The finalists for the Maui County seat include: Lauren Akitake, a private practice attorney and per diem District Court Judge who taught business law at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College; Sheri Daniels Chief Executive Officer at Papa Ola Lōkahi; and Beverly Stanich, retired longtime principal of Wailuku Elementary School on Maui.
The program, which is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and knowledge about various industries in the county, covered areas such as sustainable science, conservation and agriculture, economic and workforce development, Maui governance, healthcare, and construction and technology.
With her team, Cohan managed one of the largest privately owned conservation landscapes in Hawai‘i – Waikamoi Preserve – and led innovative projects on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i to safeguard native forests that provide freshwater, are home to native forest birds, and preserve local culture and resources.