Steve Kanemoto, aka DJ Eskae, of the Nocturnal Sound Krew, is regarded as one of Hawai‘i’s most versatile DJs. He is the resident DJ at The EDITION’s Crazybox, the official DJ for Red Bull, and has been throwing the monthly Soul Clap at thirtyninehotel for the past four years. Shown above with fellow NSKer DJ Compose at their ever popular Bacardi Pool Party.
Humanhand is an independent design company built around the idea that inspired art and design will make good ideas extraordinary. Their client list includes: The Honolulu Academy of Art, La Tour Bakehouse, MA‘O Organic Farms and ‘Umeke Market. Humanhand founders Warren Daubert (center) and Justin Cravalho (right), with videographer Luke Aguinaldo (left).
In4mation is a lifestyle, action-sports brand founded by Ryan Arakaki, Todd Shimabuku, Jun Jo and Rhandy Tambio in 2002. It has grown from a humble retail store in Mililani to being sold in more than 150 locations worldwide, including two retail shops at Ward Center and Pearlridge, and Aloha Army in Waikīkī.
Chicago femcee Kid Sister debuted in 2007 with the single “Pro Nails,” which became popular enough as a digital download that Kanye West included a remix with his own guest verse on his summer 2007 mixtape Can’t Tell Me Nothing. Her mixtape Kiss Kiss Kiss was released in January for free on Fool’s Gold, featuring collaborations with Gucci Mane and Nina Sky.
Activist and law professor at William S. Richardson School of Law, Mari Matsuda became the first tenured female Asian American law professor in the United States while teaching at UCLA’s School of Law. She is a recognized leader in the Asian American community and has authored three of the top ten most cited law review articles according to Yale Law School. She also heads local social activism group CMA Hawaii. Her beautifully eloquent words are known to move listeners to tears.
Aaron Woes Martin, known for his angry, rabid pandas, has shown in galleries on both coasts of the US, in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand and New Zealand. He’s collaborated with MINDstyle toys and Disney, Blue Scholars, Kidrobot, Fitted, KICKS/HI and Converse Red.
Portland indie-rock trio Menomena has been lauded by Pitchfork as “ingenious” and “spine-tingling,” with their 2007 release of Friend and Foe awarded “Best New Music” and rated a coveted 8.5. Their follow-up Mines continues to gain praise from NPR to the Alternative Press, The BBC and Filter. They are fresh off a run of tours with the New Pornographers and an appearance at this year’s Coachella.
Jason Cutinella is the “Nella” behind Nella Media Group, a media company that specializes in magazine publishing and design, pr, brand management and creative advertising campaigns. The former marketing executive at Heavywater Magazine has always got a story to tell. The one he’s telling now involves a bus, a fast-food joint and beer. Still Jason is all about the business, with three publications already notched on his belt (go! inflight magazine Innov8, Chinatown Newspaper HNL and Chinatown Newspaper PDX).
“Dream big and let reality cut the edges off,” advises the visionary Brandon Reid, owner of The Manifest, a coffee shop and lounge that provides creative relief from Chinatown’s hot streets. In just a short time, Brandon has helped reinvigorate the area with artists, students and business people alike flocking to the cafe for its Chai lattes, free WiFi and rotating art installations.
Bernard Uy is co-founder and creative director at Wall-to-Wall Studios Inc, a branding agency with offices in Honolulu, HI and Pittsburgh, PA. W2W’s client list includes: Chaminade University, Hank’s Haute Dogs, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii National Bank and Stage Restaurant. He spends most mornings in his studio thinking about lunch.
Aaron’s versatility, professionalism and depth of knowledge about his craft has made him one of the state’s most prolific photographers. His client list includes: The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Contrast Magazine, The Honolulu Weekly, Innov8, in4mation, Hyphen Magazine and FLUX Hawaii, to name just a very few.
Mahalo to our sponsors!
