CW Associates, CPAs

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CW Associates, CPAs

A Hawaii Certified Public Accounting Corporation CW Associates, CPAs, provides big firm expertise from a local firm platform.

With a professional staff of over 30 accountants, including six partners, our firm was ranked as the 9th largest CPA firm in Hawaii in the 2013 Pacific Business News “Book of Lists". All of our partners and many of our professional staff are certified public accountants with postgraduate degrees in business administration or accounting, who have previous experience with an international accounting firm. In addition, our “hands-on” approach and low partner-to-staff ratio assure you that you will have direct contact with experienced certified public accountants.

10/08/2026

Succession planning isn’t about preparing for one person to leave. It’s about building a firm that can continue to grow when they do.

The strongest firms develop future leaders long before a transition is on the calendar. They share institutional knowledge, expand client relationships beyond one person, create opportunities for emerging leaders to step forward, and build systems that don’t depend on a single individual.

Because replacing a title is easy. Replacing years of relationships, experience, and knowledge isn’t.

The question isn’t just, “Who comes next?”

It’s: What are we building today that will still be strong tomorrow?

In his latest thought leadership article, Mathew Sagum, Director of People Operations, shares why succession planning should be an everyday leadership practice... not a conversation reserved for retirement.

10/02/2026

Friendly reminder ⏰ If you filed an extension this spring, the extended federal deadline for individual returns is Thursday, October 15.

Now is the time to send any remaining documents and get your questions answered. Our team is here to help.

📍 CWA CPAs | T**a Financial Center, 700 Bishop St. #1040, Honolulu, HI 96813 | cwa.cpa

09/30/2026

After nearly five decades in public accounting and nearly two decades of leadership at CWA, Rodney Harano is beginning a new chapter.

Effective September 1, Rodney has transitioned from his role as Partner — but thankfully, this isn’t goodbye. He will continue serving clients and supporting the CWA team, bringing with him the experience, perspective, and relationships built throughout an extraordinary career.

From beginning his career in 1978 to serving as a leader within Hawaiʻi’s accounting community and becoming the first CPA from Hawaiʻi elected to the AICPA Board of Directors, Rodney’s impact extends far beyond our firm.

At CWA, we are especially grateful for the leadership, dedication, and care he has given our clients, our people, and our organization since joining us in 2008.

Thank you, Rodney, for helping shape CWA into the firm it is today. We’re proud to celebrate all you’ve accomplished as a Partner — and even more grateful that your story with CWA continues.
Please join us in congratulating Rodney on this next chapter. 🧡

09/24/2026

The votes are in… and apparently we know each other pretty well. 😂📚

We asked the CWA team to vote on who in each department is most likely to… and the results did not disappoint.

From the people who always have the answer, to the lightning-fast email responders, perfectly organized desks, busy season calm-keepers, office comedians, mistake catchers, and those who somehow manage to stay one step ahead — every team has its people. 👀

Consider this our unofficial CWA Yearbook Superlatives.

Swipe through to see who earned the titles ➡️

And CWA team… do you agree with the results? Or did someone get robbed? 😂 Drop your picks in the comments!

09/17/2026

AI is changing the way we work. But maybe the bigger question isn’t what technology will replace — it’s how we prepare people for what comes next.

In his latest thought leadership article, CWA Audit Partner Mark Inafuku explores what the rise of AI could mean for organizations, career development, and the skills that will become increasingly valuable as routine work evolves.

Analytical thinking. Problem-solving. Communication. Sound judgment. These are human capabilities technology can support — but not simply replace.

The future isn’t people vs. technology. It’s finding the right balance between the two.

As Mark puts it, we may not be able to control every change ahead, but we can control how we respond — by investing in our people, creating opportunities to learn, and using technology thoughtfully.

Swipe through for a few of Mark’s key takeaways, then read the full article on LinkedIn.

09/10/2026

They passed the CPA exam! 🎉

Passing the CPA exam takes more than knowing the material. It takes consistency, discipline, plenty of review — and knowing when to give yourself a break.

We asked three members of the CWA team who recently passed the exam to share what worked for them:

📚 Aden Kinosh*ta: Stay consistent, stay active, and rest when you need to.
📝 Thomas Fukata: Build a study plan, keep your sessions consistent, and get those exam dates on the calendar.
🔄 Takako Inouye: Make review part of your routine — daily and weekly.

Different approaches, but one very clear common thread: consistency.

Congratulations, Aden, Thomas, and Takako! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance paid off, and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement with you. 👏

And to anyone currently studying for the CPA exam: save this one for the days you need a little extra motivation.

09/09/2026

Q4 has a way of arriving faster than expected.

Before the final quarter begins, now is a good time to take a closer look at where your business actually stands — from year-to-date performance and cash flow to upcoming expenses, tax considerations, and the items that still need to be cleaned up.

The goal isn’t just to have organized books. It’s to give yourself enough time to make informed decisions while you still have options.

Year-end planning is much more effective when it starts before year-end.

Swipe through for six areas worth reviewing now, and when you’re ready to start the conversation, connect with your CWA advisor.

📍 T**a Financial Center
700 Bishop St #1040, Honolulu, HI 96813
📞 (808) 531-1040
🌐 cwa.cpa

09/03/2026

Congratulations to our Tax Manager, Cherrie Liu! ✨

She has been accepted into the 2026 AICPA Leadership Academy. During this four-day program, accepted members will delve into what leadership means, career development, and how to enhance the accounting and finance profession as a leader.

Congratulations once again Cherrie 🎊

08/18/2026

Kinda chic to have your finances handled. ✨

Good planning isn’t just about tax season. It’s knowing what’s ahead, staying prepared, and having the right people to call when the numbers get complicated.

From proactive tax planning and audit readiness to accounting support throughout the year, CWA helps take the guesswork out of the financial side of business.

Because scrambling at the last minute? Not very chic.

📍 T**a Financial Center
📞 808-531-1040
🌐 cwa.cpa

08/17/2026

Leadership doesn’t begin with a title—and succession doesn’t begin when someone is ready to leave.

In her latest thought leadership article, CWA Audit Partner Lauren Bresnahan reflects on what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders: years of mentorship, shared experiences, meaningful opportunities, and the willingness to invest in people long before a promotion is on the table.

As technology continues to reshape the accounting profession, the tools may change—but judgment, perspective, relationships, and trust remain invaluable.

Because the strongest organizations don’t simply replace leaders. They create an environment where new ones have been growing all along.

Read Lauren’s full article, Leadership Is Built Long Before the Title, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-built-long-before-title-lauren-bresnahan-yaw5e

Address

700 Bishop Street, Ste 1040
Honolulu, HI
96813

Website

http://www.cwassociatescpas.com/

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