Palani founded Foresight Engineering & Design in early 2018 to fill a need for qualified, locally based engineering services on the Big Island’s west side.  Thanks to the mentorship and guidance of other long-standing members of the engineering community, including Steve Herbert and Nancy Burns, the business has grown in leaps and bounds from designing and permitting septic systems and small stone walls to entire subdivisions, multifamily affordable housing units, stormwater mitigation measures and municipal utilities for public and private clients alike.

 

Born and raised in Kailua Kona, Palani is a passionate supporter of community improvement projects and responsible land use.  He is a lifelong waterman and a proud graduate of Kealakehe High School and the Colorado School of Mines.

Born and raised in Honoka’a along the Big Island’s wild north coast, Winter’s passion for artistic expression and love for the ocean took him to Chapman University in southern California where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film production.  His career in film editing and production eventually led him to Foresight where his artistic eye, deep focus, and attention to detail have made him an invaluable asset to the team as both a CAD draftsman and as engineering support across a multitude of project types.

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Before coming to work at Foresight, Winter helped to create and manage a productive Koa lumber salvage and milling operation on the slopes of Mauna Loa, restored historic structures in Kohala and developed a unique style of mosaic panel artwork using native Hawaiian hardwoods and traditional kapa cloth patterns, one of which won best in show at the 2024 Hawaii’s Wood Show in Honolulu.

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