The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation

Congratulations to our SPAARK, Inc. Team for securing a contract to deliver mission-critical professional data analytics services in support of the Headquarters Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, and the Office of the Provost Marshal General (OPMG). Ho’omaika’i!! #NHO #HPF

We are inspired by the opportunity to participate in NHOA's (Native Hawaiian Organizations Association) inaugural Community Showcase, a gathering of 45 non-profit organizations dedicated to uplifting the Native Hawaiian community. The event was a powerful reminder of the strength we find in coming together—when stories are shared, relationships are built, and partnerships thrive. As part of the event, The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation was honored to present a $5,000 award to Moanalua Gardens Foundation dba MGF Hawaiʻi during the showcase prize drawing, celebrating their incredible contributions to preserving our cultural and natural heritage. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who made this event possible, and to the organizations that shared their mana‘o and aloha. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our lāhui.

Our incredible Visual Information Services team at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies recently attended a community gathering hosted by The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for our team to connect with HPF Board Members (pictured here) and learn more about the impactful work the foundation and other prominent individuals and organizations are doing within the Hawaiian community. The night was full of great conversation, live music, 'ono (yummy) food, and aloha! Mahalo for allowing us to take part in this inspiring night!

We chose the name of our community gatherings with great care: ‘Imi i ka Mana’o - to seek connection and meaning. This name embodies the heart of what we strive to inspire each time we bring people together. These gatherings, held every few months, are more than opportunities to convene; they are purposeful moments to nurture partnerships, spark collaboration, and build relationships within our Native Hawaiian community. In these spaces, open dialogue and genuine connection pave the way for addressing systemic challenges and imagining meaningful change. They reflect who we are - grounded in intention, rooted in culture, and deeply committed to strengthening our lāhui with care and purpose. This time, we welcomed many new faces, including our SPAARK, Inc. team from Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies and emerging leaders from Papahana Aloha ‘Āina Hawai'i and HFD Explorers. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who made this event possible! Special thanks to Chef Bobby from Kalamas Kuisine, Pnut from Nā Mea Ono, Hui Mele, Maria, and our host venue, Bishop Museum.

Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula on his historic induction into the National Academy of Medicine, making him the first Native Hawaiian to receive this honor. Dr. Kaholokula’s groundbreaking work in integrating Indigenous cultural values and practices into health care has significantly advanced care for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, particularly in addressing cardiovascular, diabetes, and obesity disparities. His leadership continues to shape health systems and policy, making a lasting impact on our communities. Well deserved, Dr. Kaholokula!

The 1st ANNUAL NHOA Community Showcase was a huge success!! Thank you to the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association for turning this vision into reality. The energy in the room was incredible and so uplifting! It was inspiring to witness the synergy of connections, both old and new, and to see new partnerships blossoming right there on the spot. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this remarkable community. Special mahalo nui to Jeannin-Melissa Jeremiah, JD, Moea Kekauoha and Hali’a Gora for taking on the heavy lift! Pūpūkahi i holomua — United we move forward Mahalo to the event sponsors: The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation Nakupuna Foundation Hui Huliau HAWAIIAN NATIVE CORPORATION Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation (NHCDC), Kekoa Foundation #NHO #NHOA #NativeHawaiianOrganziations Shannon Edie, Cariann Ah Loo, Naki Sabas, MBA, Edwin (Skip) Vincent, Juanita Wolfgramm, P.E.

Calling all prospective & current graduate students who are Native Hawaiian and/or committed to Native Hawaiian issues: Fellowships are available now for both graduate degree study and doctoral research, generously supported by The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation and @Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies to advance Native Hawaiian educational opportunities. To learn more about the fellowships and eligibility requirements, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gTKJwh2U The Graduate Degree Fellowship funds Master’s or Doctoral study, in any field of study at University of Hawaii at Manoa, while providing a unique opportunity to participate in our educational, cultural, and residential community. The award covers tuition, partial living expenses, health insurance, and housing at EWC facilities. Apply by December 1, 2024. Applications for the Doctoral Research Award will open on March 1, 2025 and deadline to apply is May 31, 2025.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI to our incredible SPAARK, Inc. team!!! 🎉 SPAARK has been awarded three new contracts at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). These contracts cover two key areas: Visual Information services—including graphic design, photography, videography, and podcast production to support internal and external communications—and Audiovisual Enhancement services to upgrade several multimedia seminar rooms, enhancing the Center’s capability to produce and present content for classes, events, and lectures. This marks our first Hawai'i-based contract in almost 10 years! Walt Kaneakua, HPF’s Vice Chairman, reflects, "This occasion comes full circle, as Senator Inouye founded both the Center and the NHO program." We want to acknowledge the extraordinary effort that went into pivoting, shifting priorities, and reallocating resources to secure these wins. In the face of immense pressure, the SPAARK team demonstrated unwavering grit and collaboration, pushing through challenges with tenacity and determination. This contract carries immense significance. It paves the way for future Hawai'i-based opportunities, allowing us to further establish our local presence and build momentum for continued growth. This success positions us for long-term, transformational partnerships and a sustained footprint in the islands, while also employing local talent. It’s the first step in what we believe will be a much larger journey, setting the stage for future contracts that will elevate all firms and HPF to new heights in Hawai‘i.

While in Washington, DC, we had the privilege of attending a national hearing hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Joint Ventures and Small Business Participation in Multiple Award Contracts. This remarkable opportunity allowed us to engage with federal leaders and small business owners, exchanging ideas and exploring solutions to foster a more equitable playing field. The hearing highlighted the critical role of the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program and addressed both the challenges and successes small businesses experience in government contracting. A special mahalo to Administrator Isabela C Guzman, Jackie Robinson-Burnette, and the entire team for your dedicated hard work and for taking the time to listen. Jeanine DeFries Juanita Wolfgramm, P.E. Pua‘ena P. Moea Kekauoha Teani DeFries Hali'amaka Gora

This week, our team at The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation alongside Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation (NHCDC), was joined by fellow Native Hawaiian Organizations Association members, Nakupuna Foundation and Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies, as we traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the Native American Contractors Association (NACA) Emerging Leaders Summit. After a multi-year hiatus, we are excited to see the return of this impactful program! It provided an incredible opportunity for our next generation of leaders to immerse themselves in the world of government contracting and learn about the policies and advocacy efforts supporting the 8(a) program—an essential resource for Native contractors. We were also honored to meet with members of our delegation on Capitol Hill, where our young leaders gained firsthand experience in engaging with policymakers and understanding the vital connections between government and the Native contracting community. Special thanks to our Hawai’i delegation, Senator Brian Schatz, Senator Mazie Hirono, Representative Jill Tokuda and Representative Ed Case for their insights and commitment to our community. We are grateful for NACA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Native contracting community, and we look forward to seeing our young leaders build on this valuable experience. Mahalo to our traveling crew: Jeanine DeFries, Moea Kekauoha, Teani DeFries, Hali’a Gora, Lōpaka Baptiste, Juanita Wolfgramm, P.E., Pua‘ena P., Jessica Sherman #LeadershipDevelopment #NACA #GovernmentContracting #NativeHawaiianCommunity #8aProgram #Advocacy #partnership #SBA #NHOA #NativeHawaiianOrganizationsAssociation #TheHawaiiPacificFoundation #NHO