PIDF Announces Appointment of Four New Board Members June 21, 2022

As the organization expands its free statewide programs and services, board  members provide invaluable connections to resources in communities of service. 

Partners in Development Foundation announced today the appointment of four community leaders to the board of directors, for a total of ten. All directors on the PIDF board are Native Hawaiian and provide PIDF with strategic guidance to propel the organization’s efforts in expanding its transformative work of strengthening families and communities in Hawaiʻi. 

PIDF presents the most recently confirmed board of directors (in alphabetical order): 

Elwin P. Ahu, founder and pastor of Metro Church of Hawaiʻi and author of Resilient Hope: Encountering the Unexpected, Ahu joins the PIDF board to expand on his commitment in supporting Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable families through spiritual guidance.

Kawena S.M.S. Beaupré, senior vice president & general counsel at Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Beaupré joins the PIDF board with over 15 years of legal experience and dedication to Hawai‘i’s nonprofit sector. 

Summer H. Kaiawe, partner at Watanabe Ing, LLP, Kaiawe joins the PIDF board with expertise in the areas of land use entitlements, land titles, water rights and resources, business and real estate issues in addition to knowledge around intellectual property. 

Scott W.H. Seu, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries joins the PIDF board bringing his knowledge and commitment in the areas of environmental management and community relations. 

“PIDF’s transformative work in strengthening families and communities in Hawai‘i centered in its core values of aloha, lōkahi, mālama, pono, and po‘okela resonates with me on a deeply personal level as I was raised by my ‘ohana with these same values,” said Summer Kaiawe, PIDF  board director. “I am honored and feel very privileged to join the PIDF board and ‘ohana, and look forward to working in service of PIDF’s mission.”

The Board of Directors continue the legacy that founders Jan Dill, Morris Takushi, and the late Gary Glenn began in 1997 with the goal to address the gaps in Hawaiʻi’s society and support families in need. 

“Since its founding, PIDF’s programs have helped to educate local keiki, strengthen families and communities, and help to care for our ʻāina,” said Kyle Chock, PIDF board chair. “We’re fortunate to have Elwin, Kawena, Summer and Scott join the board to continue our mission using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions to uplift our community.”

The newly elected directors join board chair Kyle Chock who serves as assistant executive secretary treasurer at Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; board vice chair Kimo Todd, partner and owner of Todd & Seabolt; board secretary Diane Paloma, PhD, president and CEO at Hawaii Dental Service; board treasurer James Gomez, CPA and owner of Marujyu Market; director Michael Chun, PhD, former president and headmaster of Kamehameha Schools; and ex officio director Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, PhD, president and CEO of PIDF.  

Celebrating 25 years as a local nonprofit, PIDF draws on ʻike kupuna, ancestral wisdom and knowledge, to support the needs of economically vulnerable keiki and ʻohana and in meeting the current challenges facing Hawaiʻi. PIDF delivers 10 free programs and services across the state including early childhood education and mentorship, opportunity youth and foster care services, and caring for the ʻāina, guided by time-tested values and practices that honor kuleana for people and place in caring for Hawaiʻi.