Executive Profiles
The leadership behind Hawaiʻi Stage — steering live production with island roots, executive discipline, and a mission to build economic opportunity for the Native Hawaiian community and local residents across the State.
Chief Executive Officer
Kūhiō Lewis
Kūhiō is the CEO of Hawaiʻi Stage and CEO of the Hawaiian Council (HC), formerly the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
In 2024, the Hawaiian Council — through its for-profit subsidiary — acquired Hawaiʻi Stage, formerly Hawaiʻi Stage & Lighting Rentals (HSLR). HC is a member-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians.
Under Kūhiō's leadership, HC expanded its services to the Native Hawaiian community and the broader public through the establishment and administration of the Hawaiian Trades Academy, the online marketplace Pop-Up Mākeke, the Kū Hana Business Program, and nationally recognized emergency rental and mortgage assistance programs.
HC also convenes the most consequential annual gathering of Native Hawaiians and manages the largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program in the State of Hawaiʻi, with a revolving $20 million fund.
Division President
Neldon E. Mamuad
Neldon is President of the Event Services Division at Hawaiian Council's Hawaiʻi Holding & Investments LLC, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight for Hawaiʻi Stage and future acquisitions.
With more than 20 years of experience in event services, live production, hospitality, media, and operations, he is recognized for driving innovation, building culturally grounded partnerships, and delivering exceptional, community-centered results.
In his current role, Neldon focuses on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and financial performance while advancing the Hawaiian Council's mission to create economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian communities. He leads integration efforts, strengthens client and vendor relationships, and upholds service excellence across the division's expanding portfolio.
Previously, he served as General Manager for CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) in Hawaiʻi, where he launched operations at HNL and OGG airports — expanding the company's secure identity network through collaboration with HDOT-A, TSA, and airline partners. Earlier, as Area Director of Venues for Encore (formerly PSAV), he managed in-house audiovisual operations across multiple luxury resort properties on Maui and Lānaʻi for 15 years, consistently growing revenue and elevating guest satisfaction while developing emerging leaders.
Culturally grounded. Community-centered.
Every show we build advances a larger purpose — creating economic opportunity for local communities while delivering productions the islands can be proud of.