About

My name is Kawena, and I was born in Los Angeles, California, to a Taiwanese mother and a Filipino/Chinese father. Growing up, I always felt proud of my diverse heritage and the unique mix of cultures that I inherited. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion from a young age, which would shape the course of my life.

Moving to Hawaii for college was a life-changing experience for me. I fell in love with the natural beauty of the islands and the laid-back, friendly culture of the people. I became deeply involved in community activities and volunteerism, which gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had never experienced before.

After graduating from college, I decided to stay in Hawaii and devote my life to making a positive impact on the world. I founded a chapter of the nonprofit organization on Oahu, Our Streets Hawaii, that focuses on affordable housing, community trash clean-ups, and developing programs with nonprofits that serve underprivileged children and families.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to where I am today. I feel blessed to have grown up in a family that taught me the importance of hard work, compassion, and above all else, respect. I am honored to be able to give back to my community and make a difference in the lives of those around me.