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Honolulu, Hawaiʻi · Est. 2004

Integrity-driven
Retirement Plan Consulting
and Wealth Management
for Hawaiʻi Nei

TAO provides fiduciary financial consulting to our local communities, serving as caretakers and stewards of company retirement plans, endowments, and individual and family investment portfolios.

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22+
Years Serving Hawaiʻi
75+
Local Businesses Served
100%
Locally Born & Raised
Our Foundation

Three Foundational Principles
Guide Everything We Do

In Hawaiʻi, financial guidance means more than numbers. It means understanding the ʻohana, communities, and values that shape every decision. TAO Investments Hawaiʻi has served employers and families across the islands since 2004.

TAO provides integrity-driven financial consulting to our communities. In our capacity as investment advisor representatives and fiduciaries, we relish the role of caretaker and steward of our clients' assets, whether a company retirement plan, endowment, or family investment portfolio.

T
Transparent Planning & Investment Processes

A transparent, client-centered process provides understanding about our services, investment strategies, and cost, improving our collective ability to make sound decisions together.

A
Accountability to Our Clients & Community

We are a local company and share the same values and aspirations as our clients. We serve our community and are accountable for our work.

O
Objective Strategies

As an independent fiduciary, our recommendations are guided by one standard: what is in the best interest of our clients. That is the commitment we make to every person and organization we serve in an advisory capacity.

DESIGNED FOR INTEGRITY Transparent Accountable Objective Tao.

Focused Expertise Across
Key and Critical Disciplines

Get in Touch

401(k)/403(b) Plan Consulting

Comprehensive fiduciary services for plan sponsors, including compliance oversight, investment menu design, vendor management, and participant education designed to raise the standard of care.

Investment Fiduciary Oversight

Independent fiduciary services as both ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary and 3(38) investment manager, including fee benchmarking, plan assessments, and governance process design that puts participants first.

Participant Education

Financial education and tools designed to help local employees understand their benefits, increase deferral rates, and build confidence on their journey to retirement.

Distribution Planning

Distribution planning is one of the most important decisions in retirement, coordinating tax-efficient withdrawals, the sequencing of assets, and legacy planning to protect what you've built for the next generation.

Portfolio Management

Institutional-quality portfolio construction, managed in-house with direct accountability for portfolio oversight across all asset classes.

Wealth Management

Holistic, customized investment planning for families and individuals, built on a deep understanding of each client's unique needs and goals here in the islands.

Retirement Plans

Stewardship of
Company Retirement Plans

Every Hawaiʻi employer deserves an independent fiduciary partner for their qualified retirement plan. We work for your participants, and no one else.

Transparency, Accountability & Objectivity

We've built a forward-looking financial practice with a foundation of independence, technical skill, and creativity. This gives us a transparent, disciplined approach to serving our community with integrity. It provides us with a grounded philosophy to build upon in an ever-changing world.

To reduce various service errors, we created a process with Fiduciary Integrity, an overlapping system of responsibility designed specifically for qualified plan sponsors. This helps the plan sponsor in understanding the cycle of a fiduciary and governance process.

FIDUCIARY INTEGRITY ERISA LEGAL COUNSEL THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR INVESTMENT MANAGERS, RECORD KEEPER FIDUCIARY PETER TSUKAZAKI QPFC, TGPC, AIFA PARTICIPANTS RYAN TANAKA CRPS, CPFA INVESTMENT DERWIN OSADA CFA, AIF, CPFA CLIENT
Key Principles
01

Raise the standard of care to better serve participants by pursuing prudence and integrity

02

Use a process that is coherent, cohesive, and compliant

03

Build key industry relationships to support our knowledge and vision

04

Perform in-house integration of vital services using best practices for clients

05

Leverage service providers to improve operational efficiencies, streamline processes, and decrease costs

ERISA Fiduciary Best Practices Self-Assessment
How well does your plan align with ERISA fiduciary best practices? Answer 24 questions across six key areas and receive an instant educational benchmark.
Take the Assessment
Why It's Important

Evolving Fiduciary Responsibilities

The retirement plan landscape has become increasingly complex. Regulatory requirements continue to expand, service providers have multiplied, and fiduciary responsibilities placed on plan sponsors have never been greater. Navigating this environment requires experience, independence, and a fiduciary partner committed to the oversight and governance your plan deserves.

Strengthening Participant Outcomes

Our experience suggests that greater emphasis should be placed on participant deferral behavior, not solely investment selection. Younger employees possess the powerful advantage of time, yet despite significant advances in financial education and digital planning tools, higher participant engagement and deferral rates have not consistently followed.

Independent Fiduciary Stewardship

TAO was established specifically to serve as an independent fiduciary partner for qualified plans, including 401(k) and 403(b) plan sponsors, acting as both an ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary and 3(38) investment manager. We understand the high standard of care required to steward a company's retirement plan, providing the compliance guidance plan sponsors depend upon alongside the thoughtful, practical support participants value.

Wealth Management

Specialists in
Distribution Planning
and Wealth

Every family in Hawaiʻi has a unique story shaped by island values, multi-generational relationships, and the realities of building and preserving wealth in one of the world’s most beautiful and most expensive places to call home. Our role is to understand yours and help build a plan worthy of it.

Our firm brings deep expertise in distribution planning, helping Hawaiʻi families navigate retirement income, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and generational wealth transfer by striving for clarity and discipline. Built on a foundation of proficiency, professionalism, and fiduciary responsibility, where your best interests guide every advisory recommendation. As a locally born Honolulu wealth management firm, we understand the unique financial considerations Hawaiʻi families face, from estate planning and concentrated real estate holdings to the complexities of island cost of living and multi-generational stewardship.

Building Upon a Strong Foundation

A Holistic Financial Picture

We view your financial picture holistically to pursue the best strategies for you and your portfolio. Our approach involves getting to know you and your family so that we may assess your needs, concerns, wishes and preferences to develop a lasting plan with flexibility for your changing needs.

Customized to Hawaiʻi Families

Experience has taught our firm that every family and organization in Hawaiʻi has its own story and specific needs. It is our goal to understand those needs and build lasting investment plans designed around each client’s individual circumstances.

Collaboration with Your Professional Network

A collaborative financial plan requires coordination. We work alongside your CPA or tax professional and estate attorney to help align your investment strategy, tax planning, and estate documents toward a cohesive, comprehensive approach.

INTEGRITY & BALANCE TRUST ATTORNEY FAMILY ACCOUNTANT FINANCIAL PLANNING BRAD ARAKI CFP, AIF INVESTMENTS DERWIN OSADA CFA, AIF, CPFA COLLABORATIVE OVERSIGHT PETER TSUKAZAKI QPFC, TGPC, AIFA CLIENT
Managing Resources Now, and For Generations

Navigating Complex Markets

Investing is, in many ways, the discipline of preparing for uncertainty while building toward a desired future. As stewards of your portfolio, it is our responsibility to continuously assess the economic, market, and geopolitical landscape and position assets thoughtfully in response to changing conditions.

Risk Management With Discipline

As caretakers of client assets, we maintain a constant focus on risk measurement, asset valuation, and portfolio resilience. With long-term financial goals as our guide, timely risk identification allows us to evaluate changing conditions, make disciplined portfolio adjustments, and seek to manage downside exposure.

Institutional Investment Oversight

Our investment team directly oversees investment selection and portfolio allocation, bringing deep institutional experience to every client relationship. This allows us to tailor strategies thoughtfully for each client's individual circumstances, financial priorities, and long-term goals.

Existing clients can access their portfolio and account information through our secure client portal.

Team TAO

Born and raised
in Hawaiʻi

All team members were born and raised in Hawaiʻi, so a local sensibility permeates the firm, leading to a better understanding of our clients' needs and goals. Our greatest reward is helping our clients find financial clarity and balance.

Check the background of our investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck ↗

Peter Tsukazaki

One of the first financial consultants in the nation to receive the QPFC® designation. The only consultant in Hawaiʻi with this distinction. FINRA series 7 & 63 via LPL Financial.

Peter Tsukazaki
AIFA®, QPFC, TGPC
Founding Partner
Bradley Araki

CFP® since 2007, AIF® from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. UH Shidler College scholarship recipient and founding BEST member. Active non-profit volunteer.

Brad Araki
CFP®, AIF®
Partner, Client Services
Derwin Osada

Derwin is a Partner and in charge of Investments at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi with over 30 years of experience in the investment industry. Throughout his career, he has overseen billions in assets across equity, taxable fixed income, and municipal bond portfolios, including institutional portfolio management responsibilities covering trading, analysis, and operations.

He has worked with high-net-worth families, institutions, and corporate clients to build investment strategies aligned with their goals and values. At TAO, Derwin provides institutional investment analysis, strategic insight, and guidance on the firm’s economic outlook, helping support both clients and the broader consulting team.

Derwin holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations, along with FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial.

When he is not working, Derwin enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his son at baseball games.

Derwin Osada
CFA®, AIF®, CPFA
Partner, Investments
Ryan Tanaka
Ryan Tanaka
CRPS®, CPFA
Managing Principal, Retirement Plans
Shelley Ching
Shelley Ching
 
Office Manager
Jason Lau
Jason Lau
AIF®, CPFA
Senior Consultant, Participant Services
Joy Kodama

CFP® with experience in financial services since 1999. UH graduate who returned home to Hawaiʻi in 2007. Community volunteer and pickleball enthusiast.

Joy Kodama
CFP®, AIF®, CPFA
Senior Financial Consultant
Jena Agena

Supports client services with dedication and care, helping ensure every client interaction reflects TAO's commitment to integrity, responsiveness, and community.

Jena Agena
 
Assistant, Client Services

Tao for financial
clarity and balance

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Check the background of this firm on FINRA’s BrokerCheck | FINRA BrokerCheck
Joy Kodama
Joy Kodama
CFP®, AIF®, CPFA
Senior Financial Consultant

Joy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with more than two decades of experience guiding individuals, families, and business owners through the complexities of wealth management. Having entered the financial services industry in 1999 and becoming licensed in 2001, she specializes in comprehensive planning that integrates retirement and distribution strategies, investment management, tax-efficient planning, and legacy considerations, consistently with a fiduciary commitment to her clients’ best interests.

In addition to her CFP® certification, Joy holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®) designations. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Joy returned home in 2007. Deeply rooted in her community, she values meaningful relationships both personally and professionally and is passionate about helping families create financial clarity and confidence for future generations.

Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, actively volunteers with her church, and has been known to coordinate an occasional pickleball tournament.

Jena Agena
Jena Agena
 
Assistant, Client Services

Jena is a Financial Advisor Assistant at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi, where she supports clients and advisors through responsive service and seamless operational coordination. She manages records, client communications, and daily workflows with precision and care, contributing to a professional and client-focused experience.

With a passion for financial planning and strong organizational skills, Jena plays a vital role in delivering personalized, values-based support aligned with TAO Investments’ mission and clients.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, running, and reading.

Peter Tsukazaki
Peter M. Tsukazaki
AIFA®, QPFC, TGPC
Founding Partner

Peter founded Tsukazaki & Associates, LLC in 2004, which later rebranded into TAO Investments Hawaiʻi in 2015. His vision of creating and developing a boutique service organization has driven his career of over 35 years.

Peter’s early success in establishing key relationships and learning from industry experts helped to develop the local expertise necessary for an exceptional team.

His core education foundation consists of the following designations: Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA®) from the Center of Fiduciary Studies, Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC), and Tax Exempt and Government Plan Consultant (TGPC) from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries.

Peter continues to advance his knowledge base by regularly attending specialized workshops and by becoming a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) Government Affairs committee in 2013, and has since been invited to represent the community and practice in Washington, DC. Peter holds the FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial.

Aside from the technical jargon, Peter enjoys traveling with his family.

Shelley Ching
Shelley Ching
 
Office Manager

Shelley is the Office Manager and has been an integral part of the company for 20 years. She is a key contributor to the team’s success, keeping the office operating smoothly and efficiently. A diligent and exceptionally organized taskmaster, she coordinates meetings, directs the overall administrative workflow, and oversees the entire office.

In her personal time, she remains engaged in her children’s activities and cherishes time spent with family, friends, and her four dogs.

Brad Araki
Bradley S. Araki
CFP®, AIF®
Partner, Client Services

Brad is a Partner and in charge of Client Services at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations and works predominantly with the firm’s wealth clients, overseeing all client-facing initiatives.

Brad is actively involved in the Business Executive Society of Tomorrow (BEST) student organization and the Scouting program with Pack and Troop 35. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations through LPL Financial and maintains life and health licenses.

Outside of work, Brad enjoys supporting his three children in their many activities, golfing, fishing, and cooking for his family.

Jason Lau
Jason Lau
AIF®, CPFA
Senior Consultant, Participant Services

Jason is the Senior Consultant for Participant Services at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi and brings 33 years of experience in the financial services industry. Over the last 26 years, his work has centered on guiding individuals through retirement planning and long‑term savings strategies.

As a Financial Advisor, he has extensive experience serving both high‑net‑worth individuals and emerging investors. He provides guidance on saving, investing, and wealth‑building, and he delivers personalized strategies that reflect each client’s individual financial goals.

Jason has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designations and holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 registrations through LPL Financial. He additionally maintains a State of Hawaii license for life, accident, and health insurance.

Outside of work, he can often be found perfecting automotive finishes, relaxing with family, or embarking on quests to uncover whatever unique flavors a place has to offer.

Ryan Tanaka
Ryan Tanaka
CRPS®, CPFA
Managing Principal, Retirement Plans

Ryan is a Managing Principal of Retirement Plans at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi with over 15 years of experience in the retirement plan industry. He has partnered with organizations of all sizes to design, implement, and oversee retirement plans that serve both employers and the long-term financial wellbeing of their participants, providing fiduciary guidance, compliance oversight, and strategic support to help plan sponsors fulfill their responsibilities and help participants achieve better retirement outcomes.

Prior to joining TAO, Ryan spent 14 years at TIAA, advancing through multiple roles to Senior Director of Relationship Management, where he oversaw approximately $13 billion in assets under management serving institutional clients across California, Alaska, and Hawaiʻi.

Ryan holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® (CRPS®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designations, along with FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations through LPL Financial. He also holds Hawaii Life, Variable Life, and Variable Annuity licenses.

Outside of work, Ryan serves as Board Treasurer at Catholic Charities Hawaii, reflecting his dedication to serving and strengthening local communities across Hawaiʻi. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter at the beach and sandbar.

Derwin Osada
Derwin Osada
CFA®, AIF®, CPFA
Partner, Investments

Derwin is a Partner and in charge of Investments at TAO Investments Hawaiʻi with over 30 years of experience in the investment industry. Throughout his career, he has overseen billions in assets across equity, taxable fixed income, and municipal bond portfolios, including institutional portfolio management responsibilities covering trading, analysis, and operations.

He has worked with high-net-worth families, institutions, and corporate clients to build investment strategies aligned with their goals and values. At TAO, Derwin provides institutional investment analysis, strategic insight, and guidance on the firm’s economic outlook, helping support both clients and the broader consulting team.

Derwin holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations, along with FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial.

When he is not working, Derwin enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his son at baseball games.