SOLUTIONS PACIFIC
Meet the faces behind Solutions Pacific
Although the work we do has been integral in joining the community together, it is the people behind the work that have truly made the difference throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond.
RAY SOON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Over 20 years at high level public service – including among others Director of the State DHHL, Chief of Staff to the Mayor or Honolulu, member of the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation – and over 30 years in private practice either as a business owner or senior staff, have honed Ray Soon’s skills and experience and informed his contributions to clients. His particular expertise are in land planning and development, and helping to shape and manage clients’ political agenda. Born and raised in Hawaii, Ray holds a Bachelor’s from UH Manoa and a Masters of City Planning from Harvard University.
Favorite Song: Queen’s Jubilee
Favorite Food: Cookies
REBECCA J. ʻI. SOON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Rebecca has served a majority of her career fulfilling her passion as an advocate for under-served and under-represented populations, a bridge builder between the public and private sectors and the community, and a translator between key stakeholders throughout Hawaiʻi. Much of her work and the work of Solutions Pacific is driven by her passion and kuleana, reinforced through the opportunities afforded by Ke Aliʻi Pauahi, to ignite systematic change in and for Native Hawaiian communities. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree from Babson College in Massachusetts and a JD and Certificate in Native Hawaiian Law from the William S. Richardson School of Law from UH Mānoa.
Favorite Place to Visit: Mashnee Island
Favorite Artist: Nat King Cole
KEKOA SOON
VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
Kekoa comes with over 20 years of experience in the field of Market Research. A field that his parents have experience in, as well, and owes everything he has learned in this field to them. He is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools and is currently working to get a Master’s degree in Innovative Industrial Technology.
Favorite Place to Visit: Kauaʻi
Favorite Song: Rusty Old Steampipes
KANOE TAKITANI-PUAHI
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Kanoe is a creative problem solver with an eclectic background and is committed to improving the lives of our lāhui and the communities throughout Hawaiʻi. Her experiences in designing programs for small businesses and regenerative experiences throughout Hawaiʻi have helped to shape a new vision for our visitor industry. She is an avid lover of new experiences and making lei. Kanoe holds a B.A. in Economics and an MBA from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Favorite Food: Rice
Favorite Movie: Miss Congeniality
Brandon fairchild
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
From the second you meet him, it is obvious that Brandon is a people person. He fuses Midwestern sensibility with aloha learned from the kindness of those across the pae ʻāina who have shown him what it means to live a life guided by ʻŌiwi values. He believes the best work deeply engages community, witnesses people and their moʻolelo, and seeks solutions to issues through collaboration with those with lived experience. Brandon holds a B.A. in English from Centre College of Kentucky and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Sociology through Temple University, focusing on houselessness in Waiʻanae.
Favorite Movie: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
When you aren't working, what do you like to do?: Traveling across the pae ʻāina, playing board games, hosting dinners with friends, kayaking
LUKA MASUDA
MARKETING/IT COORDINATOR
Luka is a diligent marketing and IT coordinator, consistently looking for solutions for people’s needs. He is always looking for new opportunities to grow his skillset, and eager to arise to any challenges that may come in his way. Being born and raised on Wailuku, Maui, he spent half of his life on Maui before moving to Oʻahu, graduating with a B.A. in Communications from U.H. Manoa. You can find Luka outside of the office trying new food places, and he may give you a delicious recommendation.
Favorite Food - Curry
When you aren't working, what do you like to do?: Trying new foods and cooking
MARY LEWIS
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Mary has over 20 years’ of experience in business administration and project management. She is passionate about spending time with her family and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She loves to travel and try new experiences. Throughout her career, Mary has honed her skills in planning, team leadership, and operational efficiency. She is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth, always seeking out opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise.
Favorite Food - Poke and Poi
When you aren't working, what do you like to do?: Watching the sunrise and sunset on the beach.
kahala dotson
ASSOCIATE
Kahala has over 15 years’ experience as a human services professional. She provides support across the lifespan from keiki to kūpuna. Improving and navigating support systems while expanding community partnerships are her top priority. She also enjoys traveling. Kahala holds a bachelor’s degree from UH Manoa and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and Long-term care from Creighton University.
Favorite Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite Food: Baked Manapua
lIza ryan gill
ASSOCIATE
Liza is a professional advocate running state legislative campaigns and working with coalitions of politically underrepresented groups such as Limited-English Proficient communities and keiki. Born in Vancouver Canada she has lived and worked in over 25 countries and has a Masters from HPU in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies.
Favorite Song: Hasta el almanacer
Favorite Food: Sockeye Salmon
kaʻala souza
ASSOCIATE
Kaʻala has over 20 years of experience in primary and secondary data collection. He is a highly experienced keynote speaker who integrates Hawaiian cultural values in his team-building training seminars. Kaʻala is an alumni of Kamehameha Schools and holds a B.A. in Business Administration - Marketing from Hawaiʻi Pacific University.
Favorite Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite Food: Baked Manapua
Paula maccutcheon
ASSOCIATE
Paula is a small business advocate, personal finance counselor, and is passionate about helping people and making things happen. She spent a majority of her childhood on her grandfather’s carnation farm in Kula and has spent over 10 years in the insurance and financial industry. Paula graduated from King Kekaulike High School, holds a B.A in Economics, and an MBA from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Favorite Song: Take Me Home Country Road
Favorite Food: Pastele
KOLTEN SOON
ASSOCIATE