HOME > LEADERSHIP
RYAN WILMOT
Founder
Ryan is the founder of Kukui IT. He grew up on the island of Kauai, where he was first introduced to technology at a young age. In 1984, a generous donation of 20 state-of-the-art Apple 2e computers to his elementary school gave him the opportunity to learn computer programming. This experience ignited his passion for technology and instilled in him a profound appreciation for the transformative power of generosity. After graduating from high school, Ryan attended Bellevue College, where he studied aerospace engineering. He later solidified his technical expertise by becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. With skills spanning across multiple programming languages, online marketing, and business, Ryan has always been at the forefront of technological innovation.
Ryan is committed to uplifting businesses and nonprofits, and he donates his time and resources to various organizations. In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking, traveling, swimming, and playing pickleball.
DANIEL KNUTZEN
President
Daniel is a seasoned technologist and the President of Kukui IT. He began his journey with the company in 2008 as an Assistant IT Administrator and quickly advanced through the organization through dedication, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. A natural leader, Daniel is known for going above and beyond for clients and for continually pushing himself to expand his technical expertise.
Originally from Sweden, Daniel grew up immersed in diverse cultures and languages. His early years also sparked a passion for hands‑on technology, where he developed advanced soldering abilities and a strong foundation in computer science. Relocating to Hawaii during high school introduced him to the islands’ unique beauty and ultimately shaped the place he now calls home.
Outside of work, Daniel enjoys a wide range of hobbies—from building and flying drones to exploring hiking trails and spending time out on the open ocean.
JAMES FARRAN
IT Support Manager
Born in California, I have always been a global citizen. I spent my formative years between France, Spain, and Lebanon before returning to California for high school. After graduation, I followed my passion for IT to Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, where I earned an associate degree in Computer Science and certificates in Computer Network Operations and Computer Network Security.
After graduation, I worked as an IT and Facilities Specialist for a non-profit organization for six years. In this role, I honed my skills in troubleshooting servers, resolving software glitches, and mastering various computer-related challenges. During my time in Oregon, I met my future wife, a Kauai native. After we married, we moved to Kauai, where I found my professional niche at Kukui IT. Here, I continue my adventure as an IT Support Engineer, providing IT support to many organizations on the island.
Pono Anama
Project Manager
Pono Anama is the Head of the Project Department at Kukui IT. He joined the company in 2018, and has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to his strong work ethic, passion for IT, and diverse skills.
Pono grew up in a modest environment, the son of a carpenter and a customer service professional. His early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of hard work. These formative years also ignited his curiosity for the world of IT, setting him on a path that would lead to his current role as a respected leader in his field.
Pono’s affinity for hardware-based work has been a driving force throughout his career. He finds true satisfaction in the tangible aspects of technology, from designing and implementing new network solutions to troubleshooting and supporting existing network infrastructure.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Pono is a person of diverse interests. He is an avid bodyboarder, hiker, and PC gamer. Pono’s leadership is marked by a collaborative spirit, a commitment to innovation, and an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional results. He is a true embodiment of the transformative power of passion and perseverance.