel. Current Events, comprised of three veteran employees, is the only public relations firm on Hawai‘i Island with the expertise and capacity to develop authentic messaging, amplify and shape brand reputation, engage community stakeholders and navigate clients through turbulence. We are honored to work with both high-profile international clients and local nonprofits. We’re local and we love that this island is our home. After decades of crafting our professional expertise, we have deeply-rooted networks island wide. We are curious and fascinated by this island’s historical context. Account Team Ross Wilson Jr. Laura Aquino Amy Young Current Events staffed a full service Big Island Eclipse Center, shaped thought leaders by crafting a point of view by ghostwriting Focus on the Economy local newspaper columns for the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, pitched media and provided meaningful content for the Big Island Visitors Bureau, worked on community building with the Saddle Road Task Force to develop Federal funding for a cross island highway, consulted with Federal, State and Local elected and appointed officials on issues and initiatives and worked with Alii Trust Organizations including Kamehameha Schools and Liliuokalani Trust on various programs and initiatives on Hawaii Island. We’re working with an international consortium including the governments of Japan, China, India, and Canada and US universities including Caltech, University of Hawaii and the University of California system on the Thirty Meter Telescope project. We continue to work with iconic events and festivals in West Hawaii including Kona Building a community isn't just about bringing people together; it's about fostering connections, empowering individuals, and creating a shared sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. Coffee Cultural Festival, Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and the Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race. Previous Projects - Highlights Big Island Eclipse Information Center Staffing a full-service international communication and media center Hawaii Island Economic Development Board Shaping thought leaders and crafting a point of view by ghostwriting Focus on the Economy newspaper columns Ironman Triathlon World Championship Staffing a full-service international communication and media center Saddle Road Task Force Community building and award-winning interpretive signage Jacoby Development Community building and stakeholder outreach Tradewinds Forest Products Community building and stakeholder outreach Forest City Hawaii Kamakana Villages Community building and stakeholder outreach Kona Village Resort Public relations Kamehameha Investment Corp Communications, Keauhou Heritage Center design, Heritage Corridor designation and interpretive signage Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Island communications and stakeholder outreach County of Hawaii Ocean Energy Workshop Be Pono Signage Campaign Ho'okaulike Signage project Kamehameha the Great Dynasty Island-wide Interpretive Signage Hawaii Island Economic Development Board Native Hawaiian Perspective Webinar Series Makani Airborne Wind Turbine A Google X 20kw prototype energy kite announcement after election season, and announcing an enhanced separation package for affected employees. Firm Principal and Client Team ROSS WILSON JR. EXECUTIVE PROFILE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ▪ President, Current Events (1990 – Present) ▪ West Hawaii Field Representative, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (2013 – Present) ▪ Executive Director, Kailua Village Business Improvement District (2022 – Present) ▪ Kona Field Representative, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (2006 – 2012) EDUCATION & ACCOLADES ▪ 2021 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year ▪ 2012 University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Distinguished Alumni Award ▪ 2010 Hawai‘i Community College Mahalo Award ▪ University of Hawai‘i Mānoa, Bachelor of Business Administration, TIM ▪ Hilo High School AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ▪ West Hawaii Field Representative, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono ▪ Former Kona Field Representative, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka ▪ Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee ▪ Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. ▪ Vice President, Board of Directors, Donkey Mill Art Center ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Kona Community Hospital ▪ Member, Board of Directors, CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union ▪ Member, Pohakuloa Training Area Advisory Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge ▪ Member, Hawaii Community College Chancellor’s Advisory Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Community Builders ▪ President, Home Corporation ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Big Island Press Club ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Big Island Substance Abuse Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, West Hawaii Housing Foundation ▪ Member, Hawaii Island Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Cmte ▪ Member, CEDS Statewide Advisory Committee ▪ Hawaii Island Democratic Party District 6 Chair ▪ Member, YWCA of Hawaii Island Capital Campaign Committee ▪ Member, Hawaii Food Basket Guided Feasibility Campaign Study Committee ▪ Former Member, Kuki’o Community Fund Advisory Committee ▪ Former Chair, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Advisory Committee ▪ Former Board Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce ▪ Former Board Chair, Kona Family YMCA ▪ Former President, Kuakini Exchange Club ▪ Former Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Search Committee ▪ Founder, Mayor’s Cup (United Way fundraiser) ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Community Foundation West Hawaii Fund ▪ Former Director, Kona Kai Ola Foundation ▪ Former Director, Kona Outdoor Circle Foundation ▪ Former Director, Kealakōwa‘a Heiau ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Employer Support Guard & Reserve ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Island Food Bank ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Island United Way ▪ Former Director, Big Island Visitors Bureau ▪ Former Co-Chair, HCC Palamanui Campus Fundraising Golf Tournament ▪ Former Member, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, UH West Hawaii Center, Director Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, Hawaii Community College Vice Chancellor Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, UH West Hawaii Chancellor’s Committee ▪ Former Member, HTA Community Enrichment Program Statewide Committee ▪ Former Treasurer, Board of Directors, Friends of NELHA ▪ Former Member, KALA Committee, County Product Enrichment Program ▪ Former Member, Workforce Investment Board Outreach Committee ▪ Former Treasurer & Director, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union ▪ Former Member, State Natural Disaster Claims Commission ▪ Former Sponsor Liaison, Ironman Triathlon World Championship ▪ Former Director, Na Leo O Hawaii, Inc. ▪ Former Commissioner, Hawai‘i County Transportation Commission LAURA AQUINO EXECUTIVE PROFILE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ▪ Account Director Current Events, a Strategic Communications Agency (1994 – Present) Public relations practices centered on community building, media relations, community affairs, issues management, visitor marketing and special events AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ▪ Member, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce & Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce ▪ Member, Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona ▪ Member, Kona Orchid Society ▪ Former Hawaii Island Democratic Party District 6 Secretary ▪ Former Board Member, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii ▪ Former Director, Kona Outdoor Circle Foundation ▪ General Education and Training Statement of Qualification Firm: Hawaii Sports Management Corp dba Current Events 75-5751 Kuakini Highway #202 Kailua-Kona HI 96740 Contact: Ross Wilson Jr., Principal O (808) 326-7820 C (808) 937-3678 E ross@current-events.com Overview – A Bit About Us Current Events, an award-winning strategic communications agency, is headquartered in Kailua, Kona on Hawai‘i Island. For the past 35 years, our multi-disciplinary work has provided our clients with strategic communication initiatives, public profile, brand reputation and exposure, insights into policymaking and managing critical issues. We have a longstanding record of providing superior counsel. Current Events, comprised of three veteran employees, is the only public relations firm on Hawai‘i Island with the expertise and capacity to develop authentic messaging, amplify and shape brand reputation, engage community stakeholders and navigate clients through turbulence. We are honored to work with both high-profile international clients and local nonprofits. We’re local and we love that this island is our home. After decades of crafting our professional expertise, we have deeply-rooted networks island wide. We are curious and fascinated by this island’s historical context. Account Team Ross Wilson Jr. Laura Aquino Amy Young Current Events staffed a full service Big Island Eclipse Center, shaped thought leaders by crafting a point of view by ghostwriting Focus on the Economy local newspaper columns for the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, pitched media and provided meaningful content for the Big Island Visitors Bureau, worked on community building with the Saddle Road Task Force to develop Federal funding for a cross island highway, consulted with Federal, State and Local elected and appointed officials on issues and initiatives and worked with Alii Trust Organizations including Kamehameha Schools and Liliuokalani Trust on various programs and initiatives on Hawaii Island. We’re working with an international consortium including the governments of Japan, China, India, and Canada and US universities including Caltech, University of Hawaii and the University of California system on the Thirty Meter Telescope project. We continue to work with iconic events and festivals in West Hawaii including Kona Building a community isn't just about bringing people together; it's about fostering connections, empowering individuals, and creating a shared sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. Coffee Cultural Festival, Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and the Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race. Previous Projects - Highlights Big Island Eclipse Information Center Staffing a full-service international communication and media center Hawaii Island Economic Development Board Shaping thought leaders and crafting a point of view by ghostwriting Focus on the Economy newspaper columns Ironman Triathlon World Championship Staffing a full-service international communication and media center Saddle Road Task Force Community building and award-winning interpretive signage Jacoby Development Community building and stakeholder outreach Tradewinds Forest Products Community building and stakeholder outreach Forest City Hawaii Kamakana Villages Community building and stakeholder outreach Kona Village Resort Public relations Kamehameha Investment Corp Communications, Keauhou Heritage Center design, Heritage Corridor designation and interpretive signage Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Island communications and stakeholder outreach County of Hawaii Ocean Energy Workshop Be Pono Signage Campaign Ho'okaulike Signage project Kamehameha the Great Dynasty Island-wide Interpretive Signage Hawaii Island Economic Development Board Native Hawaiian Perspective Webinar Series Makani Airborne Wind Turbine A Google X 20kw prototype energy kite announcement after election season, and announcing an enhanced separation package for affected employees. Firm Principal and Client Team ROSS WILSON JR. EXECUTIVE PROFILE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ▪ President, Current Events (1990 – Present) ▪ West Hawaii Field Representative, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (2013 – Present) ▪ Executive Director, Kailua Village Business Improvement District (2022 – Present) ▪ Kona Field Representative, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (2006 – 2012) EDUCATION & ACCOLADES ▪ 2021 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year ▪ 2012 University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Distinguished Alumni Award ▪ 2010 Hawai‘i Community College Mahalo Award ▪ University of Hawai‘i Mānoa, Bachelor of Business Administration, TIM ▪ Hilo High School AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ▪ West Hawaii Field Representative, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono ▪ Former Kona Field Representative, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka ▪ Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee ▪ Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. ▪ Vice President, Board of Directors, Donkey Mill Art Center ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Kona Community Hospital ▪ Member, Board of Directors, CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union ▪ Member, Pohakuloa Training Area Advisory Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge ▪ Member, Hawaii Community College Chancellor’s Advisory Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Community Builders ▪ President, Home Corporation ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Big Island Press Club ▪ Member, Board of Directors, Big Island Substance Abuse Council ▪ Member, Board of Directors, West Hawaii Housing Foundation ▪ Member, Hawaii Island Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Cmte ▪ Member, CEDS Statewide Advisory Committee ▪ Hawaii Island Democratic Party District 6 Chair ▪ Member, YWCA of Hawaii Island Capital Campaign Committee ▪ Member, Hawaii Food Basket Guided Feasibility Campaign Study Committee ▪ Former Member, Kuki’o Community Fund Advisory Committee ▪ Former Chair, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Advisory Committee ▪ Former Board Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce ▪ Former Board Chair, Kona Family YMCA ▪ Former President, Kuakini Exchange Club ▪ Former Chair, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Search Committee ▪ Founder, Mayor’s Cup (United Way fundraiser) ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Community Foundation West Hawaii Fund ▪ Former Director, Kona Kai Ola Foundation ▪ Former Director, Kona Outdoor Circle Foundation ▪ Former Director, Kealakōwa‘a Heiau ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Employer Support Guard & Reserve ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Island Food Bank ▪ Former Director, Hawaii Island United Way ▪ Former Director, Big Island Visitors Bureau ▪ Former Co-Chair, HCC Palamanui Campus Fundraising Golf Tournament ▪ Former Member, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, UH West Hawaii Center, Director Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, Hawaii Community College Vice Chancellor Selection Committee ▪ Former Member, UH West Hawaii Chancellor’s Committee ▪ Former Member, HTA Community Enrichment Program Statewide Committee ▪ Former Treasurer, Board of Directors, Friends of NELHA ▪ Former Member, KALA Committee, County Product Enrichment Program ▪ Former Member, Workforce Investment Board Outreach Committee ▪ Former Treasurer & Director, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union ▪ Former Member, State Natural Disaster Claims Commission ▪ Former Sponsor Liaison, Ironman Triathlon World Championship ▪ Former Director, Na Leo O Hawaii, Inc. ▪ Former Commissioner, Hawai‘i County Transportation Commission LAURA AQUINO EXECUTIVE PROFILE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ▪ Account Director Current Events, a Strategic Communications Agency (1994 – Present) Public relations practices centered on community building, media relations, community affairs, issues management, visitor marketing and special events AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ▪ Member, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce & Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce ▪ Member, Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona ▪ Member, Kona Orchid Society ▪ Former Hawaii Island Democratic Party District 6 Secretary ▪ Former Board Member, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii ▪ Former Director, Kona Outdoor Circle Foundation ▪