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September 30, 2026
Hunt Companies Hawai‘i President Steve Colón was honored as an American Patriot by the Navy League of the United States, Honolulu Council. Presented on Sept. 19, the award is bestowed annually upon two individuals, one civilian and one military, in recognition of their exceptional public service, leadership and commitment to both Hawai‘i and the country.
“I am incredibly honored to be named a 2026 American Patriot,” said Steve Colón. “The Navy has been a major part of my life since I was a teenager, and so much of who I am today is because of the Navy.”
Steve spent a combined 27 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve, retiring as a captain in 2006. He was recalled to active duty during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns and again following the 9/11 attacks. His service included active-duty tours on the guided missile cruiser USS Fox, the minesweeper USS Adroit, the command ship USS Blue Ridge with the staff of the commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, and the staff of the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.
During the Adroit’s Desert Storm deployment, the crew recovered and destroyed 55 mines, resulting in multiple awards and citations. Steve was individually awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (with Combat “V”) for his role in escorting the damaged USS Princeton out of a minefield.
Steve has been deeply involved in the community for decades. Support of military and veteran causes has long been a focus; he is board chair of the Military Affairs Council of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i and has served as chair of the USS Missouri Memorial Association for the past six years. He has also held leadership positions with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Hawai‘i Chapter, as well as with the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable, Hawai‘i Theatre and the Urban Land Institute, Hawai‘i Chapter.
Steve is widely respected for his more than 35 years of experience in real estate development, leasing, sales, investment and management. During his tenure with Hunt, he has been responsible for more than $1 billion in residential and commercial development across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and the Big Island.
Honored alongside Steve is retired Adm. John C. Aquilino, former commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and a member of the Hawaiian Electric Co. board of directors.
