Author of Hawaiʻi and Tourism Reimagined
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John De Fries was raised in Waikīkī at the advent of tourism’s ascent to the center of Hawaiʻi’s economy. He has worked as a tour director, resort and real estate developer, director of economic development for the County of Hawaiʻi, and executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He currently serves as President and Principal Advisor of Native Sun Business Group, and on the boards of Kualoa Ranch, Bishop Museum, the Keāhole Center for Sustainability, and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University. He and his wife and business partner, Ginny, reside in Kona.
Value of Hawaiʻi: Hulihia, The Turning 