Description

Join the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce alongside Hawaiʻi’s business leaders at Oʻahu Country Club for a high-level economic briefing and breakfast. Here’s what you need to know.

📅 Event Details:

• When: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
• Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
• Check-in Time: 7:00 AM
• Where: O'ahu Country Club
• What’s Included: A delicious buffet breakfast 🍳☕

🎙️ What to Expect:

Panel Discussion:

• Insights into the challenges and opportunities Hawai’i’s economy will face in 2025.
• Expert strategies to help align your business goals for the year ahead.

Featured Panelists:

• 📊 Paul Brewbaker – Acclaimed Economist

Paul H. Brewbaker, Ph.D. is a respected economist and principal of TZ Economics, a Hawaii-based economic consulting firm specializing in development impact analysis, financial risk analytics, and private-sector economic research. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Bank of Hawai‘i, where he spent over 25 years analyzing the Hawaii economy and financial markets. Brewbaker holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Hawaii, completed graduate work at the University of Wisconsin, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University. In addition to his consulting work, he has served as a university lecturer, is a Certified Business Economist, and has contributed to numerous public-policy discussions and analyses related to Hawaii’s economic outlook.

• 📊 Gerard H. Dericks – Acclaimed Economist

Gerard H. Dericks (Ph.D., London School of Economics) is the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education at Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Born and raised on Oʻahu, he has previously taught at the London School of Economics, the University of Bath, and the University of Oxford, where he served as lead economist on the NaturEtrade project. His research has been featured in The Economist, Financial Times, Nikkei Business, BBC, CBS, Science Magazine, Nature, Physics World, BizEd, Psychology Today, and Times Higher Education, and he was the winner of the 2014 Wolfson Economics Prize with URBED. He has also provided economic consulting to Morgan Stanley, Lloyd’s, HSBC, RBS, Siemens, Policy Exchange, and the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund.

• Derek Sakaguchi – NHO Specialist - Link to Full Bio

I have been intricately involved with the SBA 8(a) program for nearly a quarter of a century, both as one of its pioneers and as a foundational member of the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association. My experience spans the creation of nine for-profit entities, with five actively participating in the 8(a) program. This initiative not only boosts our economic footprint but also strengthens the community's entrepreneurial spirit. I spearheaded the establishment of the first Professional Employers Organization (PEO) within the NHO landscape, sanctioned by the SBA. This organization is pivotal in managing the comprehensive back-office functions for all affiliated companies, enhancing operational efficiency and allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation. Beyond these accomplishments, I have guided numerous other businesses and individuals through the intricate processes of obtaining certifications in diverse sectors such as 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned programs. My efforts extend to the formation and IRS certification of various 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, aimed at fostering community service and development.

• Keane Akao - Executive Leader

Keane J. K. Akao is an executve leader with more than 20 years of experience leading business,nonprofit, and community-based organizatons in Hawaiʻi. Of Natve Hawaiian ancestry, he was
born and raised on the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu and approaches leadership with a strong sense of
kuleana, balancing economic vitality with respect for place, culture, and community.

Keane has served as a chief executve, interim leader, and founder, partnering closely with
boards, businesses, and community stakeholders to turn vision into practcal, results-driven work.
His leadership is shaped by lived experience. Raised by his maternal grandparents, he learned the
values of responsibility, service, and care. Cooking alongside his grandmother and carrying
forward cherished family recipes from his grandfather instlled an appreciaton for preparaton
and balance, while early exposure to design and storytelling—through his godfather, Hawaiʻi’s
first Natve Hawaiian fashion designer—sharpened his eye for cultural expression.

Moderator: 🎤 Kainoa Carlson from Hawai’i News Now

Your Input Matters: Submit your questions in advance for the panel to address during the event!

🌟 Why Attend?

• Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to navigate the economic landscape in 2025.
• Network with top community leaders and industry experts.
• Start the year with actionable insights to grow your business.

Let’s step into 2026 prepared and inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!

💲 Pricing & Registration:
Members: $30
Non-Members: $75 (includes a 1-year NHCC membership)

📌 How to Register:

• Simply click Register at the top of this webpage.
• For assistance, contact Andrew at:
  • 📧 andrew@nativehawaiianchamberofcommerce.org
  • 📞 808.208.5816

Hear What Our Past Project Ho'omana Workshop Attendees Are Saying:

"I left with an actual plan I could start using the same day."

👉 Watch the testimonials here