Meet Keith Amemiya

Keith Amemiya is a candidate for Mayor of the City Keith’s Background and County of . With a diverse background • Born and raised on O‘ahu – 54 years old in both the private and public sectors and a • Married for 24 years to wife Bonny who is a lifelong dedication to community service — much Chief Financial Officer of it serving Hawai‘i’s youth — Keith brings fresh • Has a son Christopher, who is a college vision and leads through collaboration, innovation, sophomore. determination and teamwork. Education

• University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Bachelors of Business Administration – 1988 Keith Amemiya served O‘ahu as a business executive, • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Richardson School of Law – Juris Doctor Degree – 1991 nonprofit leader, and lawyer over the last 30 years. He is running for political office for the first time to Employment serve as our Mayor of Honolulu. Keith’s grandparents • 1980’s – Worked at Dole Pineapple cannery worked in the pineapple fields of Wahiawā. His father, during summers while in high school the fifth of seven kids, played baseball and got into • 1991 to 1998 – Employed as an attorney and later the University of Hawai‘i. specializing in civil litigation • 1998 to 2009 – High School Athletic Association (“HHSAA”) - Was Executive Director for 12 years - Spear headed drive to raise $1.5 Million in three months to save high school sports in 2009 - Donated $25,000, with wife Bonny, to Roosevelt High School for new athletic scoreboard - Brought De La Salle of Concord, CA, and Long Beach Poly CA, to play St. Louis and Kahuku at Aloha Stadium before 30,000 Keith grew up in Hawai‘i Kai, where he played sports fans in 2003 and went to public school through the 10th grade. - Reunited the O‘ahu public (OIA) and private (ILH) school leagues to compete in regular When Keith was young, his mom’s mental health season football after 48 years began to decline and his parents eventually divorced. • 2010 to 2012 – Executive Administrator to the Keith went to live with his maternal grandmother until Board of Regents – University of Hawai‘i his best friend’s family adopted him into their home. • 2012 to 2020 – Senior Vice President of Island Holdings which has five subsidiaries, including Island Insurance and Atlas Insurance Agency There, Keith became like any other member of the family—doing chores on the weekends, taking Boards & Commissions a summer job at Dole Cannery, playing sports • Commissioner – Honolulu Police Commission after school, and going to Punahou thanks to the • Member – State of Hawai‘i – Board of generosity of his hānai family. Keith was cared for and Education loved by others, an experience that shaped his views • Member – State of Hawai‘i – Stadium Authority about community and generosity.

Continuted  Meet Keith Amemiya

Keith paid his way through the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa bussing tables, delivering legal documents as a messenger, and unloading shipping containers in a trucking company. Keith went to UH law school and after seven years as a litigator, Keith left law to become the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i High School Athletics Association at the age of 32.

As the head of high school sports, Keith took on the problems that people before him were too afraid to touch—issues of equality among the big and small schools, between public and private schools, and the treatment of girls and boys sports. He traveled to all 95 schools across the state, sat in garage talk stories, and learned about the challenges facing families and their strengths as a community. Keith talked to student- athletes, parents, coaches, school administrators, legislators, and business executives to understand the problems facing high school sports and acted to improve the experiences and opportunities for students.

During the 2009 state budget shortfall that brought “Furlough Fridays” for schools and threatened to end all junior varsity sports at public high schools, Keith spearheaded the “Save Our Sports” Campaign. By building relationships, rallying the community, and raising over $1.5 million through a public-private grassroots effort, Keith helped keep high school athletic programs afloat through his quick actions. To this day, Keith has elevated high school sports within communities and state government as a way to address educational inequality and profoundly impact students’ lives.

When neighbor island kids couldn’t have the same opportunities on their home islands, he took in one Moloka‘i student, Kalei Adolpho, into his home so she could train in a program offered on O‘ahu. Kalei received a scholarship to UH, playing volleyball and basketball, and returned back to her home community of Moloka‘i as a teacher and coach in Moloka‘i public schools.

The challenges and generosity of thousands of families cemented Keith’s commitment to public service. The families who had the least were also the ones who gave the most. Communities rallied together whenever one of their own was in need. But communities should not be left to fend for themselves. From our current housing crisis to the failure to adequately address homelessness, and the fear of rising crime, Keith believes the same old style of politics doesn’t work. And that’s why Keith is running for mayor.

As a nonprofit leader, Keith always put the needs of the community above self-interest. As an executive of a local business, he understands how to act decisively and collaboratively. And as mayor, he will bring people together to solve O‘ahu’s biggest problems. Learn more at KeithAmemiya.com