Born in Hilo and raised in the Puna district on the Big Island of Hawai’i, C. Kapono Pa – known to everyone simply as “Pono” – is Broker-in-Charge of Savio Realty, Ltd. in Pahoa. Pono is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools – Hawaii (Class of 2008), and he attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Since becoming a REALTOR®, Pono has immersed himself in the business by participating on various committees of Hawaii Island REALTORS® (his local board of REALTORS®). These committees include the Government Affairs Committee where he was Chairperson in 2016 and 2017, having co-chaired the committee through 2025, debating issues at the County and State level such as the General Excise Tax Surcharge, Real Property Taxes, short-term vacation rental legislation and other issues that affect private property rights in Hawai’i; and the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), where he served as a Trustee from 2017 to 2021 and was Chairperson in 2019, fundraising and contributing funds to political candidates that champion the REALTOR® cause. Pono was the 2018 President of Hawaii Island REALTORS®, and was named their REALTOR® of the Year in 2020.

Always seeking self-improvement through education, and striving to be the best possible representative for all of his clients, Pono holds the following designations and certifications:

Designations
• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) – the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers – per the National Association of REALTORS®.
• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) – advanced training focused on the specific needs of homebuyers and are committed to providing the highest level of service.
• Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute (GRI) – the minimum common body of knowledge for the real estate professional, providing in-depth knowledge on technical subjects and fundamentals of real estate.
• Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) – the premier credential in seller representation, designed to elevate professional standards and performance.

Certifications
• GREEN Certification – for REALTORS® who are passionate about green living solutions and want to help clients make environmentally conscious choices in buying, selling, and upgrading homes.
• At Home With Diversity (AHWD) – diversity sensitivity, how it applies to U.S. Fair Housing laws, and ways to develop professional guidelines for working with people in the increasingly multicultural real estate market.
• Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) – for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills to be better advocates for their clients.