Ron Porter, President
Ron Porter believes that the recognition of “blended value” whether at the individual, institutional, and/or systemic levels is the key to economic sustainability and growth. Through teaching at the university level and through his work in the for-profit and non-profit capital markets, he uncovers the often unrecognized “hidden” aspects of value creation on both the supply and demand sides of the capital markets that are often overlooked and undervalued by our modern economic system; helping to create business models and economic systems that incorporate these value creation activities into commerce and trade. He holds a PhD in the field of Political Economy, has taught in universities in Asia and Europe, and works with social enterprises of all sizes in sectors such as renewable energy, homelessness, and financial services.
Aaron Kahauolioku’upu’uwai Wills, Vice President
Aaron Wills is a Honolulu based attorney, representing clients in every aspect of criminal and civil proceedings. Before relocating to Hawaii and attending the William S. Richardson School of Law, Aaron attended the University of Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This background of teamwork and psychology prepared him well for his work as a group home counselor, therapist, and crisis support manager, working for organizations providing services to Hawaii’s underserved, and his work as a lawyer. Today, Aaron’s law practice happily maintains a diverse client base, but his kuleana compels him to serve the Native Hawaiian community. Aaron successfully represented, pro bono, over 100 kia’i (protectors) arrested on Mauna Kea, Hunananiho, Kahuku, and Kalealoa, seeing their cases through from 2018 to 2020. When Aaron’s not in the courtroom or in the office, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful ‘ohana, staying fit, and keeping up on sports.
Troy Hanohano, Secretary
Troy is a Native Hawaiian small business owner and father to two “beautiful ladies.” He has owned and operated several businesses in Hawaii and on the mainland since 1999, and in his current business, he works in insurance claims contracting and mortgage field services. Previously, he worked in the financial industry, including underwriting, funding, collections, and remarketing. Born and raised on Kauai, Troy believes that Hawaiians are natural entrepreneurs, descended from a culture of risk takers, who dared to sail across the ocean guided by the stars, and who brought with them ideas, innovation, perseverance, and the ability to make the most out of every situation. His involvement with KEDA comes from a sense of urgency to see result-oriented, driven Hawaiians working together–through a framework of Native Hawaiian values–to create a network of support and inspiration for all current and future Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
Isaac Kamoku IV, Treasurer
Hailing from the big island, and growing up on both Oahu and Hawaii islands, Isaac Kamoku has always had a love for math. He began college on a math scholarship and went on to graduate from University of Hawaii Hilo with a BA in Accounting. For the last six years, he has worked as an independent bookkeeper and tax preparer in Hilo and is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. A serial entrepreneur, Isaac started a publishing company with a friend, which they recently converted to a nonprofit music publishing company, Mighty Congregation Sounds. His latest business venture is a delivery company. Isaac brings to KEDA a passion for creating businesses and working to help other businesses, including musicians, thrive, with the goal of creating a job market that stabilizes the local economy and provides high quality, affordable professional services for local people and tourists.
I hoʻokāhi ka umauma, hoʻokāhi ke aloha.
All abreast together, one in love.
All united in harmony and love.