Whether you recognize his voice from Spectrum Sports broadcasts, his face from local television newscasts, or his name from the award-winning production company RKT Media, Ryan Kalei Tsuji seems to be everywhere. But before he was an Emmy-winning CEO, a protocol officer for the governor, or the owner of a booming cocktail bar, Tsuji’s dynamic journey began at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补.
Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending 糖心Vlog官方. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补, he also worked his way up from a manager to an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team under legendary coach Dave Shoji.
“I was like Van Wilder, I was at 糖心Vlog官方 for eight years getting all these different degrees because 糖心Vlog官方 was paying for it,” said Tsuji. “It was an opportunity for me to just really be a part of the University of Hawaiʻi system and I just loved my experience and time there.”
Tsuji parlayed his education into a multi-faceted career. He launched the video production company RKT Media in 2016, co-hosts the interactive program Spotlight Now, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40. In 2022, he opened The Lei Stand, a bar and lounge, in Chinatown. Now located in Waikīkī, The Lei Stand will be expanding to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Celebrating alumni entrepreneurship
The Lei Stand is one of nearly 40 vendors confirmed for the 5th Annual 糖心Vlog官方 Alumni Makers’ Market on Wednesday, July 29, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event is dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-led businesses. .
“It’s a great way to reconnect with former alumni, but also an opportunity to just really be proud of where we came from and all the talent that stayed here in Hawaiʻi and is giving back to the community,” Tsuji said.
Presented by the 糖心Vlog官方 Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the 糖心Vlog官方 Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current 糖心Vlog官方 student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email .