HCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS & KEY STAFF

HCA Board of Directors

Kehaulani Filimoe`atu, President.  Ms. Filimoe`atu, a Native Hawaiian, is a Radio Technician Officer for the Maui Police Department. She is a highly respected leader and spokesperson for Native Hawaiian initiatives on Maui and throughout the State of Hawaii. She is a graduate of the Bank of America Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, an advanced training program for community development leaders. She was a delegate to the state-sponsored Native Hawaiian Constitutional Convention and volunteers to assist many local civic and Native Hawaiian causes. Previously, she was a successful small business owner for more than 20 years. Ms. Filimoe`atu is a Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary.

Nancy Beck, Director.  Ms. Beck is an Underwriting Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in St. Paul, Minnesota. She joined HCA's board specifically to contribute mortgage lending expertise. She is a nationally recognized expert on rural community development and has been a member of the National Rural Home Loan Partnership Training team.

Solomon P. Kaho`ohalahala, Director.  Mr. Kaho`ohalahala, a Native Hawaiian, is currently Executive Director of the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC). He was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives three times and served as a cultural interpreter employed by the Lana`i Company on the island of Lana`i. He was twice elected to the Maui County Council and chaired the Hawaiian Sovereignty Advisory Council (HSAC) after being chosen for membership by the governor of Hawaii. He is a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and was a crew member on the inaugural voyage of the world-renowned Ho`okulea canoe that has traveled throughout the South Pacific.

Theodore "Ted" Kesaji, Treasurer.  Mr. Kesaji, a Native Hawaiian, is the owner of Valley Isle Appraisal Company in Wailuku, Maui, and former Real Property Tax Appraiser for the County of Maui. He is a member and past President of the Board of Alu Like, Inc. He actively supports and provides leadership for a number of community endeavors, including Boy Scouts of America, Jaycees, and several youth sports. He also serves as President of the Maui Chapter of the University of Hawaii Alumni Association.

James Rust, Director.  Mr. Rust, a Native Hawaiian, is a licensed contractor. He has a long history of active involvement in the building trades unions, as well as in Native Hawaiian issues. Mr. Rust has served on several community boards and government commissions, including the Maui County Water Supply Board.

John Tomoso, Secretary.  Mr. Tomoso, a Native Hawaiian, is currently the Maui County Executive on Aging, and Administrator of the Maui County Office on Aging. He is a former member of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, having served two 4-year terms. The Commission oversees the activities of the Trust of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, within the Executive Branch of Hawaii State Government. He is an elected member of the national leadership team of the National Association of Social Workers.

• Michelle Kauhane, Executive Director

Michelle assumed the position of Executive Director at Hawaiian Community Assets in February 2006 after serving as Associate Director for seven months. She started with the organization as a Community Lending Associate in which position she discovered her desire to serve the needs of the Native Hawaiian Community. Michelle has 13 years experience in management, sales and marketing. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Gonzaga University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

Ms. Kauhane is also active in community development and affordable housing, serving on the board of Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, the board of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and represents HCA on the CNHA Policy Steering Committee to effect sound public policy impacting Native Hawaiians. She lives on Oahu with her son, Saunders.

• Laura Matsuoka, Operations Manager

Laura has oversight and management of HCA's financial education and lending programs. She joined HCA with a strong background in mortgage lending and real estate. With over 10 years of experience in these areas, Laura brings not only her expertise, but a phenomenal commitment to financial education. She works to fulfill HCA's mission through business development, fundraising and financial education.