Probate Court selects Eric Yeaman as Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Trustee

News Release from KSBE, March 19, 2026

Eric Yeaman has been selected by the state Probate Court as the newest member of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha’s Board of Trustees. He will fill the vacancy created upon the closing of Robert K.W.H. Nobriga’s term, which ended on June 30, 2025.

Eric brings more than three decades of executive and board leadership experience across Hawaiʻi’s financial services, telecommunications, energy, healthcare, real estate and investment sectors.

He is currently the founder and managing partner of Hoku Capital LLC, a firm established in 2019 to provide strategic advisory services and pursue strategic investments in Hawaiʻi-based companies as well as national private equity and real estate funds.

Previously, Eric served as president and chief operating officer of First Hawaiian Bank from 2015 to 2019, after leading Hawaiian Telcom as president and chief executive officer from 2008 to 2015. Earlier in his career, he was chief financial officer of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha from 2000 to 2003 and held senior leadership roles at Hawaiian Electric Company and Hawaiian Electric Industries.

In addition to his professional experience, Eric has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He currently serves on the boards of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Friends of Hawaiʻi Charities, and the Hawaiʻi Asia Pacific Association. He previously served on the Kamehameha Schools Audit Committee and on the boards of The Queen’s Health Systems and The Queen’s Medical Center, including as chair from 2012 to 2017.

Born and raised in Kona, Eric is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting with distinction. He is a certified public accountant in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Welcome Trustee Eric Yeaman to the Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ʻohana.

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Committee selects three finalists for Kamehameha Schools trustee seat

News release from KSBE, Dec. 1, 2025

The Probate Court has appointed a Trustee Screening Committee to nominate three candidates to be considered by the Court for appointment as a Trustee for the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

The Screening Committee solicited applications from individuals who possess a deep sense of commitment and the ability to ensure Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision and legacy are perpetuated into the future. After reviewing resumes and vision statements of 83 applicants, and conducting personal interviews with semi-finalists, the Screening Committee has determined that the following three finalists (listed in alphabetical order) best meet the Probate Court’s requirements and desirable qualities and characteristics: 

OLIN K. LAGON
KEITH VIEIRA
ERIC K. YEAMAN

The desirable qualities and characteristics of a trustee should include: a recognized reputation of integrity and good character, the capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of a fiduciary under the trust law, respect from and for the community, consistent and active leadership in the community at large with specific emphasis on issues impacting the well-being of the Hawaiian people, and a willingness and sincerity to uphold the mission of Kamehameha Schools as stated in Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s Will and Codicils. 

The optimal candidate would have a history of success in business, finance or related areas, in addition to a formal education and outstanding personal traits including Hawaiian values.

Candidates must possess expertise in one or more of the following areas: business administration, finance and investment, strategic planning and policy setting, or general areas of interest to Kamehameha Schools, including education, law, finance or governance.

This appointment will identify a successor to Trustee Robert K.W.H. Nobriga, whose term expired on June 30, 2025. The successor to Trustee Nobriga will be appointed to fill a five (5) year term and be eligible for an additional five (5) year term, as determined by the Court.

The current Board of Trustees includes Jennifer N. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, Michelle Kaʻuhane, Elliot K. Mills and Crystal K. Rose.

The seven appointed volunteer community members who serve on the Screening Committee are: Robin Campaniano, Jason Fujimoto, Wayne Hamano, DreanaLee “Dre” Kalili, Michael “Mike” Rawlins, Kathleen Thurston and Edwin “Skip” Vincent.

In accordance with the 1999 Master’s Report and the 2025 Amended Order on the procedure for selection of trustees, the Screening Committee is seeking active community leaders with a deep sense of commitment and willingness to carry Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision and legacy forward.

The public is welcome to submit written comments on the candidates, which will be filed with the Probate Court and will become public record. Comments must be received by 4:00pm (HST) on December 31, 2025. 

Comments should include the sender’s legal name and contact information. Please do not abbreviate names (for example, J. Doe or Jane D.). Anonymous comments will not be accepted by the committee. 

Comments may be submitted by: 

Online form: Public Comment – Trustee Finalists, Kamehameha Schools
Email to: executives@inkinen.com
Mail to: Trustee Screening Committee, c/o Inkinen Executive Search, 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1477, Honolulu, HI 96813. Must be postmarked by December 31, 2025.

Learn more about the trustee selection process here. For more information, please visit: https://www.inkinen.com/ks-trustee-2025-2026/

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PBN: Three finalists named for Kamehameha Schools trustee seat - Pacific Business News