Our Mission
The Hawai’i Pacific Foundation enriches Native Hawaiians through partner-leveraged contributions supporting education, workforce development, economic stability, and community developments. We succeed through opportunities that foster cultural development, contributing to strong, vibrant Native Hawaiian communities.
Our Vision
Anchored in faith and aligned with purpose, we envision a world where Native Hawaiians – rooted in knowledge, leadership, and opportunity – can chart their own course toward success.
By honoring our roots and embracing innovation, we cultivate a legacy of strength, sustainability, and transformation. In this thriving community, every relationship, every opportunity, and every act of service creates waves of change. By standing firm in our values and uplifting future generations, we ensure a future of abundance and impact for all.
Values
Connecting, Protecting, Empowering
Kuleana
Responsibility
Grounded in purpose, guided by Ke Akua, honoring culture & legacy
Kaiaulu
Community
We rise together, we grow to give
Mālama
Stewardship
We care for the land, people, and future with vision
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Our History
The Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation (HPF) was founded on May 11, 2010, guided by a vision to empower Hawaiian communities through education and cultural values. In its early years, HPF operated as a small nonprofit in Honolulu, rooted in decades of leadership and service. The organization’s first community giveback marked a modest yet significant beginning. One of the earliest needs identified was support for the DoD STARBASE Program, an educational initiative introducing 5th graders to STEM through hands-on learning in astronomy. Students traveled long distances to attend summer sessions on Hawai‘i Island, but transportation between Kona and Hilo posed a major barrier. HPF provided $3,000 to cover buses for the duration of the program, ensuring equitable access for participating haumāna and their families. This early investment reflects a guiding principle that continues today: addressing overlooked aspects of community programs with practical, sustainable solutions. From those beginnings, HPF has built lasting connections with community partners and remains committed to impactful service through God’s grace.
Our Leadership
Edwin A. “Skip” Vincent
Founder
Jeanine DeFries
President & CEO
Board Secretary
Walt Kaneakua
Chairman
Debbi Eleneki
Director
Kaipo Crowell
Director
Dr. Makanani Salā
Director
Our People
Seung Lim
Vice President of Finance &
Investment Strategy
Hali‘amaka Gora
Accounting Associate
Hoakalei Sasaoka
Media Advisor
Moea Kekauoha
Communications & Community Engagement Specialist
Teani DeFries
Community Liaison
Camille Chambers
Internal Counsel &
Compliance Officer
A Symbol of Who We Are
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What is a Native Hawaiian Organization?
A Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) is a nonprofit created to serve and strengthen the Native Hawaiian community. Guided by Native Hawaiian leadership, NHOs exist to ensure that business success directly supports cultural, educational, and economic well-being.
• Nonprofit foundation: Every NHO is registered as a nonprofit organization.
• Native Hawaiian leadership: A majority Native Hawaiian board of directors governs and sets direction.
• Community benefit: The NHO’s central purpose is to uplift Native Hawaiians through programs, opportunities, and reinvestment.
• Business alignment: The work of NHO-owned companies must primarily benefit the NHO and, in turn, the Native Hawaiian community.
• Federal trust: NHOs have a proven track-record grounded in law and history with the federal government and are trusted to work in a streamlined contracting process.
Through the federal SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, NHO-owned companies are eligible for direct award government contracts. This unique opportunity enables:
• Economic development: Profits from subsidiary businesses flow back to the NHO, fueling community programs and services.
• Capacity building: The program helps Native Hawaiians build sustainable businesses, expand skills, and create local jobs.
The true measure of an NHO is in its impact. Revenues generated support initiatives such as:
• Youth and leadership development
• Workforce training and job creation
• Preservation of Hawaiian language and culture
• Strategic partnerships that grow opportunity and strengthen community capacity
In short, an NHO transforms government contracting into a pathway for lasting cultural, social, and economic change for Native Hawaiians.