Newsmaker
Monday, January 19, 1998
Name: Lisa Maruyama
Age: 28
Education: University of Hawaii, BBA in international business
Hobbies: Reading, writing short stories, traveling
Lisa Maruyama blows the 20-something slacker stereotype out of the water. She also blows away the Hawaii stereotype of doing business with an island mentality: See, hear and speak no international. In fact, it's Maruyama's job now to do away with those stereotypes. Promoting state business
Recently appointed executive director of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC), Maruyama promotes international relations to advance Hawaii's interests in Asian-Pacific business.
"I grew up in Hawaii," Murayama said. "I believe it has enormous potential to be a viable player in Pacific Rim business in terms of cross-cultural communications and collaboration. Our geographic location makes us the center for a dynamic crossroads."
PAAC tries to further understanding by teaching Hawaii's youths. It sponsors 18 PAAC clubs throughout Hawaii, with students in March gathering in Kona to participate in a model of the Asian Pacific Economic Conference. Schools pick a country and defend its issues.
PAAC's community-college program sponsors forums and lectures on international business at numerous campuses. And its community program targets Honolulu's downtown business sector with lunch forums and monthly speakers, including Bob Dole.
Maruyama's involvement in international business began at the University of Hawaii. While pursuing her degree, she coordinated the Pacific Asian Management Institute, the umbrella organization for all UH international programs.
After graduating, she worked for the Honolulu Board of Realtors, taught English in Japan and tracked legislation for the state Mental Health Association, eventually becoming the agency's executive director and "learning about the trials and tribulations of a nonprofit."
Murayama believes a greater understanding of international issues will jettison the state successfully into the 21st century.
"The key is to be more international and less myopic," Murayama said. Hawaii can't operate under a shell. "We do need to collaborate with our partners in Asia and the Pacific."
Lori Tighe, Star-Bulletin
