Description

Join the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii as we engage with members from the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) and the newly appointed Executive Director of MKSOA, John De Fries.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority was established by the state through Act 255 in 2022. In July 2023, it began a five-year governance transition period of all general leases, easement and permits from the University of Hawaii and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Speakers:

John Komeiji (Chairman of MKSOA)

John has a wealth of business and finance experience with his previous administrative experience in managing a large private-sector business. He was the recipient of the Hawaii Venture Capitalist Association's Corporate Intrapreneur of the Year Award and the University of Hawaii's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Rich Matsuda

Rich is the first Hawaii-born director of W.M. Keck Observatory and second local-born director of an observatory operating on Maunakea. As the only appointee representing the astronomy community, he brings a different perspective on the preservation of Maunakea.

John De Fries (Executive Director of MKSOA)

John is a former president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. He previously served as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association and led the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawaii.