Aloha Chapter Overview

The Aloha Chapter focuses on land economic issues in the State of Hawaii and the Pacific. The membership represents a broad mix of noted professionals with shared interest in Hawaii’s land matters. Started in 1983, the Aloha Chapter is approaching its fortieth year. Membership has grown from eleven to 114 active members. Quarterly lunch speaker programs keep the membership engaged and connected. An Executive Committee attends to business and chapter administrative needs. Members are active at the international LAI level serving on committee and as officers of the body.

Founding

At-Large Lambda Alpha member (and local MAI) Wendell Martin was instrumental in forming the Aloha Chapter of Lambda Alpha, becoming its Charter President in 1983.  His first task was to invite and initiate a few additional members to serve as officers.  This he did in 1983, bringing in Ray Lesher, another MAI, as Secretary-Treasurer and adding, in addition, Tim Chow, at the time Chief Planning Officer for the City and County of Honolulu; Bill Grant, Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Association; Bob Vernon, another MAI and president of John Child & Co.; Don Cowell, President of Cowell & Company; noted planner Donald H. Wolbrink; developer Tan Tek Lum; and L. Roy Kavanagh.

By the time of the first meeting (and chapter initiation) in 1984, he had added David L. Callies, a UH Law Professor; Mike McElroy, then Director of Land Utilization, City and County of Honolulu; and Wes Hillendahl, a prominent MAI.  The initial Chapter membership of eleven continued to grow, adding members each year and holding quarterly membership meetings for purposes of information and fellowship.

Member Composition

There are currently 114 active members (approximately 196 have been initiated over the past 38 years) of the Aloha chapter, representing a broad mix of professionals and academics in virtually every field related to land economics, from banking and land development to planning, architecture, accounting, engineering, appraisal, and law.

The Chapter meets quarterly over lunch at the Oahu Country Club to hear some topic related to land economics. Quarterly meetings continued during the “Covid” years when in person meetings were not allowed. The Chapter used to a virtual format and had meals delivered to each member’s home.

Roll of Presidents

Listed in order of their service from first to last:

Wendell Martin (1983-1984)

Bill Stricklin (1985-1986)

David Callies (1987-1988)

John Hirten (1989-1990)

Nick Ordway (1991-1992)

Tim Chow (1993-1994)

Francis Oda (1995-1996)

Karen Nakamura (1997-1998)

John Whalen (1999-2000)

Dan Davidson (2001-2002)

Mark Hastert (2003-2004)

Rosemary Fazio (2005-2006)

Sanford Murata (2007-2008)

Ann Bouslog (2009-2010)

Cheryl Soon (2011-2012)

Will Beaton (2013-2014)

Jan Yakota (2015-2016)

Mike Hamasu (2017-2018)

Linda Gee (2019-2020)

Susan Todani (2021-2022)