KBP : the team

Kawehi has assembled a team of professionals who are all long-time residents of the island of Hawaii who understand the business community as well as the community at-large.

KAWEHI INABA President	Kawehi Inaba is President of Kupa’a Business Planners, Inc. Born in Hilo and a resident of Kona for the last 25 years, Kawehi began her business career in aviation, first as a flight instructor and pilot, then as the founder of Mokulele Flight Service. Kawehi owned and operated Mokulele for almost 10 years offering circle island air tours. By October 2005, when Kawehi sold Mokulele, the company had considerably expanded and was providing inter-island air service between Kona, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i. It’s now Kawehi’s desire to use the skills she honed as a business owner to assist others in reaching their dreams.
MALIA LOUIS  Sales & Research Consultant	A lifetime resident of the Big Island, Malia brings with her a diverse back ground in sales and marketing, professional business practices and etiquette along with strong managerial, communications and writing skills. She is well versed in various technical applications and possesses comprehensive internet knowledge skills.
SHARON SAKAI Communications / Marketing Consultant	Sharon Sakai is a Communications Consultant. Born and raised in North Kohala, she earned a journalism degree from Northern Arizona University, and then joined West Hawaii Today where she worked her way through the newsroom to become City Editor. She held that position for several years before starting with Mauna Lani Resort’s communications team. She now provides a range of promotional, marketing and public relations to clients in a variety of industries.
LISA BURNEY Certified Public Accountant	Lisa Burney, a Certified Public Accountant for over 22-years, earned her degree in Accounting form the University of Maryland College Park. She began her career in a small CPA office and moved on to pursue a career in Systems Accounting with the Office of Personnel Management and NASA. A resident of Hawai’i for over 12-years, Lisa has provided accounting services, management consulting and computer training/support to a wide variety of small businesses.
SHARON PAOA  Sales Executive	Big Island native, Sharon Paoa, has over 30 years of experience in the Visitor Industry with an emphasis on sales and operations. Sharon’s networking skills are complemented by her diverse background as well as her ability to actively promote and maximize potential from various markets using proven sales strategies. Her experience in sales, marketing and management includes Robert’s Hawaii Tours, the former Keauhou Beach Resort and is currently the director of sales for Hilo Hattie’s.
MARGO TAKATA Marketing & Promotional Consultant	Marketing and promotional consultant with vast experience in developing marketing strategies, planning and executing promotional events. Margo's speciality is shopping complexes and familiarity with real estate management.
LISA WINBORNE Sales & Research Consultant	A Sales and Research Consultant who provides facilitation of direct sales and market research. Lisa possesses a BA in economics from the University of Colorado as well as an MBA from the University of Hawai'i.
FERN GAVELEK Copywriter & Editor	Fern Gavelek of Fern Gavelek Communications specializes in copywriting and editorial services; the development and implementation of public relations/marketing campaigns; and event planning and execution. With an extensive media background, Fern writes and packages copy editors choose to use. The 2006 SBA Journalist of the Year also offers high resolution digital photography.
RACHELLE HENNINGS-NEWMAN Media Buyer & Media Consultant	A Media Buyer and Media Consultant, Rachelle is experienced in a wide array of advertising services from print, television and radio for both local and national campaigns.
LAURA KINOSHITA Writer & Communications Specialist	Laura Kinoshita is a writer and communications specialist who develops strategic public relations campaigns through targeted writing projects. She has extensive experience in film and interactive media projects, and earned a 2006 Telly Award for her work with W.M. Keck Observatory in Waimea. Laura lives with her family on the Kohala Coast.