Staff
| Board of Directors | Contact Information

Mission Statement

Responsive to cultural needs of the community, the Kahilu Theatre provides a home for the presentation, support, education and promotion of the performing arts.

Kahilu Theatre Staff

Janet Coburn

Janet Coburn has been a non-profit administrator on the island of Hawaii for over 20 years.  Ten of those years have been spent in non-profit art administration, first with the Kona Association for the Performing Arts and, since November of 2001 with the Kahilu Theatre Foundation.  Prior to working in the arts Ms. Coburn administered and coordinated the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and served as the industry spokesperson for the Kona Coffee Council. 

Under Ms. Coburn's leadership the Kahilu Theatre Foundation's programs have grown significantly. The organization feels strongly positioned with her as its leader to continue to meet the community's needs for quality arts and culture experiences.

In her spare time Janet enjoys spending time with her three children, three dogs, and two cats.  Aside from chauffeuring her daughter around town, Janet is an avid reader and when she has time, which is rarely, she also enjoys cooking.

Alva Kamalani

Alva Kamalani was born and raised on Oahu. She relocated to Waimea in July 1981. Alva started at Kahilu Theatre as a part-time Events Manager in 2004 and began working full time in the Box Office in June 2004. In July 2006, she was promoted to Operations Director. Alva is the genius behind the scenes who ensures that the theatre is run efficiently. Alva has extensive managerial experience and is an asset to the theatre as she is extremely detail oriented.

Alva's favorite pursuit is relaxation as an art. She is the kumu hula for Halau Manu Le`a Hawai`i, with classes in Honoka`a and Hilo. Alva recently traveled to India and enjoyed the people, the place and the food. It was an experience and an opportunity to become a Oneness Facilitator.

Alva's love for the performing arts infuses her with on the job inspiration.

Diesel Tucker (and Malina - Canine Activities Director, ready if needed!)

Diesel Tucker has been the Kahilu Theatre's Technical Director since January 2004.  He works with visiting productions to ensure technical excellence and satisfaction with the back stage support.  He also oversees the technical crew, prepares the theatre for productions, and keeps up on general maintenance. 

Diesel spent the first eighteen years of his life in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  Always considered a natural on the drums, at age thirteen he began performing in front of live audiences.  Diesel went on to study music at the Waldorf College and at Drake University.  He toured nationally and internationally with rock-n-roll, country, jazz, and big bands.  In fact, it was while on tour with a musical in the late 80s that Diesel first set foot in the Kahilu Theatre. He decided to make Waimea his permanent residence shortly thereafter.

James Bracco

James Bracco started at the Kahilu Theatre in 2004 and is the Assistant Technical Director, Lighting Director and Gallery Coordinator. Born and raised on the island of Manhattan he is the culmination of all things ill. James brings to the theatre his passion for music and the arts. He is continually motivated and inspired by the world class talent that tours through the Kahilu.

James is married to Angel Prince of Prince Dance, with whom he shares a mutual love of music and dancing.  In James' spare time he enjoys DJing, traveling, the ocean and surfing.

Alethea Lai

Alethea Lai started with the Kahilu Theatre over a year ago as a grant writer, and is now working full time as the Development Director. She moved to the Big Island over 13 years ago and found the Kahilu Theatre shortly after finishing her Masters degree. Alethea is excited to become part of the development team that is dedicated to making the theatre grow and thrive as never before.

Alethea is married to Dr. Olivier Lai, who aside from being an astronomer, is going to begin presenting pre-concert lectures at the classical concerts this season.  They have a four year old son, Xander, who already performed in his first performance at the Kahilu in May.  Getting to experience the youthful enthusiasm for the arts first hand from Xander helps Alethea stay focused on what matters most at the Kahilu Theatre.

In her spare time, Alethea enjoys running, dancing, reading, gastronomy, naps, and the beauty of the Big Island.  Her favorite performances last season were Pink Martini and Laurie Anderson.  This season she is excited about Tomas Kubinek, Badi Assad, and of course, the Trocks. 

Nara Samuels

Nara Samuels is the Kahilu Theatre's Box Office Manager.  Hired in December, Nara moved here from Portland, Oregon where she worked with the Portland State University Women's Resource Center teaching a course in women's studies and providing support services for non-traditional students.

Along with her impressive management and people skills, Nara is passionate about education, community building, and sustainability.  She is most energized by the Theatre's active role in bringing arts education to the island's youth, especially through the live youth concerts and the community projects like Disposable Nation. 

Nara loves being outdoors and spends her weekends camping, hiking, and gardening with her husband Jeff.  They are excitedly expecting the birth of their first child in October, along with all the Kahilu staff who can't wait to cuddle and play with a newborn! 

Lisa Shattuck

Lisa Shattuck started with the Kahilu Theatre as our part time Box Office Personnel last December.  Lisa will be our temporary Box Office Manager while Nara is on maternity leave.  Lisa first started working at the theatre as a Summer Arts instructor, so she has an intimate knowledge of the energy and enthusiasm of our kids programming.

Lisa grew up in a musical family who jammed together using the piano, melodica, trumpet, and stand-up bass. Not only would they play instruments, but they would all sing together too! She now enjoys a wide range of music, but especially choral and jazz. Lisa studied dance in college and has brought her enthusiasm for dance performances to the job. Last season Lisa picked Momix as her favorite, and for the upcoming season she is thrilled about Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

Recently, Lisa has been taking to the water in her kayak and she, her husband, and two daughters were recently certified in scuba. If you don't see her in the box office, look for her down on the coast, conversing with the fish and turtles.

Board of Directors

The Kahilu Theatre Foundation would not be here today without the hard work of its committed board members.
Mahalo Nui Loa to the Board of Directors.

1. Evarts Fox, President
2. Mike Luce, Vice President External Affairs
3. Rhoady Lee, Vice President Governance
4. Monique Allison, Vice President Internal Affairs
5. Vicki McManus, Secretary
6.Hanne Knoll  
7.Adi Kohler   
8. R. Ben Tsukazaki

Contact Information

To Reach the Administrative Offices:

Janet Coburn - Managing Director at 808 885-6019 -  janet@ kahilutheatre.org
Alva Kamalani - Operations Director at 808-885-6017 - alva@kahilutheatre.org
Alethea Lai - Development Director at 808-885-7936 - alethea@kahilutheatre.org
Diesel Tucker - Technical Director at 808 885-6018 -  diesel@kahilutheatre.org
James Bracco - Asst. Technical Director/Gallery Coordinator at 885-6018 - james@kahilutheatre.org
Nara Ann Samuels - Box Office Manager & Youth Programs Coordinator at 808 885-6868 - nara@kahilutheatre.org