Summary

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The Hawaiʻi Community Advisory Board (HICAB) will support Alaska’s ongoing commitment to developing a true and authentic understanding of Hawai‘i’s people and culture as the airline combines with Hawaiian Airlines – honoring the legacy and significance of this beloved brand and reinforcing Alaska’s expanded role in Hawai‘i.

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New advisory board will enable a stronger connection with Hawai‘i communities.

In an effort to continue cultivating a deep and enduring relationship with local Hawai‘i communities, Alaska Airlines announced today the establishment of the Hawaiʻi Community Advisory Board (HICAB). The HICAB will support Alaska’s ongoing commitment to developing a true and authentic understanding of Hawai‘i’s people and culture as the airline combines with Hawaiian Airlines – honoring the legacy and significance of this beloved brand and reinforcing Alaska’s expanded role in Hawai‘i.

“For over four decades, we have had a Community Advisory Board in the state of Alaska to seek input from communities across the state. Over the years, this exchange of ideas and information has helped us remain deeply connected to communities across a vast region that, like in Hawai‘i, are uniquely reliant on air travel. The CAB functions to ensure that our business and service are informed by local needs. We have been proud to serve Hawai‘i for over 16 years, but we know we have more to learn and feel a great responsibility to serve the people of Hawai‘i for generations to come.”

– Ben Minicucci

CEO of Alaska Airlines

The 16-member HICAB represents Alaska Airlines guests in Hawai‘i by diversity of gender, ethnicity and industry sector, including non-profit, education, healthcare, business, tourism and agriculture. The board also ensures geographic diversity with members from each of the main Hawaiian Islands who will serve either two- or three-year staggered terms. The HICAB will be a corporate and community sounding board for Alaska in Hawai‘i, providing feedback and recommendations on Alaska’s business approaches and initiatives, local current events, and community investment needs.COO & Creative Director, Sig Zane Designs & SZKaiao Creative

Paula Akana

President & CEO, The Friends of ʻIolani Palace

Nāʻalehu Anthony

Founder, Palikū Documentary Films

Todd Apo

VP, Community Partnerships & Public Affairs, Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Rosie Davis

Executive Director, Huli Au Ola, Maui County Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Stephanie Donoho

Administrative Director, Kohala Coast Resort Association

Art Gladstone

EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, Hawai‘i Pacific Health

Hōkūlani Holt

Director of Kahōkūala, Hawaiian Cultural Arts Institute, UH Maui College

Stephanie Iona

Community Outreach Manager, Kekaha Agriculture Association

Meli James

Cofounder, Mana Up

Valerie Janikowski

Program Administrator, Lānaʻi Kinaʻole

Kūhiō Lewis

CEO, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

Colbert Matsumoto

Chairman, Tradewind Group

Ben Rafter

President & CEO, Springboard Hospitality

Trisha Kēhaulani Watson-Sproat

President, Honua Consulting

Jayson Watts

Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Mahi Pono

Kūhaʻo Zane

COO & Creative Director, Sig Zane Designs & SZKaiao Creative

“The HICAB will be instrumental in shaping the future of Alaska Airlines in Hawai‘i,” said Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines Regional Vice President, Hawai‘i. “Their insights into our local community’s needs and preferences will guide our decision-making, ensuring that our services and initiatives not only resonate with Hawaiʻi residents, but also foster sustainable growth.”

For more information on Alaska’s combination with Hawaiian Airlines, visit our joint website at localcareglobalreach.com.

2 Comments

Jennifer Noelani Gouveia on January 30, 2024 at 2:18 pm

This gives me Hope as a Hawaiian Airlines Employee
Katharine Kaheiheimalie Pullis on January 29, 2024 at 9:56 am

Love this! Amazing people on this Board!