Our Team
Meet the Team Behind KAI Hawaii
KAI Hawaii has created a well-respected reputation backed by 30 years of experience. With a team of talented structural engineering individuals, KAI Hawaii is committed to deliver quality service and solutions in the design and building of structures that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of our society.
RYAN TANAKA
President & CEO
Ryan Tanaka
Ryan Tanaka is the President & CEO of KAI Hawaii. He has been with the company since 2017 and has over 20 years of experience in acquisitions, finance, and management. He leads KAI Hawaii, acquired Underground Services, Inc. in 2021, purchased a resort retail portfolio in 2022, and oversees the company’s real estate and investments. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, received an MBA from Chaminade University, and is active in the community serving on the board of Shioi Construction, ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue, the Hawaii Restaurant Association, and is the founder Braddahhood & Sistahhood Grindz – supporting University of Hawaii athletes with nutrition and career development.
KEN HAYASHIDA
Chairman & Founder, Principal Structural Engineer
Ken Hayashida, P.E.
Ken Hayashida is the chairman and founder of KAI Hawaii since 1995. With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and over 40 years of experience in the field of structural engineering, he has managed various civil and structural engineering projects in locations such as California, Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and American Samoa. He has performed work for the Counties in Hawaii, State Agencies (including DAGS, HHA, and DOT), U.S. Navy-Pacific Division, U.S. Navy-Public Works Center, U.S. Army Corps, the Republic of Palau, American Samoa Government, and numerous private developers and owners.
RYAN TANAKA
PRESIDENT & CEO
Ryan Tanaka
Ryan Tanaka is the President and CEO of KAI Hawaii. He has been with the company since 2017 and has nearly 20 years of experience in acquisitions, finance, and management. He manages KAI Hawaii, led the acquisition of Underground Services, Inc. in 2021, purchased a resort retail portfolio in 2022, and oversees the company’s real estate and investments. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, received an MBA from Chaminade University, and is active in the community serving on the board of Shioi Construction, ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue, the Hawaii Restaurant Association, and is the founder Braddahhood & Sistahhood Grindz – supporting University of Hawaii athletes with nutrition and career development.
KEN HAYASHIDA
CHAIRMAN & Founder, Principal Structural Engineer
Ken Hayashida, P.E.
Ken Hayashida is the chairman and founder of KAI Hawaii since 1995. With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and over 40 years of experience in the field of structural engineering, he has managed various civil and structural engineering projects in locations such as California, Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and American Samoa. He has performed work for the Counties in Hawaii, State Agencies (including DAGS, HHA, and DOT), U.S. Navy-Pacific Division, U.S. Navy-Public Works Center, U.S. Army Corps, the Republic of Palau, American Samoa Government, and numerous private developers and owners.
Michael Hunnemann
Vice President, Principal Engineer
Michael Hunnemann, P.E.
Michael Hunnemann is the Vice President of KAI Hawaii and has been with the company since 2000. He has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University and over 40 years of experience which includes the analysis, design, investigation, and repair of infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, and marine facilities. He also has extensive experience in underwater inspection and repair design of port and harbor facilities throughout the country. He is a former Navy 2nd Class Deep Sea Diver/Hull Maintenance Technician and certified for Permit-Required Confined Space Entry (OSHA). He has worked on projects in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, Delaware, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana.
MICHAEL HUNNEMANN
Vice President, Principal Engineer
Michael Hunnemann, P.E.
Michael Hunnemann is the Vice President of KAI Hawaii and has been with the company since 2000. He has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University and over 40 years of experience which includes the analysis, design, investigation, and repair of infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, and marine facilities. He also has extensive experience in underwater inspection and repair design of port and harbor facilities throughout the country. He is a former Navy 2nd Class Deep Sea Diver/Hull Maintenance Technician and certified for Permit-Required Confined Space Entry (OSHA). He has worked on projects in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Arkansas, Delaware, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana.
Jerry Fujita, P.E.
Principal
Saeid Pourjalali, P.E.
Principal
Brian Murdock, P.E.
Principal
Timothy Goshi, P.E.
Principal
Bryan Lum, P.E.
Principal
Grace Arends, P.E.
Senior Associate
Jiabao Chen, P.E.
Senior Associate
