Two members of the University of Hawaiʻi community were recognized among Hawaiʻi’s most accomplished leaders at the second annual Hoʻopasifika Gala, hosted by the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF). UH Regent Diane Paloma and UH General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs Carrie Okinaga were honored at the event on February 20, at the ʻAlohilani Resort.
Founded in 1996 by former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, PCF is Hawaiʻi’s premier leadership development program, fostering civic engagement and innovation among the state’s emerging leaders. Each year, the Hoʻopasifika Gala celebrates PCF alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions.
“This year’s Hoʻopasifika honorees represent some of the most accomplished Fellows to have come through our program,” said Hannemann. “They have established themselves as among the most trusted leaders in our community.”
Diane Paloma
Paloma, a 2016 PCF Fellow, has served on the UH Board of Regents since July 2021. She has dedicated her career to advancing healthcare access, particularly for Native Hawaiian communities. As president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Dental Service, she leads efforts to provide affordable dental care for Hawaiʻi families. She previously served as CEO of the King Lunalilo Trust and Home and directed the Native Hawaiian Health Program at The Queen’s Health Systems.
A UH graduate and former faculty member, Paloma earned her MBA from UH Mānoa and a PhD in healthcare administration from Capella University. She has been deeply involved in Native Hawaiian culture, completing the ʻuniki process in hula and serving as a hālau leader.
“I am honored to receive this recognition alongside such dedicated leaders of Hawaiʻi,” said Paloma. “All of us have a connection to the University of Hawaiʻi. Our collective pilina (connection) is a testament to the value of the UH System and the development of generational success for our State.”
Carrie Okinaga
Okinaga, a member of the PCF Class of 1999, has been instrumental in shaping legal and strategic policies at UH, and with her Office of General Counsel team, ensuring the university’s stability and compliance. She joined UH in 2015, bringing with her extensive legal experience from both the private and public sectors. She previously served as corporation counsel for the City and County of Honolulu and as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of First Hawaiian Bank.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Okinaga attended UH Mānoa and Pomona College before earning her law degree from Stanford Law School. Since 2018, she has served the community as a member of the Honolulu Police Commission.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized alongside such accomplished leaders,” said Okinaga. “The Pacific Century Fellows program has had a profound impact on my professional journey, shaping my approach to servant leadership and working hard to pay it forward. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community and to support the next generation of leaders in Hawaiʻi.”
Other honorees at this year’s gala include former Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige, Bank of Hawaiʻi Chair and CEO Peter Ho, and Hawaiian Electric Industries President and CEO Scott Seu.
