Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation was established with a clear purpose :

to promote the long-term sustainability of Hawaiʻi by strengthening the people, cultures, and locally rooted economies that make Hawaiʻi distinct and resilient.

In Hawaiʻi, sustainability is often discussed in terms of climate, environment, and agriculture. While these areas are essential, we recognize that sustainability here is also deeply human. Hawaiʻi is a place where people are closely connected — many know one another, yet often do not fully see or understand how others live, work, or contribute within the community.

In a place where connection matters so deeply, opportunity is often shaped not only by ability, but by visibility and access.

Local and family-owned businesses, cultural practitioners, and community members play a critical role in Hawaiʻi’s social and economic fabric. These individuals and enterprises do more than provide goods and services. They create local employment, preserve cultural practices, foster human connection, and sustain a sense of place that cannot be replicated by large, externally driven corporations. Yet as outside interests continue to expand across Hawaiʻi’s markets, many locally rooted efforts remain overlooked or disconnected from broader opportunity.

Hawaiʻi Sustainable Foundation exists to address this gap by making connections visible, accessible, and meaningful. Through educational workshops, community programs, and public initiatives, we work to help residents better understand Hawaiʻi’s local systems — from taxes and licensing to workforce pathways and culturally respectful practices — so they can participate with confidence and awareness.

At the same time, we focus on increasing visibility for small and family-owned businesses by sharing their stories and creating spaces where people can meet, learn from one another, and form authentic connections. By presenting businesses as people — not merely as commercial entities — we foster trust, mutual understanding, and long-term community engagement.

Hawaiʻi Local Futures represents one expression of this mission. It reflects our belief that when people can clearly see who is here, what they do, and how they contribute, stronger connections form — and with them, more inclusive and resilient pathways forward.

Our work is guided by a simple belief: in Hawaiʻi, connection is essential.

By strengthening how those connections are formed and understood, we can support growth that remains rooted in people, culture, and shared responsibility — ensuring that Hawaiʻi continues to thrive as Hawaiʻi.