Who We Are
Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to promote the long-term sustainability of the State of Hawaiʻi by strengthening the people, cultures, and locally rooted economies that make Hawaiʻi distinct and resilient.
While sustainability in Hawaiʻi is often discussed in terms of climate, environment, and agriculture, the Foundation recognizes that true sustainability is also deeply rooted in people — the diverse residents who live in Hawaiʻi, preserve its cultural heritage, and sustain communities through small and family-owned businesses.
Hawaiʻi is a place where connection matters. People often know one another, yet may not fully see or understand how others live, work, or contribute within the local economy and community. In a place where opportunity is often shaped by visibility and access, meaningful connection becomes essential.
Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation exists to strengthen those connections — so that people, culture, and locally rooted businesses can be seen, supported, and sustained together.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s long-term sustainability by supporting people, cultures, and locally rooted businesses through education, visibility, and community connection.
We work to ensure that residents and small businesses have the knowledge, access, and relationships needed to participate responsibly and confidently in Hawaiʻi’s local economic and cultural systems.
What We Do
Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation designs and delivers educational workshops, community programs, and public initiatives that:
Increase understanding of Hawaiʻi’s local systems, including taxes, licensing, workforce pathways, and culturally respectful practices
Support small and family-owned businesses by increasing visibility and sharing lived experience
Create spaces for residents, professionals, and community members to connect, learn, and collaborate
Foster long-term community resilience through informed participation and shared responsibility
All activities are conducted exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our Approach
Our work is grounded in a simple belief:
in Hawaiʻi, sustainability begins with connection.
Rather than focusing solely on transactions or short-term outcomes, we prioritize relationship-building, shared understanding, and long-term engagement. By presenting businesses as people — not merely as commercial entities — we foster trust, mutual understanding, and stronger pathways for participation across the community.
Our programs are designed to work together:
education builds understanding, visibility creates connection, and public initiatives strengthen community participation.
Looking Ahead
Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation is committed to building a community-driven ecosystem where people, culture, and locally rooted businesses can grow together.
Through education, visibility, and connection, we seek to ensure that growth in Hawaiʻi remains rooted in shared responsibility — so that Hawaiʻi continues to thrive as Hawaiʻi.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!