In this episode of Above the Sides, we sit down with Brent Kakesako, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED). Brent shares stories from his upbringing in Honolulu, Hawai'i and reflects on the experiences that shaped his path into community-based economic development. We explore HACBED’s approach to development rooted in active listening, facilitation, and uplifting community voice. The conversation also touches on aloha in action and Brent’s connection to Pono Shim and the integration of the aloha values into his day-to-day life. We hope you find this conversation to be a thoughtful look at how values, relationships, and place-based work can shape a more caring and connected future for Hawaii. Learn more about HACBED at: https://hacbed.org/

Episode Highlights

00:52 Brent's Background

01:57 HACBED's Mission and Approach

02:40 Programs and Community Impact

07:36 The Power of Active Listening

10:29 Brent's Journey into Economic Development

17:57 Influence of Mentors and Community Connections

20:07 Aloha in Action and Personal Reflections

25:40 Navigating Parenting

25:51 Understanding Oluolu

26:40 Incorporating Aloha in Daily Life

27:09 Honoring Mentors and Community Values

27:39 Economic Development Grounded in Values

27:59 Hopes for Hawaii's Economy

28:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Work

32:34 Institutional Commitment to Community

37:44 What is Enough? Workplace Culture and Wellbeing - 4 Day, 32 Hour Work Weeks

45:33 Reflections on Aloha and Community Engagement

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.