Giving Back to Hawaii…
Who we are
The Advantage Kokua Committee is composed of like-minded agents and employees of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty committed to giving back to Hawaii. They generously donate their ideas, time and energy to make a difference in our local communities.
The Advantage Kokua committee was formed in 2016 with the mission of giving back to the community in a focused, impactful manner. Today, Advantage Kokua, gives back to Hawai’i in partnership with Vision To Learn and Hawai’i Community Foundation. Since its inception, Advantage Kokua has successfully funded over ten “bridge” scholarships to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and West Oahu. In 2024, a partnership with Vision To Learn was developed to support Hawai’i’s youth through expanding access to vision care.
The Advantage Kokua Committee
Myron & Ambur Kiriu, CEO, Owners, Realtor | Founders
Kim Wong Balisacan, Realtor | Co-Chairperson
Melyssa Shimamoto, Realtor-Associate | Co-Chairperson
Jayson Antonio, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Jessica Yuhara, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Joseph Castaneda, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Margie Medalle, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Melissa Hoyer, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Rolanda Racoma, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Sean Takamori, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Taryn Loo, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Wendy Akai, Realtor-Associate | Committee Member
Kevin Inn, President, RA, CRB | Steering Committee
Davelyn Tengan, VP of Sales & Business Development | Steering Committee
Debbie Lee, Controller | Steering Committee
Mary Hind Long, Director of Marketing | Steering Committee
Vickie Marino, Director of Growth | Steering Committee
Christine Muth, Relocation Director | Steering Committee
Our story
In 2016, members of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) Advantage Realty formed a committee with the mission of giving back to the community in a focused, impactful manner. With so many worthy causes, there was an incredibly wide array of ideas and opportunities discussed. As the committee discussed the most focused and impactful opportunities, the idea of a scholarship began to form. In 2024, our committee’s commitment to empowering Hawaii’s youth expanded to include improving access to vision care in partnership with Vision To Learn and Hawai’i Community Foundation.
Through our partnership with the University of Hawai’i Foundation from 2016 to 2024, the committee learned about many wonderful 13th year programs that identify financially at-risk youths and provide them opportunities to attend local community colleges. While these programs are critical for the success and future of students, students who wish to continue to a four-year degree can have a challenging road ahead. The Advantage Kokua Scholarship Program was formed in an effort to alleviate some of these challenges. Through contributions made by BHGRE Advantage Realty agents, partners, clients and company contributions, we are proud to have funded over ten scholarships.
In 2024, upon learning that an estimated 15,000 students in Hawaii need glasses, Advantage Kokua partnered with Vision To Learn and Hawai’i Community Foundation to provide students with expanded access to vision screenings, eye exams and eye glasses.
Going forward, the Advantage Kokua Committee invites you to join us in supporting our mission of empowering Hawaii’s youth by attending or helping to host our fundraisers, providing monetary or silent auction donations, or partnering with us to unlock other ways to kokua. All of these efforts and proceeds continue to directly support vision care and education for Hawaii’s future generations.