“Hawaiʻi will face numerous challenges in the upcoming years. If our island home is to prosper economically, socially and culturally, we need to identify and support the emerging generation of leaders. By nurturing them, we will ensure the future of Hawaiʻi.”
— Mufi Hannemann
Founder, Pacific Century Fellows & Former Honolulu Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PACIFIC CENTURY FELLOWS PROGRAM, CLASS OF 2025-2026
(Honolulu, Hawaii, May 9, 2025)
The Fund for the Pacific Century, a charitable, nonprofit organization, will begin accepting applications for its 19th class of Pacific Century Fellows on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The nine-month program, modeled after the White House Fellows Program, is designed to recognize and encourage Hawaii's future leaders. Approximately 30 of Hawaii's most promising individuals from all segments of our community who are in their mid- 20s to early 40's will be selected by a 16-member committee of prominent citizens based on their demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals and on having exhibited leadership qualities in their current professional, volunteer, and civic activities.
Mufi Hannemann, who serves as chairperson of the board of the Fund for the Pacific Century, was himself a White House Fellow in 1983-84 and was assigned to the Office of the Vice President of the United States George H.W. Bush. "It has been exciting to see this program develop and to hear from past participants on how they have benefited from the experience. Graduates of the program include elected officials in various positions, including U.S. Senator and Congressman, Governor, and Mayor, executives and top business leaders, major labor and non-profit representatives, University professors, media and public relations officials, physicians and healthcare professionals, and military officers. We will be selecting our 19th class of fellows and providing these up-and-coming leaders with a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the issues confronting our community and nation," said Hannemann. Those chosen will gain a broader view of those issues through direct contact with senior community, social, and government leaders.
"Fellows connect with like-minded peers and develop lasting relationships that are invaluable. Upon completion of the program, they are encouraged and expected to play active public service roles," said Hannemann.
Last year, interested fellows were also afforded an opportunity to join with alumni to go on the program’s first international trip. The initial foray abroad was to the Philippines where the group met with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank, and other business and community leaders. Hanneman noted, “In 2026, we are looking forward to a trip to South Korea, further expanding perspectives and insights relative to our neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Individual companies may sponsor candidates for the program. The program fee is $7,000, which covers in-State expenses. Employers are encouraged to pay employee program costs, but tuition assistance is available. The application and program information are available at www.pacificcenturyfellows.com. The application submission deadline is Friday, June 20, 2025. Finalists will be interviewed in late August, and the Opening Retreat that kicks off the 2025-2026 sessions will be held in September.
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Since 1997, Pacific Century Fellows has united Hawaiʻi’s most promising individuals from various walks of life and professions, with each fellow bringing unique perspectives, ideas and experiences to the group. During the nine-month program, fellows gain a deeper insight into civic duty through direct engagement with senior community, social and government leaders. The program provides fellows the chance to create lasting relationships, encourages creative thinking when searching for solutions to state problems and instills an aspiration to give back to Hawaiʻi.
