UPCOMING EVENTS

Partnering with government is key to Hawaii’s future. Hear from key stakeholders about their kuleana and how they’re collaborating with government to move Hawaiʻi’s economy forward.

Join HVCA and Funder Hui on at the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) Loft for "Public Investment in our Economic Future,” a lunch panel exploring the crucial role of public investment in driving Hawaiʻi's economic growth and sustainability. Hear from our state leaders on the current strategies and initiatives that are growing our local economy.

Speakers:

• Dane Wicker, Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)

• Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of Ways & Means Committee, Hawaiʻi State Senate

• Jennifer Sabas, Owner & President of Kaimana Hila

• Representative Sean Quinlan, House Majority Leader, Hawaiʻi House of Representatives

Program:

• Doors open at 11am for lunch and networking

• Panel Discussion begins at 11:30am

• Site visit at WVAPDC (optional) is at 1-2pm after the panel event.

Tickets are $45.

Location:

• WVAPDC (Loft)

• There is ample parking on site

• More details will be sent closer to the event date to ticketholders.

This event is hosted as a collaboration between HVCA and Funder Hui.

Email aloha@funderhui.org or admin@hvca.org with any questions.

Dane Wicker
Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)

Dane K. Wicker, born in Honolulu, is a committed public servant dedicated to advancing Hawaii’s economy and community welfare. A graduate of Kahuku High School and the University of Hawaii at West Oahu, he began his career in public service at Honolulu Hale, and then to Washington, D.C., as a Legislative Aide. Returning to Hawaii in 2011, he supported State Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and played a key role in shaping Hawaii’s fiscal policies. As Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), Wicker now leads strategic initiatives to diversify Hawaii’s economy, strengthen local industries, and foster sustainable development. His entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in ventures across retail, consulting, and agriculture, contributing to local economic resilience. Wicker’s diverse background underscores his commitment to enhancing Hawaii’s economy and community through innovative, impactful service.

Senator Donovan Dela Cruz
Hawaiʻi State Senate

Donovan M. Dela Cruz, is a state senator from District 22, which encompasses Wahiawa, Mililani Mauka, Launani Valley, Waipio Acres, and Wheeler. Senator Dela Cruz is Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Vice-Chair on the Committee on Government Operations, and a Member on the Committee on Education. He also serves on boards or is a member of various organizations nationally and locally such as the National Council of Environmental Legislators and Leeward Community College Culinary Institute Board just to name a few. Prior to becoming senator, he also served on the Honolulu City Council for eight years, serving as its Chair for three years, being the youngest chair in the history of the Council, at age 30. Senator Dela Cruz is a graduate of Leilehua High School and the University of Oregon where he earned a BA in Journalism and Communication Studies; Masters in Organization Leadership from Argosy University; and is currently working on a Graduate Certificate in Planning Studies at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

Jennifer Sabas
Owner & President of Kaimana Hila

Jennifer opened Kaimana Hila, a government affairs consulting practice that supports a diverse portfolio of Hawaii and national clients.  She provides leadership to nonprofits – the Military Affairs Council and Move Oahu Forward - in pursuit of their respective missions of a robust military presence in Hawaii, and a rail system providing more public transportation options and transit-oriented developments to improve mobility and opportunity for our residents and visitors. Jennifer serves on the boards of the Hawaii Leadership Forum, Hawaii Public Schools Foundation, Oahu Veterans Council, and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

Representative Sean Quinlan
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives

Sean Quinlan is the Representative for Ko'olauloa and the North Shore of Oahu. He has previously served as the Chair of the Committees on Tourism and Economic Development, and is the current House Majority Leader.