Kāme’o Kahawai | Executive Director

Pronouns: They/Them/`Oia

Pasifika Culture: Kanaka Maoli

About Kāme’o Kahawai:

Aloha Kākou, Kāme’o is an indigenous Māhu from the Kingdom of Hawai’i. Hailing from the ahupua’a of Makiki and Mānoa in the Kona district of O’ahu - Hawai’i Nei will always be home. Kāme’o moved to the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2018 to serve the community in Cowlitz County and now resides in Multnomah County. Throughout their professional career, they have centered equity in organizational policies, programs, and practices. They have held titles including Executive Director, Regional Director, Chief People & Diversity Officer, Equity Consultant, Cultural Strategist, Program Operations Manager, Operational Consultant, and Community Liaison for various organizations ranging from 5-320 employees.

In Kāme’o’s free time, they enjoy spending long days with their spouse, two kids, and three four-legged pals. With their ohana, they love to venture throughout the PNW, living life among the lush scenery, endless rivers, and beauty that resonates in its nature, businesses, and people. They are always looking for their next adventure, whether that is a new restaurant, hiking spot, or community of friends - they are down! Kāme’o is excited to be able to guide the organization in its next journey. With the position of Executive Director, Kāme’o is honored and does not take the responsibility lightly. They are excited to be able to work in an organization and with a community that shares in the intersections of being Queer, Trans, and Pacific Islander.

EO! UTOPIA PDX

Get to Know Kāme’o!

What is your favorite Islander Food?: Squid Luau

What is your most meaningful memory with someone who is a member of the QT/PI community or with your culture?:

My sister passed away in April 2022 after a 7-month battle with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. I facilitated her at-home hospice care, where for the first time, I truly understood what it meant to Kahu - mālama (care for) the physical and spiritual well-being of persons and places you have Kuleana (responsibility). In my Ohana (family), my older sister was the person I turned to, found refuge in, and never knew how to live without. After her passing, we could take her to her favorite place - Kaiona Beach in Waimanalo (East side of O'ahu). My most meaningful memory was paddling with family, spreading her ashes, releasing flowers in her honor, and returning her home to the ocean. We got to celebrate her the way Kanaka Maoli do, and in this memory, can Kūʻauhau - preserve our genealogy and bind us to our kupuna (ancestors) so that they can, in return, inspire, guide, and protect me.

What are you most excited to do or achieve during your time at UTOPIA PDX?

I am excited to be able to guide the organization in its next season - our voyage toward expansion. In this position of Executive Director, I am honored and do not take the responsibility lightly. I hope that together we will be able to further reach the needs of our QTPI community. I am excited to continue our cultural stewardship programming, build upon our 2SLGBTQIA+ resources, and establish youth mentorship.