Keck Observatory’s Ilihia Gionson Named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40
Ilihia Gionson, Chief Public Affairs Officer at W. M. Keck Observatory, has been named to Pacific Business News’ 2025 40 Under 40 list, which honors Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders for their professional excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The Maunakea Observatories team joined him at the August 14 awards dinner to celebrate this recognition.
Ilihia Gionson (right) and Keck Observatory Director Rich Matsuda (left)
Since joining W. M. Keck Observatory earlier this year, Ilihia has brought a thoughtful and grounded approach to his role as its first Chief Public Affairs Officer. With a background in public service and community outreach, he leads efforts to strengthen relationships with local communities and connect the observatory’s mission to the broader values of culture, sustainability, and place. His work is helping to shape a more inclusive model of astronomy that centers shared stewardship of Maunakea and respect for the people of Hawai‘i.
“Since joining our team, Ilihia has brought clarity, care, and a deep sense of kuleana to everything he does,” said Rich Matsuda, Director of W. M. Keck Observatory. “His leadership has helped us engage more meaningfully with our community, strengthen our relationships, and communicate in ways that are rooted in both respect and shared purpose. He’s playing a key role in guiding how we move forward, and I’m grateful for the insight and heart he brings to our work.”
Ilihia built his career at the crossroads of Hawai‘i’s most complex community challenges, focused on bringing people together and honoring diverse voices and perspectives in important conversations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
As Public Affairs Officer for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, he led communications through an important period, helping guide the agency from legislative defunding in 2021 to restored recurring funding in 2024. He also advanced the state’s regenerative tourism model by integrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and community values into messaging and operations.
For more than a decade, Ilihia ran Hiehie Communications, a firm that supported local nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies with strategy, storytelling, and engagement. He also served as communications director for Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi, and U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
His leadership during moments of crisis throughout his career – including Hurricane Iselle, volcanic eruptions in 2014 and 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery that followed, and the 2023 Maui wildfire response and recovery – demonstrated his ability to navigate difficult situations with compassion and clarity.
From Left: Rich, Ilihia, Mother-In-Law Kari Clark, and Partner Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa (previous 40 Under 40 Awardee)
In his free time, Ilihia serves as a Dole Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, advocating for military and veteran caregivers across the U.S. He is also an advisor to Hawai‘i Green Growth’s Local2030 Hub, is a proud member of the Lions Club of Kona, and served as board chair for Hawai‘i Island United Way.
His 40 Under 40 recognition reflects not only a career of distinction but also a commitment to leading with integrity, listening deeply, and lifting others along the way. At W. M. Keck Observatory and throughout Hawai‘i, Ilihia continues to build bridges between people, place, and purpose.
