WHO WE ARE

Meet our team!

Jeanné Kapela was Miss Hawai'i 2015 and won Miss Congeniality at Miss America 2016. She is the founder and Executive Director of UNITE Hawai'i, an organization devoted to ending sexual exploitation through education. Jeanné also serves as Operations Coordinator at the Kona Historical Society and is an accomplished ballet dancer. 

Ally Brown was born and raised in Captain Cook and is a wife and mother of two. She currently serves as an accounting consultant and as the Assistant Director for the Ladies Artisan Market, a networking group for Big Island businesswomen, artists and entrepreneurs. Ally also works as an independent consultant for Rodan+Fields.  

Forthcoming.

Ilihia Gionson is a professional communications specialist, who currently serves clients in hospitality, sustainability, and Hawaiian culture through Hiehie Communications. He also serves as Board Chair of Hawai'i Island United Way and as Hawai'i Island Representative and Hawai'i Communications Director for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. 

Ilihia Gionson is a professional communications specialist, who currently serves clients in hospitality, sustainability, and Hawaiian culture through Hiehie Communications. He also serves as Board Chair of Hawai'i Island United Way and as Hawai'i Island Representative and Hawai'i Communications Director for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. 

Ilihia Gionson is a professional communications specialist, who currently serves clients in hospitality, sustainability, and Hawaiian culture through Hiehie Communications. He also serves as Board Chair of Hawai'i Island United Way and as Hawai'i Island Representative and Hawai'i Communications Director for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. 

Justin Kaleohano serves as the Decor Coordinator for the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition. 

Ranae Keane serves as the official pageant photographer for the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition. 

Jessica Nicole Kamalani Lloyd serves the Backstage Manager for the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition.

Daryl Salymo serves as the official pageant videographer for the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition. 

Samantha Collins is a resident of Waimea and a 14-year hospitality sales professional. She holds a B.A. in politics and  government with a minor in literature from Pacific University. Her passions include spending time with her family, dancing hula, traveling, and volunteering. She looks forward to empowering   young women to better their communities.  

​