I am a Son of Hawaii.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Joe Akana served 10 years as an Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Air Force and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. After his enlistment ended, he began a highly successful career in Sales & Marketing. He later moved to the financial arena, specifically, home mortgages and equity lines. Joe has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a second Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University. He is a retired project manager and analyst with the U.S. Government and currently President of Arete Management, Inc. also a business development coach for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. Joe has an incredible aspiration to empower others to reach for their dreams and goals and pursue their God-given gifts and talents, “Empowering You to Empower YOU!” is one of his favorite quotes. 

Career Positions                      

  • Military Intelligence Officer

  • Command Readiness Manager - Camp Smith  

  • Multi-Million Dollar Visual Collaboration Project Manager - Camp Smith

  • Chairman of Functional Requirements Committee - Camp Smith

  • Targeting Functional Manager Military Operations

  • Small Business Owner - Oahu

  • Finance and Mortgage -Oahu

Awards

  • Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award

  • Joint Defense Commendation Medal

  • US Air Force Commendation Medal (2X)

  • Multiple Spec Act & Performance Bonus Awards

Accomplishments

  • Developed and Generated effective, operative reports that impacted Congressional funding programs for Hawaii

  • Provided readiness shortfalls and gaps for Commander, USINDOPACOM that reduced Command inefficiencies by 23% 

  • Coordinated and integrated readiness programs that secured over $32 Million Dollars from Deputy Secretary of Defense and created the authorization of nearly 100 new personnel additions in Hawaii-Asian Pacific Region

  • Performed liaison duties between military, civilian and Congressionally-mandated review teams

  • Led multi-million dollar visual collaborative project teams that linked national agencies with combatant commands World-Wide

  • Developed Command IT budgets, assessed and recommended current and future new technology capabilities;

  • Chaired working groups responsible for strategic organizational planning

  • Developed annualized, budget spend plans that included infrastructure upgrades, collaborative technology capabilities, inventory management and contingency planning. Hawaii-Asian Pacific Region

 Community Involvement

  • Alihikaua, Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Moku O Kapuaiwa, 2002-2017

  • Planned and coordinated the 2012 restoration of the Ku Ilio Loa Heiau at Pokai Bay with community leaders and schools 

  • Coordinated with a local church to provide a monthly wash day for homeless families in Makaha 

  • Volunteer Lead Usher at Word of Life Christian Center in Kapolei

  • Volunteer Instructor for Word of Life School of Leaders initiative.

  • Crew member for Alapahoe Canoe Club and competed in multiple state championships.

  • Currently working with community leaders to develop initiatives in Education, Infrastructure, and Technological advancements. 

  • Currently working with community members on the Leeward Coast in developing strategies in addressing the Houseless epidemic.

What People Are Saying…

“Aloha ka kou - Joe Akana wants to be the People’s Representative for Congressional District 2. Joe Akana is not asking for our vote and support to seek a “higher political office” to maintain “political party dominance”! Our vote and support of Joe Akana will bring balance and transparency in the United States House of Representatives for the people of Congressional District 2. I humbly ask you to join me in voting for and supporting Joe Akana as your United States Representative for Congressional District 2. Mahalo nui loa! Duke.”

— Duke Aiona Former Lieutenant Governor and Retired Circuit Court Judge
of the State of Hawaii

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“Joe Akana’s Pono spirit as a problem solver will make Hawaii proud. He will be respected in the halls of Congress because of his brilliance and long executive experience, the decades he has spent in military intelligence, Hawaii business, as a small business owner, and in deep community involvement. Joe is anchored in freedom, family, and faith. Joe has two masters degrees and a graduate of Kamehameha. Vote Joe Akana!

— David Lundquist 68 year resident of Kailua
and Waimanalo, owner of Hardware Hawaii