Realtors Association of Maui Appoints Malama Minn as New CEO

Trailblazing Hana native brings deep experience in energy, policy, and real estate to lead Maui’s largest real estate association

The Realtors Association of Maui (RAM) has officially named Malama Minn as its new Chief Executive Officer. A proud native of East Maui, Minn brings a unique blend of professional experience, cultural grounding, and a deep personal commitment to Maui’s future.

With a background rooted in clean energy, community advocacy, and public policy, Minn also brings a strong track record of work in land use and real estate development—key areas of focus for RAM members and the broader Maui community.

A Leader at the Intersection of Land, Energy, and Housing

Minn’s career has centered on the intersections of energy, environment, and equity, with a strong focus on sustainable land use and community-driven development. Her work has included developing housing strategies aligned with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation—critical concerns in Maui’s ongoing housing and land use discussions.

She has served in numerous leadership roles, including:

• Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Construction Alliance, where she worked closely with labor unions, developers, and policymakers to advocate for sustainable construction and housing solutions
• Project Development Specialist at the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, contributing to land management strategies across the islands
• Energy Consultant with Johnson Controls, helping local governments and institutions implement energy-efficient infrastructure
• Transformational Outreach Specialist with Hawai‘i Energy, where she led community education programs across underserved areas of the state

Her advocacy has often focused on affordable housing, infrastructure equity, and culturally sensitive development—all issues that deeply impact RAM’s membership and Maui residents alike.

A Historic Appointment

Born and raised in the rural town of Hāna, Minn is the first Hāna native to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Hawai‘i’s William S. Richardson School of Law. Her educational journey—from Hāna High & Elementary School to becoming a statewide leader in policy and land use—reflects her dedication to community, resilience, and opportunity.

“Malama brings a rare combination of lived experience, legal expertise, and cultural grounding to this role,” said RAM Board President Lynette Pendergast. “Her background in energy, land use, and community development gives her a powerful lens for tackling one of Maui’s most pressing challenges, which is housing. We are proud to welcome her as our new CEO.”

Vision for RAM and the Maui Real Estate Community

As CEO, Minn will lead RAM’s strategic direction, government relations, and member engagement efforts. She is stepping into the role during a pivotal time, as Maui continues its recovery from recent wildfires and faces ongoing challenges related to housing, development, and sustainability.

Minn’s appointment signals a bold step forward for RAM, with an emphasis on community-centered leadership, policy advocacy, and collaboration across sectors. Her deep ties to the land, legal training, and real-world experience make her uniquely equipped to represent the interests of Maui’s real estate professionals while advocating for balanced, sustainable growth.

She succeeds Mei Wright, who will transition into the newly created role of Chief Operations Officer, strengthening the leadership team as RAM moves into its next chapter.

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