Friends of the East-West Center
Annual Meeting 2021
GROWING A SUSTAINABLE HAWAII POST PANDEMIC

Living through the pandemic in Hawaii has taught us a lot about the strength of our island community, banding together to each do our part and supporting those in need.  It also has provided insight into how our physical isolation and heavy dependence on tourism and importation of goods could cripple our economy.

As we transition out of the worst of the pandemic into a time of recovery and renewal, Hawaii has the opportunity to consider where do we go from here.  Do we revert back to how things have always been done or can we bring attention to the issues at hand and provide creative and meaningful solutions that will propel us towards a sustainable future?

Our panel discussion will focus on how the interconnectivity of the following can grow a more sustainable Hawaii post-pandemic:

Equity in tourism: how to manage the industry for the benefit of both locals and tourists
Economic diversity: what other sectors will help variegate our economy
Environmental responsibility: how to address climate change as a community

Panelists:  
John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President & CEO
Kukui Maunakea-Forth, MA`O Organic Farms Executive Director
Joshua Stanbro, City & County of Honolulu Senior Policy Director

Moderator:
Christina Monroe, East-West Center Office of Alumni Engagement Director

Prior to the start of the program, Friends of the East-West Center will conduct a brief business meeting followed by an award presentation recognizing the following for their support throughout the years:
Dr. Richard Vuylsteke, President of the East-West Center
Apolonia Stice, Best Friend Award Recipient

Friends of the East-West Center
Annual Meeting 2021
GROWING A SUSTAINABLE HAWAII POST PANDEMIC

Living through the pandemic in Hawaii has taught us a lot about the strength of our island community, banding together to each do our part and supporting those in need.  It also has provided insight into how our physical isolation and heavy dependence on tourism and importation of goods could cripple our economy.

As we transition out of the worst of the pandemic into a time of recovery and renewal, Hawaii has the opportunity to consider where do we go from here.  Do we revert back to how things have always been done or can we bring attention to the issues at hand and provide creative and meaningful solutions that will propel us towards a sustainable future?

Our panel discussion will focus on how the interconnectivity of the following can grow a more sustainable Hawaii post-pandemic:

Equity in tourism: how to manage the industry for the benefit of both locals and tourists
Economic diversity: what other sectors will help variegate our economy
Environmental responsibility: how to address climate change as a community

Panelists:  
John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President & CEO
Kukui Maunakea-Forth, MA`O Organic Farms Executive Director
Joshua Stanbro, City & County of Honolulu Senior Policy Director

Moderator:
Christina Monroe, East-West Center Office of Alumni Engagement Director

Prior to the start of the program, Friends of the East-West Center will conduct a brief business meeting followed by an award presentation recognizing the following for their support throughout the years:
Dr. Richard Vuylsteke, President of the East-West Center
Apolonia Stice, Best Friend Award Recipient