Born and raised in Honolulu, Victor Tran has long-standing ties to East Oʻahu. Growing up in Hahaʻione Valley helped shape his early connection to Maunalua, from days spent outdoors to the sense of community he experienced throughout his childhood and young adulthood. Today, as a planning and development manager at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, he helps guide long-term planning for Maunalua’s commercial lands, supporting decisions that reflect both community needs and the mission of Kamehameha Schools. We sat down with Victor to talk story about his role, his personal ties to the area, and the importance of thoughtful planning for Maunalua’s future.

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Q: Can you tell us about your role at Kamehameha Schools and how it connects to the work underway in Maunalua?

A: As a planning and development manager, I help provide project management, strategic planning, and financial performance analysis for our real estate projects across Kamehameha Schools. In Maunalua, that means working closely with our asset managers as we look ahead to several major ground leases that are approaching expiration. This is a key moment, because it gives Kamehameha Schools the opportunity to step back and take a comprehensive look at our lands, understand the risks and possibilities, and explore options that align with both our mission and the evolving needs of the community.

I have been with Kamehameha Schools for about six years, beginning in the Facilities Development and Support Division before transitioning to the Commercial Real Estate Division. I started working on Maunalua in 2024, which has allowed me to draw on both my background and my personal connection to the area as part of this planning effort.

Q: You grew up in Maunalua. What was that like, and how has that shaped the way you see the community today? 

A: I grew up in Hahaʻione Valley, in the house my family still lives in today. Even though we moved away for a little while when I was very young, I returned during high school and stayed connected through college, which is when I feel like a lot of my growing up happened. So Maunalua really is home to me.

One of my earliest memories is my grandpa taking me to the convenience store, which is now 7-Eleven, to buy a loaf of bread so we could drive to Duck Island and feed the ducks. As I got older, my dad taught my brother and me how to fish at Kokeʻe Beach, and once I got the hang of it, I started exploring different spots along Maunalua Bay. Duck Island became both a place to feed ducks and a place to fish.

In high school and throughout college, I spent many evenings at Hahaʻione Valley Neighborhood Park playing basketball. That is where I met people, learned how to connect with others, and built friendships. All of those small, everyday experiences are a big part of why the community means so much to me. 

Q: From your perspective, what makes Maunalua such a special community?

A: One of the things that always stands out to me is what you see when you first enter the area. Koko Head and Koko Crater on one side, the ridges and valleys on the other, the homes along the waterway, and then the open bay and sandbar. It is just a beautiful place.

But it is also the people who make it special. It feels vibrant, safe and very family-oriented. You can feel how much residents care about their neighborhood and how invested they are in what happens there. That kind of pride and genuine love for the community is something you notice right away.

Q: Why is the planning process for Kamehameha Schools lands in Maunalua so important, and what role does community input play?

A: The planning process is important because it helps ensure that long-term decisions are thoughtful and aligned with the mission of Kamehameha Schools. Maunalua has a diverse portfolio, and with key ground leases nearing expiration, we have an opportunity to evaluate options more holistically. It allows us to consider financial performance, cultural values, risk management, and community needs all together, so that the decisions we make today support both current and future generations.

Community input is a big part of this. No one understands the neighborhood better than the people who live there. Their perspectives help us understand what matters most and what the real priorities are. Engaging with the community builds trust, shows respect, and strengthens pilina.

Some of the feedback that stood out to me was the desire to improve the retail experience and the need for more affordable housing. These issues are connected. Retailers continue to face challenges with costs and labor shortages, and many entry-level positions do not pay enough to justify a long commute from areas where housing is more affordable. By creating housing options within the community, people who work in Maunalua can also live in Maunalua. That helps strengthen the neighborhood and supports local businesses at the same time.

Q: Is there anything else you hope people understand about the work you do in Maunalua?

A: For me, it is meaningful to support planning in a place that shaped so much of who I am. I am grateful to be part of this work and to help make sure Maunalua continues to be a strong, thriving community for families today and for generations ahead.
 

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maunalua, ʻāina pauahi, imua kamehameha

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