Brandon Kim, R

CRS

List Sotheby's International Realty

Q1: If elected, the biggest asset I would bring as a Board Director would be my experience. Not only as a practicing real estate agent in Hawaii for the last 25 years but also in many other facets of real estate brokerage management. I have served as BIC for 10+ years, reviewing contracts, training agents, and helping agents navigate difficult transactions. As a Principal Broker, I have the major responsibility for the growth and operation from the business aspect. I'm responsible for managing employees, daily operations, and making sure our finances are in line. I also volunteer on several HBR committees, including the Professional Standards and Bylaws Committees, so I have some experience in the operations of HBR and the governing body. I think all of these experiences will help me as a BOD member and help me make a meaningful contribution to the group.

Q2: If elected, my primary focus as a Board Director would be to help educate the future generation of REALTORS. Making sure that our profession is preserved with ethical dealings, integrity, honesty, and the utmost care for the public. I will be a promoter and ambassador of our industry. Another focus would be to help the membership navigate the NAR settlement. As we move forward with these new changes to our industry, our peers will look to leadership to help educate and guide the members. The Board of Directors serves a very important role in the shaping and perception of our industry. I would also like to focus on encouraging others to get involved and emphasize the importance of volunteering and investing time into our profession.

Derek Lau, R

CIPS, CRB, CRS, RSPS, SFR, SRES, e-PRO

Real Estate Specialists

Q1: It’s important for the Board to understand the needs of the members and to have a vision for guiding the organization forward. I will utilize my experience as your 2017 HiCentral MLS President, 2021 Hawaii REALTORS President, and current NAR Federal Political Coordinator for Senator Schatz to contribute and collaborate as an engaged director, working for the success of all our members.

Q2: In addition to executing on the overall mission and vision, my primary area of focus will be on supporting the success of our members by helping them to navigate the changing landscape of real estate in areas such as professionalism, technology, and advocacy.

Pamela Maeda, RA

CRS

Marcus Realty

Q1: With a foundation in problem-solving, achieving results, and open communication, I'm poised to support HBR leadership goals. I thrive on tackling challenges, driving outcomes, and fostering collaboration with empathy and integrity.

Q2: To provide guidance and clarity to our members, ensuring we excel as real estate agents while enhancing our public image.

Denise Miyahira, R

CRS

Lei Homes

Q1: I am currently a HBR Board Director and on the Bylaws Committee for 2024. My involvement includes HBR Bylaws Committee 2021; HBR Nominating Committee 2023; HBR Election Committee 2021, 2022 HAR Statewide Convention Committee. I was proud to serve as 2013 CRS Hawaii Chapter President as we won the National Chapter of the Year. As a broker/owner, I understand how our business practice is affected by policies. I listen to members’ concerns and voice them so we can work on solutions.

Q2: REALTORS are facing a transition in the industry that will change how we conduct business in the future, and it is imperative we get the word out to all our members of the changes that will be occurring. I have no doubt we will meet future challenges and excel in raising the standards of conduct and level of service. REALTORS are problem solvers by nature, and I think we need to educate our members and provide resources so they feel confident they can navigate this journey.

Christina Nishiyama, R

ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, AHWD, MRP, SFR

Engel & Volkers Honolulu

Q1: I bring two decades of leadership and real estate experience, with expertise in ethics, education, innovation, strategic planning, marketing, and a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. My passion lies in serving REALTORS and the community, embracing change, positive thinking, and growth. I understand market dynamics, legal frameworks, and client/agent needs. I served on the HiCentral MLS Board of Directors from 2018-2021, including as President in 2021, navigating impacts of NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy (and related DOJ investigation) and the COVID-19 pandemic. I also served on the MLS PB/BIC and Rules and Regulations Committees to introduce crucial features to our MLS. As a former paralegal, I excel in negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication, crucial for consensus-building within the Board of Directors and making decisions that represent our members' interests. I was honored with the 2023 Nishikawa Education & Professional Achievement Award for my commitment to professionalism. As an ethics instructor, I uphold high ethical standards and advocate for transparency and accountability. I stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices, and share this knowledge with REALTORS as an HBR instructor for nearly a decade, teaching courses from ABR and AHWD to core classes.

Q2: I'd focus on fostering an environment of growth, professionalism, and innovation within our industry by prioritizing education, ethical standards, technology, diversity, and advocacy. I believe in education and developing the knowledge and skills of our members so they stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible client service. REALTORS are vital to facilitating property transactions, so HBR must elevate professionalism and promote the highest ethical standards and best practices for our industry. The rapid digitization of our industry means REALTORS must embrace technology and leverage it to stay competitive and enhance their productivity. I would advocate for adopting innovative tools/platforms that streamline our processes like property search, marketing, and transaction management so REALTORS can provide clients with a seamless and convenient experience. I would support initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within our industry because fostering a more inclusive environment can attract a wider pool of backgrounds and perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.

Catherine Pierce, R

Ruby Realty

Q1: I have been a REALTOR with a boutique brokerage since I first began my real estate career in 2010. I believe always being part of a smaller team of agents has helped me understand the industry from the 'small fry' side. I also was not required to maintain a big box culture and was able to create a system and approach to clients and sales that worked best for me. Before becoming an agent, I went to college and law school, where I took a Property Law class, which has helped tremendously.

Q2: First, I would like to help understand what issues our board is dealing with and help find resolutions. I think I bring an even approach to solution and problem mitigation, and my desire to help strengthen HBR and our members during these very trying times is paramount. Secondly, like most of us, I work fairly independently. I am hopeful that becoming a member of the Board of Directors will allow me to meet more agents and to pick the brains of the agents who are killing it and help those who aren't.

Olivia Schubert Moschell, R

SRES

Hawaii Life

Q1: If elected to the Board of Directors, I would bring a positive attitude and open mind. There are so many experienced board members to learn from, I would do my best to listen closely to stories of the past so that we may work towards smart, reasonable, and constructive solutions for the present and future.

Q2: My primary focus would be to assist in spreading clear and correct information to fellow HBR members. I think it is critical during the current state of our industry to understand the concise circumstances of situations that affect us and our business so that we can clearly relay the facts to our colleagues and clients.

Sean Wingate, RA

Compass 

Q1: My local market expertise and extensive knowledge of the Honolulu real estate market will be invaluable in providing insights and guidance to the Board and its members. My understanding of local trends, neighborhoods, and property values will help inform strategic decisions and support members in their business endeavors. Also, my ethical leadership and commitment to upholding ethical standards will positively influence the culture of the Board and inspire trust among the real estate community.

Q2: Professional Development and Training. To prioritize the enhancement of professional development opportunities for members, such as organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions focused on relevant topics like negotiation skills, digital marketing, or legal updates. This would aim to elevate the expertise and success of the membership.