Staff

What’s up Big Island! Joseph Hawk here General Manager of Kamaaina Nissan/Motors. I had an awesome opportunity to join the Company 17 years ago when I graduated from Hawaii Community College with an Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics. I was excited to become a technician, and start my journey in life. I quickly became a master tech and enjoyed every second working in the shop. I would then move on to other Management positions throughout the company to my current position as General Manager. However my heart still loves anything to do with Auto Mechanics. I am married to the most caring and loving person anyone could ask for, Raimie Hawk. We enjoy watching movies together, hanging out, walking and playing with our two dogs Hiro and Okami. As for myself, I enjoy working out, playing video games and just spending time with my wife and of course working on cars. I currently own a 1998 240SX KA24DET Kouki, 2016 392 Dodge Charger Bagged, and a 2019 Dodge Challenger 392 boosted. Please come down and visit me for any help or assistance with your transportation needs!

Born and raised here in the grass roots of Hilo Hawaii was born an exceptional young child named Lon Apaka. Hawaii island would be able to watch this young man in the mid 90’s become a top recognized athlete for Waiakea High School After Graduation Lon found himself in the construction industry and also attended classes at the Hawaii Community College to better hone his professional skill set. For just over a decade now Lon has provided the highest level of customer service to the people of hawaii which has led to him being recognized as “Car Sales BEST of East Hawaii.” You can now find Lon as Sales Manager at Kama’aina Motors where he leads a team of highly trained customer service professionals in the sales department! You will definitely be in the right hands with Lon Apaka at Kama’aina Motors.

Prior to joining the I. Kitagawa team in 2004, Steve was a fixture in the seafood business for 13 years, working for industry mainstays Suisan and Hilo Fish Company.

A personal hire of I. Kitagawa’s late President Brian Kitagawa, Steve enjoyed a 14 year career as their top sales producer before joining their management team as Finance Manager in 2018, where he continues to serve the community with their transportation and finance needs.

Born in raised in Hilo, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, going to Japan, fishing and shooting. He is a fan of the Atlanta Braves, the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Favorite quote: “Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.” – John Wooden

Derrik Imai is the Parts Manager for Kamaaina Motors for 31 years. Prior to working for Kamaaina Motors, Derrik spent 10 years at ASC as a parts counterperson and warehouse clerk. Derrik offers a variety of parts and accessories for your FCA vehicles. Derrik has two beautiful granddaughters that he loves to play and babysit with. Derrik also enjoys playing Kupuna Softball with the Honomu Rockets. Once in a while you can see Derrik cruising his Dodge Challenger Hellcat to the games or around town.

Aloha Hawaii Island…….. My name is Pat AhLo and I’ve been fortunate enough to be with Kama’aina Motor’s for over 30 plus years in various positions throughout my career. My current position as a Executive Sales Representative enables me to continue my relationships with the numerous customers that I’ve been able to assist with their automotive needs. My career here at Kama’aina Motor’s would not have been possible without my wife, Diane’s, understanding and 100% support of the career path that I have chosen. As a parent and grandparent I’ve been lucky that my family shares my love for the ocean and all of it’s activities that it has to offer, whether it’s paddling ,surfing,swimming,fishing, diving, and the list goes on. I would consider myself a “Waterman” in general. So, if you’re in the market for a vehicle of any sort, give me call, drop me a email, stop by the dealership,or even if you see me “on the water”, please don’t hesitate to “Talk Story With Me”.

60 years young , married for 39 years to the love of my life, with 2 sons & 2 daughters and 5 granddaughters. Originally from Oahu, lived here in Hilo since 1977. Family oriented and a loyal friend

Aloha Guys, I’m Kapono Benevides Jr. and I am a service adviser at Kamaaina Motors! I’m 21 years old and I’ve been in the car industry for almost 2 years. The best thing about working here is the culture of family and our community involvement! I have my Associate Degree in Auto Body Repair and Paint. I love to go fishing; spending time with my fiance, 4 dogs, and soon, my baby; and working on cars and trucks. Remember, your life is Ono when you shop with Kapono!????

Aloha Big Island! Jason here, the internet marketing guy taking care of social media to data and all things in between. Really enjoying digging into all things digital marketing. If I’m not behind the scenes on the computer, I like to run around on the soccer field. Want to Nerd out about digital marketing? Hit me up!