About Dr. Laanui
Aloha!
With decades of leadership across law enforcement, education, and emerging technologies, I help organizations navigate ethical crossroads and seize transformative opportunities. My work sits at the intersection of integrity, innovation, and courageous decision-making.
Pursuing the "Risk Genome" through Law & Education
For nearly 25 years, I served as an FBI Special Agent, leading high-risk operations, forging international partnerships, and pioneering predictive analytics research. I was a member of FBI SWAT, named Hawaii’s TOP COP, and served as an official FBI spokesman.
Driven by curiosity, I searched for the “risk genome”— the root of harmful behavior and the origin of bad things. I arrived at the same truth echoed by ancient thinkers: ignorance breeds evil. The antidote? Education.
That conviction launched a new mission. I rose through the ranks as an FBI instructor and earned a doctorate in education, dedicating two decades to teaching, training, and developing curriculum for underserved communities in the U.S., Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In Hawaii, I helped launch initiatives like the Adopt-a-School Program, the PROVE Project, and the Internet Safety Awards — programs that were the genesis of safer, smarter schools.
Preparing the post-COVID World
Just three months before the COVID-19 pandemic, I traded my FBI badge for a new mission: advancing equity in public education. Joining the Hawaii State Department of Education, I helped lead 18 campuses and 14,000 students through the pandemic and economic fallout—culminating in the creation of the nation’s first K–12 career academy.
I later returned to my roots as President and CEO of Damien Memorial School, my alma mater in Honolulu.
Today, I lead with purpose at the intersection of ethics, strategy, and innovation. From decorated FBI agent to senior education executive, I’ve built trust, navigated crises, and tackled challenges others avoid. Whether testifying in high-stakes arenas or pioneering responsible tech, I lead with accountability, transparency, and an unwavering belief in doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.
"Doing the right thing rarely makes you popular — but it always makes you credible."
Going Where AI Can't — Ethics
The world is changing faster than ever — fueled by AI and emerging technologies that are reshaping how we learn, teach, and work. I write, advise, and speak on leading through disruption — especially where transformation and integrity must go hand in hand.
Now more than ever — ethics aren't electives — they are mandatory.
If your organization is navigating complexity, I’d welcome the opportunity to help you lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.