Horner Named CEO For Nā Leo o Hawaiʻi, Replacing Disgraced Predecessor

The Board of Directors of Nā Leo o Hawaiʻi announced on Friday, Jan. 14 the appointment of Paul W. Horner as its President and Chief Executive Officer effective Feb. 1.

Horner will be taking the post after troubled former CEO Stacy Higa pleaded guilty last October to embezzling from AmeriCorps and offering a bribe in return for CARES Act grants. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Higa faces a likely range of between 46 and 57 months in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. He’s scheduled for sentencing in February.

A news release on Horner stated that the new leader is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools-Kapālama Campus and Northwestern University, and that he’s managed major hotels on Lānaʻi, Napa Valley, and the Big Island. He’s worked as the executive director of a nonprofit organization on Kauaʻi recently, and has worked as managing director of marketing for the Big Island Visitors Bureau. He has served in different capacities on local boards and commissions lending his expertise in team management, finance, customer service, and strategic planning.

“Iʻm looking forward to meeting the team at Nā Leo TV, starting the process of earning their respect, and learning ways for us to move forward in a positive direction,” Horner said.

He will oversee all aspects of Nā Leo o Hawaiʻi, including its broadcasting, production team, producer training, and education.