Our Team:

Pūkele Foundation is a minority-led organization and our leadership team represents more than five decades of combined experience in commercial and residential real estate, asset management, education, public and media relations and navigating federal agencies, legislative bodies and political campaign operations at the city, state and federal levels. 

• Jon Kunimura, President/Chairman

  Born and raised in Honolulu, Jon grew up in the neighborhood of Palolo Valley and is a graduate of Kalani High School.  After earning a degree in Journalism from Seattle University he spent six years in Osaka, Japan, working as a corporate instructor and later teaching courses in the International Studies Department of one of the prefecture’s most prestigious high schools.  Upon returning to Hawaii, Jon began a career in commercial real estate and also became actively involved in politics; he would go on to serve as a staff aide to the U.S. Congress, State Legislature and hold leadership roles in some of the most prominent and competitive political races of the past two decades, including deputy campaign manager, communications director and press secretary in races for Congress and the Honolulu Mayor’s office.  He also served as an elected state party executive officer and communications chief from 2017 to 2019.

  Since 2013, Jon has been tasked with overseeing the operations and management of a real estate portfolio encompassing more than 300 residential and commercial units around Hawaii, and also serves on that corporation’s board of directors.  He currently resides in Honolulu with his wife and two daughters.

• Aaron Wilson III, Director of Development

  Aaron has extensive experience in policy, consulting, government relations and advocacy. Having provided strategic advisement to officials at the federal, state and local levels of government he is adept at creating, evaluating and employing effective strategies to advance interests on and off the Capitol Hill.  Aaron has worked closely throughout his career with congressional offices, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, private industry and media. He has an exceptional understanding of macro policy environment and is particularly skilled at leading engagement and advocacy efforts across a broad range of settings. 

  Aaron was previously the Regional Field Director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party, where he was integral in turning the state into a Republican stronghold for the first time since 1988. He was also a policy analyst at USAID, where he advised agency efforts on federal legislative and regulatory policies affecting the International Relations sector. Prior to that he served as Political Director in campaigns for U.S. Congress and a Government Affairs Associate concentrating on grassroots organization and advocacy efforts focused on housing and energy initiatives. 

  Aaron received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s in American Government from Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Policy and International Political Economy from Howard University.  He was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, where his family has a long history in elected office, and now resides in Honolulu.

• Eric Kamanu, Director of Outreach