OCTO B E R 2 0 26
T H E WA H I N E I S S U E
HAWAI I B U S I N E S S .CO M
PLU S WA H I N E W H O P R OT E C T THE LAND AND THE OCEAN P. 2 6
WHO’S TAKING CARE OF US? The Business of Women’s Midlife Health P. 40
N E W A P P R OAC H E S M A K E H E A D WAY I N H E L P I N G T H E U N S H E LT E R E D P. 5 2
FORCE of NATURE
Wāhine power is elemental,
and we celebrate the amazing
accomplishments they achieve.
This power is on display every day
as our woman leaders make waves
for our clients and our community. Gold Sponsor of the 2026 Wāhine Forum ANTHOLOGYFINNPARTNERS.COM
Where moments become memories.
We exist to embody the aloha spirit in every element of the Mauna Kea experience—shaping moments that linger in time and stay with our guests. maunakeabeachhotel.com
Pack more into your next Neighbor Island trip (literally) Your bag always flies free between the Islands* with Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, including golf clubs, bikes and surfboards. So whether you’re flying for business or holoholo, be sure to sign up for your free membership first at HawaiianAirlines.com/Huakai.
*First standard checked bag on Neighbor Island flights is free for any HawaiianMiles member with an address in Hawai‘i. Terms and conditions apply.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Clair Chanthasouvanh
G
CLAIR CHANTHASOUVANH MANAGING DIRECTOR
Deloitte Tax LLP
999 Bishop Street, Suite 2700 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 543-0874 clagonzales@deloitte.com
ABOUT DELOITTE Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
rowing up on a small island, the world can sometimes feel far away. For Clair Chanthasouvanh, growing up on Guam taught her a lesson that would shape her life and career: no matter where you come from, circumstances do not determine destiny. Clair is the daughter of Filipino immigrants who arrived on Guam with little but believed in the power of education. Through hard work and sacrifice, her parents created opportunities they never had for their three daughters, teaching her values of hard work, perseverance, and ambition. In 2004, Clair moved to Hawaii to attend the University of Hawai‘i, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting. That decision led her to a career at Deloitte, where she now serves as a Managing Director in Deloitte Tax LLP’s Honolulu practice. Throughout her career, Clair built a reputation as a trusted advisor and a respected leader. She advises privately held businesses and business owners on complex tax matters as clients navigate opportunities and challenges in an evolving business landscape. Yet her journey was not without challenges. Like many, she faced the obstacle of imposter syndrome, particularly as
someone pursuing leadership opportunities within a professional services organization. Rather than allowing self-doubt to hold her back, she chose to redefine what was possible. When the opportunity arose to pursue promotion to Managing Director, Clair felt the decision was never solely about personal achievement. Clair wanted her colleagues to see someone who came from a small island, had faced self-doubts early in her career, yet still pursued leadership. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Clair enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs. Family remains the cornerstone of her life and a constant reminder of the sacrifices that made her journey possible. From Guam to Hawaii, Clair hopes her story resonates with aspiring professionals focused on careers in competitive environments. She hopes her journey sends a clear message: where you start does not determine where you can go.
H AWA I I B U S I N E S S
3
Get the care you need,
The Kuakini Health Care Team is committed to providing affordable, safe and patient-centered care using new technologies and innovations.
right away
Kuakini offers a variety of medical and health care services all on the same campus: Kuakini Medical Center High-quality diagnostic, surgical and treatment services Kuakini Geriatric Care, Inc. Long term care, residential care home, and respite services Scan to learn more about Kuakini’s Programs and Services
Kuakini Breast Health Institute Accepting new patients
Comprehensive acute services include: • Ambulatory and Gastrointestinal (GI) procedures • Breast Health • Digital Imaging • Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries • Orthopedic, spine, gynecological and reconstructive surgeries
Kuakini Urgent Care Fast and convenient care for non-critical health needs Emergency Department Shortest wait times in Honolulu
• Radiation Therapy • Sleep Medicine
347 N. Kuakini St. | Honolulu, HI 96817 www.kuakini.org | 808-536-2236 Caring Is Our Tradition
SeamlessFurniture& StorageSolutionsfor WorkspacesThat Work Corporate
Healthcare
Education
Government
FREE DESIGN
LOGISTICS
INSTALLATION
WARRANTY SUPPORT
CONTACT US FOR A FREE SPACE CONSULTATION (808) 847-0911 SYSTEMCENTER.COM INFO@SYSTEMCENTER.COM 1738 SILVA STREET HONOLULU, HI 96819
Built on generations of trust, your well-being is the heart of what we do. Your health isn’t just our mission, it’s our legacy.
queens.org
Happy, healthy neighbors. That’s our mission. Kaiser Permanente is a proud supporter of Wahine Forum. Keeping yourself healthy is one of the best gifts you can give to the many lives you touch — and to yourself. At Kaiser Permanente, you’ll find caring professionals who provide high-quality health care — at every stage of life. We provide comprehensive treatment and a broad range of programs and services. Learn more at kp.org/hawaii