Hawaii Data & AI Summit 2026
Overview
Hawaii Data & AI Summit
In today’s public sector, better data means better decisions, and AI is unlocking new ways to act faster, smarter, and more strategically. The Hawaii Data & AI Summit brings together government leaders and technology partners for a dynamic day of collaboration, insight, and innovation. This summit is designed to spark fresh thinking and deliver practical strategies. Join your peers to explore what’s working, what’s next, and how to harness the full power of data and AI to serve Hawaii’s communities more effectively.
As data and AI continue to reshape how government operates, the 2026 Hawai’i Data & AI Summit is our chance to look beyond the tools and focus on the impact. This year, we’ll explore innovative ways to harness data for smarter decision-making, stronger collaboration across state and county departments, and meaningful improvements in the services we provide to our residents. I look forward to inspiring new ideas and fostering conversations that will guide Hawai’i’s data and AI journey.
-Rebecca Cai, Chief Data Officer, State of Hawai’i
Speakers
Christine Maii Sakuda
Chief Information Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii
State Chief Information Officer (CIO) and administrator of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) Christine Maii Sakuda is the State’s first female CIO of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
Sakuda has more than 25 years of experience in leading enterprise-level IT initiatives including leading community IT systems development, managing stakeholder relations, and collaborating with IT vendors to implement a range of technology modernization projects.
Sakuda served as the first executive director of Transform Hawaii Government (THG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to catalyzing the modernization of public services through people, processes, and technology. Prior to THG, she also served as the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Health Information Exchange (HHIE), where she led efforts to help healthcare providers implement electronic health records and further implement a statewide health information exchange that enabled local healthcare providers to efficiently and securely share patients’ health information across a network of different medical records systems.
In addition, Sakuda is an Omidyar Fellow, is an Executive Committee Member of the TRUE Initiative and has served as Vice Chair of the State’s Information Technology Steering Committee. A graduate of ‘Iolani School, Sakuda received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Santa Clara University and later earned a Japan-focused Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Rebecca Cai
Chief Data Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawai’i
Rebecca most recently served as the Chief Data Officer for New York State’s Office of Information Technology Services and has 24 years of digital, data, analytics, and decision intelligence experience in the private sector. She holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina.
Christina Adams
Senior Manager, Senior Manager of Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove
Christina Adams is a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) with a background in web development and user experience design. She has dedicated her career to crafting inclusive, accessible digital experiences that empower diverse audiences. With years of experience in user-centered design, Christina developed a deep understanding of assistive technologies and the needs of users with disabilities. By combining design insight with technical proficiency, she leads the delivery of innovative services that strengthen digital programs across private and public sectors. Christina regularly provides accessibility education through lectures and workshops and consults with hundreds of organizations worldwide to guide designers and developers toward sustainable, inclusive practices.
Arthur Buto
Statewide GIS Manager, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Planning and Sustainable Devt, State of Hawaii
Arthur Buto is the State's GIS Program Manager in the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD), where he leads the Statewide GIS Program in coordinating geospatial planning, data sharing, and collaboration among State, county, and federal partners. The Statewide GIS Program is also responsible for maintaining the State's geospatial Open Data portal, which is home to over 400 datasets from various governmental partners.
With over 40 years in the technology sector and more than 26 years in State government, he has held positions at the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and the University of Hawaiʻi. He also represents OPSD on the Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names, providing recommendations to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for Hawaiian place names, and he is a past president of the Hawaiʻi Geographic Information Coordinating Council, a key organization for interagency coordination among GIS professionals in Hawaiʻi.
He actively promotes GIS education and engagement through regular trainings for new users, monthly GIS-themed Brown Bag luncheons, quarterly State GIS user meetings, and ongoing information exchanges with county GIS coordinators.
Darren Cantrill
Information Systems Manager, Department of Accounting and General Services, State of Hawaii
Darren Cantrill is the Information Systems Manager for the Systems and Procedures Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), where he leads enterprise IT strategy, operations, and platform modernization efforts for the State of Hawaii.
In his current role, Darren is responsible for advancing statewide digital services, including leading the implementation of a centralized ServiceNow platform designed to streamline government services, improve workforce efficiency, and enhance access to information across agencies. His work focuses on aligning technology with business needs, simplifying user experience, and enabling data-driven decision-making at scale.
Prior to joining DAGS, Darren served as IT Manager at the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), where he oversaw enterprise IT operations for the Administration Division. Across both roles, he has led initiatives spanning infrastructure modernization, application development, service delivery transformation, and cross-agency collaboration.
With over 30 years of experience in public sector IT, Darren has held leadership roles across data center operations, development operations, service management, and enterprise support. He is known for driving practical, results-oriented technology solutions that improve how government serves both employees and the public.
Erich Chen
Senior Manager, Accenture
Erich Chen is a highly experienced IT professional, taking global experience and tailoring it locally for over 20 years. He has led significant implementations at major institutions, and supported organizations through change. Erich has lived in Hawaii since 2007 with his family.
Craig Clouet
GIS Program Manager, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, State of Hawaii
Craig Clouet is managing the State of Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity GIS program. The department collects and manages large amounts of data from various sources across the state. Prior to this position, Mr Clouet worked on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts in the Governor's office. Craig has a long career including a decade with Esri, teaching at local universities, and serving on the volunteer geospatial non-profit organization.
Vincent Hoang
Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii
The Office of Enterprise Technology Services’ Cyber Security Program is led by State CISO, Vincent Hoang, who is responsible for securing state government information resources and infrastructure. He brings 25 years’ experience in developing and implementing effective information technology strategies, including the application of cybersecurity, network management and systems design to improve business outcomes. Vincent most recently served as the enterprise architect for Hawaiian Telcom, where he secured infrastructure for customers and conducted network architecture, performance, security risk and systems infrastructure assessments. He also worked as a senior systems consultant for Bank of Hawaii and a security engineer for Munger, Tolles and Olson in Los Angeles, CA.
Sunil Murthy
AI Field CTO, IBM
Sunil Murthy is Field CTO for Data & AI at IBM, leading Generative AI adoption across the US market with a focus on IBM Watsonx. Having advised 250+ enterprises, he helps organizations adopt AI-first intelligent workflows, drive productivity by reimagining existing processes and accelerate time-to-value through proven methodologies.
With 25+ years in enterprise software, Sunil brings deep expertise across AI/ML, Data Fabric, and Information Architecture delivering Enterprise data readiness for AI. His career at IBM spans software engineering, product management, solution architecture and consulting giving him a rare ability to bridge technical depth with business impact.
He helps enterprise leaders move confidently from AI ambition to real-world results.
Gloria Y. Niles, PhD
Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer, Office of the President, University of Hawaiʻi System
Dr. Gloria Niles is the Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer for the University of Hawaiʻi System. In this executive role in the Office of the President, she leads technology innovation across all 10 campuses. Dr. Niles is responsible for driving the comprehensive integration of information technologies, with a specific focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. She spearheads the development of system-wide strategies and roadmaps to advance student access, research productivity, and administrative efficiency. Her work ensures that the university remains at the forefront of the ethical and impactful deployment of advanced technology solutions.
As a thought leader, Dr. Niles builds governance frameworks for responsible technology adoption and leads initiatives to improve digital literacy across the university community. She also manages academic technology infrastructure and fosters collaborations with industry partners to align university research with workforce demands. Dr. Niles holds a Master’s degree in a technology-related field and a PhD in Education, and brings extensive experience in senior IT leadership, specializing in strategic planning, academic technology, and the integration of AI within higher education.
Bennette Misalucha
Executive Director, Workforce Development Council
Bennette E. Misalucha brings more than thirty years of business and community experience in her role as Executive Director of the State Workforce Development Council. A former State Senator, she represented Pearl City, Aiea, Pearl Harbor, and lower Halawa. Prior to entering public service, Senator Misalucha was a respected community leader in Hawai`i who had held key executive positions in banking, marketing, public policy, and community outreach sectors. She spent more than 16 years in banking and was Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank at its corporate banking division. Early in her career, Bennette was a television reporter and news producer, both in Hawai`i (KHON Channel 2 News) and in the Philippines. Bennette's work has earned her many distinctions, such as Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, the United Filipino Community Council Progress Awards in Banking and Finance, the State Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc. and one of top Ten Women Volunteers in Hawai'i by Pacific Business News. She is also an alumnus of the Pacific Century Fellows program, Hawaii 'i's version of the White House Fellows. In 2022, Bennette received the Presidential Banaag Medal, the highest recognition given by the Philippine Government to a Filipino overseas.
Dr. Alan Shark
Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government
Dr. Alan R. Shark is an associate professor for the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University and a core faculty member at the Center for Human AI Innovation in Society (CHAIS). Additionally, he previously served as executive director of the Public Technology Institute (PTI) for over twenty years. He is a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, founder and Co-Chair of the Standing Panel on Technology Leadership, and executive committee member of ASPA’s Section on Science and Technology in Government. He has over 12 book titles bearing his name, including his latest book, Artificial Intelligence – A Primer for State and Local Government, and the textbook Technology and Public Management, second edition. Shark speaks and writes on all matters related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, including technology leadership, policy, governance, and applications. His podcast and blog can be found at https://sharkbytes.net.
Agenda
Wednesday, May 13 |
|
7:45 am Hawaii |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaPi’inaio Ballroom Foyer |
8:45 am Hawaii |
Opening RemarksPi’inaio BallroomChristine Maii Sakuda, Chief Information Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii Rebecca Cai, Chief Data Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii |
9:00 am Hawaii |
Keynote - The Future of AI and Data in the Public SectorPi’inaio BallroomHow can public-sector leaders harness the power of artificial intelligence and data without sacrificing ethics, trust, or long-term value? In this session, Noelle Russell explores how governments and industries are evolving with generative and applied AI, and data-driven decision-making, highlighting real-world case studies that go beyond the hype. She shares a clear, actionable framework for scaling AI responsibly - mitigating bias, protecting privacy, leveraging data effectively, and fostering innovation that complements human ingenuity. Attendees will leave with practical steps to translate excitement into execution and ensure AI and data investments drive meaningful, sustainable impact. Noelle Russell, Founder & Chief AI Officer, AI Leadership Institute |
10:00 am Hawaii |
General Session – Conversations with the State Data Task Force: Opportunities and Challenges in Data and AIPi’inaio BallroomJoin members of the State Data Task Force for a candid conversation on the opportunities and challenges of data and AI in the public sector. Panelists will share current realities, lessons learned, and what comes next. Moderator: Rebecca Cai, Chief Data Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii Torrie Inouye, State of Hawaii Data Task Force Member Derek Vale, Chief Data Officer & Data Modernization Director, Health Data & Informatics Office, Department of Health, State of Hawaii |
10:45 am Hawaii |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaPi’inaio Ballroom FoyerRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: CGI |
11:15 am Hawaii |
Concurrent SessionsLocation Intelligence for Government ServicesPalolo RoomLocation intelligence is transforming how government agencies plan, respond, and deliver services. In this session, we explore how GIS and location-based tools enhance emergency response, improve 911 accuracy, and inform decision-making across public safety and community services. We’ll highlight real-world examples, discuss data privacy considerations, and examine how agencies can leverage location intelligence to deliver smarter, more effective services. Arthur Buto, Statewide GIS Manager, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, State of Hawaii Craig Clouet, GIS Program Manager, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, State of Hawaii Data & AI in Practice: Health, Education, and Human ServicesMakiki RoomData and AI are transforming how government delivers health, education, and human services. How can you improve program effectiveness, streamline service delivery, and support better outcomes for communities? Join us to hear practical examples, lessons learned, and strategies for responsibly using data and AI to enhance resident-focused services. Moderator: Alan Shark, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government Kyle Makanui, IT Manager, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii Winston Y. Sakurai, Ed.D., Executive Director, Office of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Department of Education, State of Hawaii Christina Adams, Senior Manager of Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove |
12:15 pm Hawaii |
LunchPi’inaio Ballroom |
1:00 pm Hawaii |
General Session - Breaking Down Data Sharing Barriers: From Policy to PracticePi’inaio BallroomData sharing is critical for AI readiness and improved government services, yet legal, policy, and operational barriers persist. In this session, we examine how agencies are overcoming data silos through standardized agreements, stronger governance, and cross-agency collaboration. We’ll highlight real-world success stories and discuss practical approaches to move data sharing from intention to action while supporting long-term digital service strategies. Moderator: Rebecca Cai, Chief Data Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii Derek Vale, Chief Data Officer & Data Modernization Director, Health Data & Informatics Office, Department of Health, State of Hawaii Sunil Murthy, AI Field CTO, IBM |
1:45 pm Hawaii |
General Session – Responsible Use of Data and AI: Balancing Innovation, Security, and TrustPi’inaio BallroomAs data and AI tools become more embedded in government operations, agencies must balance innovation with responsible risk management. Join us to explore how you can improve services utilizing data and AI while addressing challenges such as shadow AI, data exposure, and security gaps. We’ll discuss governance, training, and strategies to help agencies adopt AI confidently while maintaining public trust. Kira Chuchom, Chief Data Officer, Office of the Mayor and Managing Director, City & County of Honolulu Dr. Randal A. Collins, CEM, Director, Department of Emergency Management, City and County of Honolulu Vince Hoang, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii |
2:30 pm Hawaii |
Networking Break in Exhibit AreaPi’inaio Ballroom FoyerRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: CGI |
3:00 pm Hawaii |
Concurrent SessionsBuilding a Data and AI Ready WorkforcePalolo RoomA strong data and AI strategy starts with a workforce that’s prepared to use these tools responsibly and effectively. In this session, we explore building AI readiness through workforce development, education partnerships, and practical training models. We’ll discuss ways to develop foundational skills, scale impact through workforce multipliers, and align learning efforts with agency priorities. Moderator: Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director, Workforce Development Council, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, State of Hawaii Darren Cantrill, Information Systems Manager, Department of Accounting and General Services, State of Hawaii Dr. Gloria Y. Niles, Chief Academic Technology and Innovation Officer (CATIO), in the Office of the President, University of Hawaii Erich Chen, Senior Manager, Accenture Real-Time Data and AI in Action: Strengthening Public SafetyMakiki RoomFrom predictive analytics to real-time situational awareness, data and AI are transforming how public safety agencies prevent, respond to, and manage incidents. This session highlights how agencies are applying data-driven tools to improve emergency response, resource allocation, and cross-agency coordination across law enforcement, fire, emergency management, and ocean safety. Attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and an understanding of the privacy, security, and governance considerations essential to turning data into actionable intelligence for safer communities. |
4:00 pm Hawaii |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
4:15 pm Hawaii |
General Session - The Rise of Agentic AI In Government – From “Ask” to “Act”Pi’inaio BallroomAgentic AI marks a shift from tools that respond to prompts to systems that can act on behalf of users. This session cuts through the hype to explain what agentic AI actually is, how it differs from traditional automation, and where it’s already showing up across state and local government. We’ll explore emerging use cases - from governance and compliance monitoring to operational support - along with the real-world implications for workflows, workforce, and service delivery. The session will also address critical considerations around security, risk, and oversight, as well as build vs. buy decisions. Attendees will leave with a clear, practical understanding of what’s possible today and how to prepare for responsible adoption over the next 12–24 months. Dr. Alan Shark, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government |
5:00 pm Hawaii |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaPi’inaio Ballroom FoyerNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
5:30 pm Hawaii |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana Street
Prince Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 824-5155
Prince Waikiki
Planning Committee
Representatives
Brandon Asuka
Executive Officer
Department of Law Enforcement
State of Hawaii
Arthur Buto
Statewide GIS Manager
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
State of Hawaii
Rebecca Cai
Chief Data Officer
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Darren Cantrill
Information Systems Manager
Department of Accounting and General Services
State of Hawaii
Kira Chuchom
Chief Data Officer
Office of the Mayor and Managing Director
City & County of Honolulu
Craig Clouet
GIS Program Manager
Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
State of Hawaii
Stephen Courtney
Deputy Director
Department of Information Technology
City & County of Honolulu
Glenn Dela Cruz
Senior Communications Manager
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Sandra Furuto
Director of Data Governance and Operations
University of Hawaii
Vince Hoang
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Juha Kauhanen
Business Architect
Department of Accounting and General Services
State of Hawaii
Arnold Kishi
Senior Advisor
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Brian McKee
Director and Chief Information Officer
Department of Information Technology
City & County of Honolulu
Henderson Nuuhiwa
Chief Information Officer
Board of Water Supply
City & County of Honolulu
Amy Peckenpaugh
Chief Information Officer
Department of Education
State of Hawaii
Antonio Querubin
Chief Information Officer
Department of Defense
State of Hawaii
Keith Regan
Comptroller
Office of the Comptroller, Department of Accounting & General Services
State of Hawaii
Steve Sakamoto
Health Information Systems Officer
Department of Health
State of Hawaii
Christine Sakuda
State Chief Information Officer
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Ryan Shimamura
Chief Information Officer
Department of Human Services
State of Hawaii
Jussi Sipola
Senior IT Enterprise Architect
Office of Enterprise Technology Services
State of Hawaii
Phan Sirivattha
Technology Officer
Department of Human Services
State of Hawaii
Derek Vale
Chief Data Officer & Data Modernization Director
Health Data & Informatics Office, Department of Health
State of Hawaii
Roxanne Watanabe
Business Transformation Office Director
Department of Accounting and General Services
State of Hawaii
Judy Yamada
Information Technology Manager
Department of Public Safety
State of Hawaii
Garret Yoshimi
VP for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
University of Hawaii
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: May 13, 2026
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Contact Information
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stidwell@erepublic.com
Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!
Heather Earney
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com