Since 1960, Hawaii’s entrepreneurs have worked with Hawaii National Bank to grow their businesses, serve our communities and help our islands thrive. 

Entrepreneur Tiana Gamble, CEO of Goodmerch Supply, chose to work with Hawaii National Bank because they understand Hawaii and what being a local bank means.

From our first branch in Chinatown to locations throughout Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, we have championed locally owned, closely held businesses. Now in our third generation of family leadership, we know what it takes to run a local business – from putting in long days to finding the right financial solutions. 

“We succeed when our customers succeed, and together we strengthen our whole community,” says Hawaii National Bank President and CEO Bryan Luke. “Highly personalized service is what sets us apart, allowing us to bring big visions to life for the smallest business.” 

Junichiro Tsuchiya, of Maguro Brothers, has been working with Hawaii National Bank Relationship Officer Kenneth Koroda for over 15 years.

Our experienced relationship officers start by listening carefully to each customer’s story, getting to know them and understand their goals. Each customer is different, and so is each financial path, requiring tailored products and services to meet individual needs. 

Your favorite local restaurants, artists, doctors, distributors and many more are working with Hawaii National Bank to shape the sights, sounds, tastes, and services of this place we call home. 

Entrepreneurs and musicians Jenn “JRoq” Wright and Quinn Miyashiro of Gate Ki, appreciate the hands-on support of Hawaii National Bank.

“In this business environment, it’s great to have a community around you, and part of that are the partners that you get to work with,” says Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and a longtime Hawaii National Bank customer. “A banker is one of those partners, and if you’ve got a great relationship with your banker, you’ve got someone at your back. They can be a tremendous resource.” 

Local Businesses Start with Hawaii National Bank. Find out more at hawaiinational.bank.

The Catalyst Fund is the heartbeat of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. It powers everything we do and allows us to move at the speed of our community’s needs. These flexible dollars let us address our state’s greatest challenges in the moment and evolve as needs shift and change. We can be nimble and responsive—proactive, when necessary, reactive when the moment demands it.

Your contribution helps us stay ready for whatever comes next.

Learn more about the Catalyst Fund and our other funds creating CHANGE across Hawai‘i. Visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/give or connect with our team at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/donors.

Mahalo for investing in what matters most—our people, our ‘āina, our future.

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter hosted its 4th Hoʻohuli Design Excellence Awards at the ‘Alohilani Resort—an evening celebrating interior design across the islands. As the local chapter of the IIDA, a global network supporting commercial interior designers, students, educators, and industry partners, they continue to foster a tight-knit and supportive design community. 

True to the meaning of hoʻohuli, “to change or transform,” the awards recognize work that shapes how people live and experience place. IIDA CEO Cheryl Durst opened the celebration virtually, noting that Hawai‘i’s designers set “the highest standards for design that is responsive to place, environmentally sensitive, and culturally grounded,” and describing design as “the story of change, and the profound impact it has on all who inhabit a space.” 

The Grand Hoʻohuli Award went to Yohei Sushi Kahala by Wander x Wonder, praised as “a space that doesn’t shout—it resonates,” reflecting thoughtful restraint and cultural clarity. Next Design had an especially strong showing this year, earning recognition for several projects, including Central Pacific Bank Kahului, the Fertility Institute of Hawai‘i, and Uncle Paul’s Corner Store—a sweep that underscored the firm’s range and impact across multiple categories. Across the board, many strong and thoughtful projects were recognized, showing the depth and care of Hawai‘i’s design talent. 

The program also highlighted the designers whose leadership and service move the profession forward. Mary Philpotts was honored for her lasting influence and cultural stewardship; Monique Palisbo for her commitment to supporting the chapter; Holly Boling Ruiz for strengthening industry partnerships and advocacy; and Allyson Gonzaga for the promise she brings as an emerging professional.

The evening came together through the dedication of the volunteer planning committee and the generous support of chapter sponsors. Anyone interested in contributing to this growing community—whether as a member, partner, or sponsor—can learn more and stay connected by visiting https://iida-hi.org/ or following us on Instagram at @iidahawaiipacific. 

Hawaiʻi’s health care system is short thousands of workers, and while progress has been made to fill shortages, more work is required. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s 2024 Workforce Survey, the health care system is short 4,669 non-physician workers and more than 700 physicians — a gap that threatens to widen as the demand for care increases.

“The demand remains high and is going to continue to increase because of the aging population,” says Janna Hoshide, vice president of workforce development for the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi. “So it’s really critical that we continue to invest and grow our own here, especially because Hawaiʻi is so geographically isolated.”

To meet the growing need, Kaiser Permanente is taking an active role in strengthening the health care workforce pipeline through community partnerships that offer students mentorships and early exposure to the industry. These initiatives target high school and college students to build awareness and spark interest in health care, especially in roles where the need is most urgent.

“By far the biggest need are entry-level positions,” Hoshide says, noting roles such as certified nurses, medical assistants, patient service representatives, and phlebotomists. “So overall, we have a lot of efforts trying to impact the entry-level positions.”

Innovative learning labs

The Diagnostic Imaging Summer Experience eight-week program introduces students to careers in radiology.

One early exposure initiative led by the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi is transforming high school classrooms into learning labs, starting with Waiʻanae High School, with plans to eventually expand statewide.

With support from Kaiser Permanente and other funders, the Waiʻanae High School Health Services Lab broke ground in July; it’s set to open in February.

The renovated building will have classroom space and state-of-the-art lab areas, including an exam room, a hospital bay, long-term care bays, and a phlebotomy station. Once open, it will immediately benefit 153 students who have chosen the health services pathway.

“We really appreciate the partnership with Kaiser Permanente and I think it’s been great that they’ve been innovative and trying out new programs and models with us,” says Hoshide. “That’s been really helpful. And that’s what it takes, all of us experimenting and having that innovative spirit in order for us to support the students and really strengthen the health care workforce.”

Hands-on internships

In addition to its community partnerships, Kaiser Permanente also runs its own initiatives focused on the health care pipeline. The Summer Youth Employment Program, now in its second year, marks a focused effort to engage younger talent. The paid summer internships offer Oʻahu and Maui high school and college students meaningful, hands-on experiences in health care settings.

Far more than just summer jobs, the internships are thoughtfully designed to expose students to roles in health care and support their long-term growth. “We want to make sure that it’s an experience for them that they will forever remember,” says Kaiser Permanente operations manager Jackie Fernando.

She emphasizes the importance of intentional placements, as interns are thoughtfully matched with departments of interest, and if the fits aren’t right, they can explore different areas the following year.

The approach helps the interns figure out their future paths, so they may feel confident in the health care careers that they choose to pursue. “I feel like the impact that it’s making is going to change the future of health care,” Fernando says.

In the field of radiology, another Kaiser Permanente summer program is offering similar opportunities to high school and college students, in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The Diagnostic Imaging Summer Experience is an eight-week program that exposes students to different health care fields within radiology departments.

“What we’re trying to do is to get local students or kids to go into the health care field,” says Dr. Lee Miyasato, a radiologist for Kaiser Permanente. “And you know, you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Students receive hands-on experience working with CT scans, ultrasound, MRI, and X-rays.

“The students have a rotation of different experiences, particular to diagnostic imaging, but they also are exposed to what happens, such as the consult, communicating with the different physicians, and really being able to increase their professional skills, and seeing how it actually happens in the workforce,” says Juli Patao, associate professor of Cooperative Education at UH Maui College.

While students rotate between the Kaiser Permanente Maui Lani and Wailuku Medical Offices, they also report to UH Maui College to talk about their college futures and how to prepare for the workforce, with such topics as employer benefits, financial education, and how to budget college loan debt.

“The goal was not only to lead them into a diagnostic type imaging summer experience, but any student who wanted to major in the medical field would be exposed to different careers,” says Patao, who notes that some students aren’t aware of medical careers outside of being a doctor or nurse. “It really gave them that huge exposure of something to look forward to in their future.”

Career exploration day

Maui County students at the Career Exploration Day received hands-on experience in different health care fields.

To further spark interest among young people in health care careers, the Maui Economic Development Board held its first Career Exploration Day in April at the Maui Lani Medical Office, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.

“We have the greatest shortages in Maui County,” says Leslie Wilkins, president and CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board. “That’s why we launched our health sector partnership, to hear directly from our medical providers on how can we continue to support growing the health sector economy with all kinds of needs,” she continues. “But of course, the No. 1 need that comes up is the workforce pipeline.”

The Career Exploration Day gathered students from Maui County high schools to take part in activities such as creating casts and splints, exploring echocardiograms and MRIs, learning about labor and delivery, and practicing suturing techniques.

“We had five breakout sessions that were looking at critical need and the gaps we have in medical care here,” says Wilkins. “And so the students actually physically did activities under the direction and alongside the doctors practicing in these fields.” Those breakout sessions focused on obstetrics, cardiology, orthopedics, radiology, and general surgery.

Wilkins says she’s gotten great feedback from students who say the Career Exploration Day piqued their interest in medical school, and from their parents as well. More events are scheduled for the winter and spring.

“With the volatile and ever-changing state of public funding, the private sector investment from Kaiser Permanente has a really important impact in sustaining our efforts in education and career pathways,” Wilkins says.

The event, like other programs supported by Kaiser Permanente, provides the hands-on experience and mentorship that will inspire the next generation of health care professionals across Hawaiʻi, with the hope of helping to close the health care workforce shortage gap.

When Food Becomes Health Care

Community-led programs supported by Kaiser Permanente are using food to improve health outcomes.

Using food as medicine is a powerful way to tackle one of the most significant social determinants of health, especially in communities facing food insecurity.

The Food is Medicine movement is gaining momentum in the health care field, with meal and grocery distribution programs, produce prescriptions, and more. And it all stems from the principle that better nutrition not only leads to healthier lives, it promotes equitable and preventive health care and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

“I think health care is catching on to the fact that food is a primary health care intervention. It’s a form of primary health,” says Lucas McKinnon, managing director of the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance.

The organization represents a diverse hui of organizations and individuals, from “farmers to producers to aggregators to food banks to federally qualified health care systems to cultural practitioners,” says Kaʻiulani Odom, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance.

Prescribing Produce

The alliance is piloting a Food is Medicine program with the Waimānalo Health Center, providing Medicaid patients with weekly produce boxes sourced from local farmers. Supported by Kaiser Permanente, the six-month pilot is laying the groundwork for the state’s Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. Beginning in 2026, the waiver will allow Medicaid coverage for nutrition services, such as produce boxes and medically tailored meals customized to patients’ health conditions.

Kaiser Permanente is helping to fund the pilot, ensuring that when Medicaid is ready to launch its nutrition support services, infrastructure and partnerships will already be in place.

In a separate effort focused on the benefits of nutritious food, Alternative Structures International, dba Kahumana, recently completed a one-year Food is Medicine program that supplied biweekly produce boxes and healthy meals to residents of its ʻOhana Ola transitional housing in West Oʻahu. Funded by Kaiser Permanente, it significantly improved access to fresh food. Each box contained a variety of vegetables, roots, leafy greens, and fruit.

“The program contributed to our food security here in Hawaiʻi, supporting small-scale and socially disadvantaged local farmers,” says Avary Maunakea, executive director of Kahumana. It also introduced residents to agriculture programs that could supplement their incomes while also contributing to the local food system.

“The impact that Kaiser Permanente allowed us to make was substantial,” says Maunakea. “These are programs especially in West Oʻahu where not much food is grown anymore, but this did help us and it gave us that ability to make this impact.”

Not far away, the nonprofit ʻElepaio Social Services, a subsidiary of the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, has many different programs that support food as medicine, from its farmers markets and prescription food programs to its keiki and kūpuna pantries.

“We offer five sites a week to serve our kūpuna, who are 60 years and older. Every week, we serve an unduplicated 1,000-plus kūpuna, providing them fresh, local produce, some pantry items, and ready to eat healthy meals,” says Alicia Higa, executive director of ʻElepaio Social Services. The nonprofit’s workers load about 50 to 60 pounds of food into each car per week at the drive-through distribution.

Higa says feedback from the people ʻElepaio helps underscores the importance of the work. “We’ve had seniors tell our pantry manager that what we provide really dictates what they’re going to eat for the entire week,” she says. “They really depend on it. So I think stress levels have gone down for many of them. They really are so grateful when they come through and express how needed our services are.”

System-level solutions

To address food security, Hawaiʻi Investment Ready is casting a wider net. It created a Food Systems Accelerator program that targets systems-level challenges to diversifying Hawaiʻi’s food systems. “We have people who want to grow and we have people that want to buy, but we haven’t seen a lot of progress toward increasing our local food production for local consumption,” says Keoni Lee, co-CEO of Hawaiʻi Investment Ready.

The accelerator brings together two cohorts: an enterprise cohort full of innovators working on food system solutions, and a funder cohort with government and philanthropic funders, including Kaiser Permanente. Lee says many of the enterprises are part of the Food is Medicine ecosystem that’s working to strengthen the local food system.

“So now we have a collective of aligned, diverse stakeholders across the food system that are in relationships, collaborating, doing things that weren’t possible five years ago,” Lee says. “I think the value of our network and the conversations that are now possible because of all of this collaboration that’s happening in Hawaiʻi is going to be able to move and solve this systemic challenge together.”

At its annual Scholarship Luncheon, the Shidler College of Business at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa celebrated the power of giving and learning. On November 3, more than 300 students and donors came together at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, marking the meaningful connection between scholarship benefactors and recipients. 

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the college awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students thus far. These awards have enabled recipients to concentrate on their studies, gain global experience and engage in extracurricular and community activities they might not otherwise have been able to afford. 

“Witnessing the transformative impact of scholarship support in a single room is incredibly moving,” Shidler Dean Vance Roley, said. “Each story shared today is a powerful reminder of what can happen when generosity meets opportunity.” 

Donor speaker Roland Casamina, BBA ’76, chairman and CEO of House of Finance, Inc., and founding president of the Filipino Community Center addressed students: “Growing up in Kalihi, I didn’t see people like me in leadership roles…with grit, curiosity and purpose, anything is possible.” 

The student speakers were undergraduate Siddalee Amaral and graduate Tracyn Nagata. They shared how scholarship support eased financial burdens, enabling them to study abroad and inspired them to give back. 

Shidler’s recent achievements point to the impact of this support. Amid a national downtrend, undergraduate enrollment is up and more than 90% of graduates secure employment or pursue a graduate degree within three months. 

Enterprise once again served as title sponsor for the event and the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association served as gold sponsor, with Hawaii Business magazine continuing as exclusive media sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. La Tour Bakehouse provided favors, and The Orchid Lei Company served as lei sponsor.  

To support future scholarships, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597. 

Planning for today. Preparing for tomorrow.

When it comes to money, most people don’t worry about headlines until they hit home. Rising interest rates, market volatility, inflation—it can all feel overwhelming. But for Chris Lee, principal and financial advisor at Edward Jones, those shifts are simply part of a larger conversation: helping families in Hawai‘i prepare for the future.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the rate cuts and economic news,” Lee says. “But what really matters is how these changes affect your personal goals—buying a home, upgrading your family car, saving for retirement, or ensuring you have health care coverage when you need it most.”

Hawai‘i’s complex financial picture

The economic picture in Hawai‘i is complex. The labor market remains resilient, and equity markets have delivered above-average gains in recent years. But residents still face unique challenges: Along with high housing costs and rising health care expenses, there’s uncertainty around Social Security and pensions. Lee points out that financial priorities differ across generations:

• Millennials often focus on saving for a first home while managing student loans.

• Gen Xers are balancing careers and maximizing 401(k)s and IRAs.

• Baby Boomers want to maintain the lifestyles they’ve worked hard to build, while preparing for increasing health care needs.

• High-net-worth families are focused on generational wealth transfer and legacy planning.

That’s why Lee emphasizes diversification—not just in equities and bonds, but also across credit qualities, sectors and time horizons. “We still see fixed income as a valuable strategy, especially when it’s diversified,” he explains. “We also remain opportunistic in U.S. equities, particularly quality companies in technology and AI. But the key is building a plan that fits your risk tolerance and long-term goals.”

Retirement and legacy planning

Lee offers strong guidance about retirement planning. “Don’t overload your portfolio with cash. Inflation erodes value over time. And for many retirees, delaying Social Security can strengthen their financial position in later years.” For Lee, financial advising is more than numbers on a page. “This is about people’s lives—their families, their legacies, their security. Robo-advisors can’t replicate that human side of planning. Listening, understanding, and building trust is what makes the difference.”

Growth and innovation at Edward Jones

That people-first philosophy is backed by firm-level investments. “We’re growing in so many ways, so it’s not about one single growth opportunity,” Lee says. “I’m really excited that Edward Jones continues to make ongoing investments to enhance the high-net-worth client experience.”

Edward Jones is expanding its product offerings to help these clients diversify their portfolios and optimize their taxes. Many of these enhancements are in support of Edward Jones Generations®, the firm’s first private client service, which officially launched in May. The program offers tax strategies and wealth-transfer solutions designed to help families prepare across multiple generations.

At the same time, Edward Jones is investing $1.5 billion in financial technology to empower advisors with innovative solutions. “Our technology is designed to free up capacity for financial advisors to grow their practices,” Lee explains. “That allows us to focus even more on complex planning needs, while balancing innovative digital tools with the personal service that clients in Hawai‘i expect and deserve.”

Looking ahead

Lee acknowledges risks on the horizon—geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and inevitable market volatility. But he also sees opportunities.

“The future of wealth in North America is about resiliency and planning,” he says. “With the right guidance, clients can feel confident no matter what the markets bring.”

For years, the AFP Aloha Chapter has worked to strengthen Hawai‘i’s non-profit sector by equipping fundraising professionals with the tools to advance their missions. Now more than ever, the organization is dedicated to supporting our communities, which is why we’re proud to announce our annual National Philanthropy Day event on Friday, November 14th. The event is a chance for all of us to recognize and celebrate the individuals, businesses, and foundations whose generous contributions of time, talent, and resources are making a real difference across the islands.

National Philanthropy Day, established in 1986 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), is a global day of observance that recognizes the profound impact of giving. It’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve our communities. This year’s celebration will be an all-day conference and awards luncheon for philanthropic leaders, held at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

The conference is designed to empower community leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the dynamic environment of philanthropy. 

The day’s events will also include our annual awards luncheon, celebrating this year’s exceptional awardees who truly exemplify the spirit of aloha and the transformative power of giving. 

This year, we are proud to welcome these awardees to our distinguished group of community leaders: 

PAULETTE V. MAEHARA OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Eric Co, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation 

PAULETTE V. MAEHARA OUTSTANDING  COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Nanci Kreidman, (Ret.), 
Domestic Violence Action Center   

OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION AWARD:
Stupski Foundation 

OUTSTANDING CORPORATION IN PHILANTHROPY:
Mauna Kea Resort 

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST AWARD IN MEMORIAM:
Catherine “Kitty” Yannone 

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER AWARD:
Jung Song, East-West Center 

OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY AWARD:
Kyla Nakashima, Punahou School 

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS AWARD:
Diamond Bakery 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER IN PHILANTHROPY AWARD:
Alma Grocki, U.S. Navy (Ret.) 

PAULETTE V. MAEHARA OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Eric Co

CEO, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation 

For more than 25 years, Eric Co has been committed to marine science, conservation and climate resilience in Hawai‘i, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean.  

Co is passionate about building partnerships for co-management of ocean resources and focusing on innovative ways to open doors to new supporters. He’s been a marine program coordinator at The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i and a Pacific region restoration specialist for NOAA. 

Since 2011, Co has run the ocean programs at the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, leading all environmental grantmaking efforts, ‘āina-based education and climate initiatives. In July, the foundation named him its new CEO. 

Co also currently serves as the president of the board of directors of Sust‘āinable Molokai, and is known as a generous mentor and community builder.   

“He asks very smart questions that inspire improvement and innovation,” says Peter Hayashida, senior consultant and principal at Marts&Lundy, a fundraising and philanthropic consulting firm. “What I find most striking is his humility and desire to lift up others, which can distract from his very real and tangible impacts on the projects 
with which he’s affiliated. There’s a selflessness 
to his service.” 

PAULETTE V. MAEHARA OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Nanci Kreidman 

(Ret.), Domestic Violence Action Center  

When Nanci Kreidman moved to Hawai‘i in the 1970s, there was only one shelter for domestic violence survivors on O‘ahu, and no programs in the state to help them.  

Drawing on her background working at a community action program in New Jersey, Kreidman founded the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) and spent the next nearly 40 years supporting and advocating for women, children and, at times, men in abusive relationships. 

“Clients often share how DVAC quite literally saved their lives. This would never have been possible were it not for the exceptional leadership of Nanci Kreidman,” says Lani Moore, DVAC’s marketing and development manager. 

Although retired, Kreidman continues to mentor many of her former colleagues at the center, and has been instrumental in Commit to Keiki, a statewide collaborative for Hawai‘i’s youngest children and their families. 

“She continues to serve as an inspiration for many people,” Moore says.  

Kreidman has also taken a leadership role in Allies in Resistance, which supports diversity, equity and inclusion in Hawai‘i, and took part in the Hawai‘i True Costs Coalition to address severe and chronic government underfunding for nonprofits. 

OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION AWARD

The Stupski Foundation  

To date, the Stupski Foundation has invested $225 million in communities in Hawai‘i and San Francisco to aid with postsecondary education, health care and food justice. 

The organization is now spending down its $365 million in assets to community partners by 2029 because “change can’t wait,” and people working directly in communities can make the best decisions about where funding can make real change, says Cheri Souza, pictured above, the Hawai‘i postsecondary success program officer at the Stupski Foundation. 

“We commit to trust-based philanthropic practices, shifting decision-making power dynamics and breaking self-imposed rules to create systems that serve our communities equitably,” she says. 

Larry and Joyce Stupski founded their organization in 1996, donating $723 million to individual nonprofits and the Stupski Foundation. 

Since then, the foundation has invested more than $11.7 million in University of Hawai‘i programs. In 2024, its food justice grantmaking totaled more than $8 million in the state.  

This year, $4.5 million was invested in rural Hawai‘i to expand youth access to education and cultural programs, and $6.4 million to community-based organizations working to expand access to health education, family support, and essential care services across the Islands.   

OUTSTANDING CORPORATION IN PHILANTHROPY

Mauna Kea Resort 

The resort has a sustained commitment to the environment with donations averaging $500,000 annually to organizations like the Hawai‘i Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy, and more than $300,000 to the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative. 

Specifically, it has donated over $290,000 toward Hawai‘i Land Trust’s effort to purchase, protect and revitalize Māhukona, a 642-acre parcel on the Kohala Coast. That money helps ensure that 4 miles of coastline and hundreds of cultural and historic sites and recreational spaces will be maintained for the benefit of the public. 

The resort also partners with the National Park Service to provide upkeep on a portion of the
175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail that traverses its property. 

“What sets Mauna Kea Resort apart is their unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and their innovative approach to offsetting the carbon footprint of their guests’ stays,” says Susanne Kurisu, executive director of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative. “They have proven to be instrumental in our journey toward a sustainable future.” 

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST AWARD IN MEMORIAM

Catherine “Kitty” Yannone 

Chief Executive Officer, CommPac 

Catherine “Kitty” Yannone dedicated herself to advancing philanthropy and corporate social responsibility and ensuring her investments in nonprofit organizations made a meaningful difference.  

Yannone was owner and CEO of public relations firm Communications-Pacific, where she mentored thousands of students through her internship program that included learning about volunteerism and the importance of giving back.  

Yannone spent countless hours serving on boards within the community and sharing her public relations expertise. She donated funds and her time to the Red Cross, American Heart Association, Girl Scouts of America, YWCA and other nonprofit organizations. She also worked with Kapi‘olani Medical Center to create Hawai‘i’s first Ronald McDonald House on O‘ahu.   

She passed in 2023. 

Close to Yannone’s heart was the nonprofit school Assets, Hawai‘i’s only school specializing in educating children who are gifted, dyslexic, or have other language-based learning differences. She served as chair of Assets’ board of trustees, personally donated to the school and supported its tuition assistance fund.  

“Kitty was a passionate person and when she believed in the mission of an organization, she went all out,” says Linda Jameson Myers, vice president of institutional advancement at Assets. 

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER AWARD

Jung Song  

Chief Development Officer,  East-West Center 

Earlier this year, in the midst of uncertainty regarding federal funding, Jung Song and her team secured over $530,000—in just one month—in commitments from East-West Center alums and donors to support student scholarships. 

Song joined the EWC in 2022, leading the office of development. During her tenure, the center’s fundraising increased from $668,000 in 2022 to $2.82 million in 2024, a 322% increase.  

“Jung’s strong listening skills and direct communication style are assets in connecting with donors and understanding what motivates their philanthropic investments,” says AJ Halagao, president of the Hawai‘i Leadership Forum. “She deftly balances the funding priorities of the organization with individual donors’ interests and passions.”  

Song began her career with community service and international relief organizations, and has worked as a fundraising professional for over 23 years. 

She spent 20 years at the University of Hawai‘i Foundation, where her efforts strongly contributed to the organization’s annual fundraising growth, from $11.5 million in 2002 to $165 million in 2022. 

Song also serves as vice president of the EWC Foundation and has mentored numerous fundraising professionals and students throughout her career.   

OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY AWARD

Kyla Nakashima 

Punahou School 

While a sophomore at Punahou School, Kyla Nakashima noticed that many public high schools provided mentorship programs for public elementary schools. Not many private schools did, however.  

To bridge that divide, Nakashima and a few friends started a mentoring program for students at Lincoln Elementary School. A year later, she had grown the program to 24 mentors, and this past year there were 44.  

Nakashima provided training for the high school mentors and paired them with elementary students. During her time there, the mentors and younger students would meet once a week after school for conversation, activities and games.  

And while Nakashima graduated with Punahou’s Class of 2025, the program, funded entirely through donations, will continue. Before moving on, Nakashima trained a couple of mentors to take over the program this school year.  

“This program could definitely be used as a template for other schools to do more outreach and bridge gaps within our community,” says Wendy Chang, senior director of development at Punahou School. 

Now in college, Nakashima says she’ll remain active in her community through various service projects and will continue her work with youth. 

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

Diamond Bakery 

In 2023, Diamond Bakery was inspired to transform the traditional clear wrapper of its iconic cookie boxes to feature Kalley-Mae Yee, that year’s Kapi‘olani Medical Center Children’s Miracle Network Champion. 

Yee, now 4, beat the odds after being born at 23 weeks and barely weighing over 1 pound.  

The bakery donated 25 cents per box, raising over $15,000 for the hospital, and donated over $20,000 to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and CMN’s fundraising program.  

“They don’t just give—they collaborate, innovate and activate. Their leadership, especially under Butch Galdeira, pictured above, demonstrates the powerful role local businesses can play in elevating nonprofit missions,” says Amanda Price, director of 
philanthropy, Hawai‘i Pacific Health and the 
Kapi‘olani Health Foundation. 

Diamond Bakery also offers nonprofits a new way to fundraise and double their investments. Schools, clubs and other groups pay just $5 for each 1-pound bag of freshly baked cookies and sell them for $10. Their generosity reaches far beyond as they’ve championed other keiki-focused causes, including Shriners Children’s Hawai‘i, reinforcing their commitment to Hawai‘i’s families. 

The 103-year-old company exemplifies what it means to be a community-centered business, Price says. “They are not only making cookies and crackers—they are making a difference.” 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER IN PHILANTHROPY AWARD

Alma Grocki

U.S. Navy (Ret.) 

In 1977, Alma Grocki became the first woman from Hawai‘i to enter the U.S. Naval Academy. She retired from the Navy in 2016, a two-star admiral. 

Since her retirement, Grocki has served on the boards of Pacific Historic Parks, the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial. 

And while she’s served in numerous other military related volunteer roles, Grocki’s philanthropy also extends to nonmilitary nonprofits. For example, she regularly donates her handcrafted gemstone jewelry to charity auctions across Hawai‘i. 

One of the beneficiaries of those donations is Assets School. Since 2009, her commitment and contributions to Assets have “had a ripple effect, encouraging others to contribute their time, talent, and treasure to the cause,” says Linda Myers, vice president of institutional advancement at the school.  

Grocki has also represented Assets in promotional television news segments, expanding visibility and boosting support for the school. 

“Alma is a fierce ambassador educating others about giftedness, dyslexia and language-based learning differences, emphasizing the importance of early intervention,” Myers says. “Her engagement across multiple nonprofit organizations reflects her belief in service and her broad impact on the local community.”   

Hawai‘i Pacific Health

Health starts where we live, learn, work and play. At Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH), this means addressing community needs beyond traditional hospital walls.

Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Pacific Health

That’s why HPH partners with community organizations to address social and economic conditions that support better health, including housing stability, food access and financial security.

“We want to go beyond just individual health outcomes and treating diseases to improve the upstream drivers of health,” says Michael Robinson, HPH’s vice president of government relations and community affairs.

HPH is a not-for-profit health care network of hospitals, clinics, physicians and care providers serving Hawai‘i and the Pacific Region. It also collaborates with community development financial institutions to invest in affordable housing development, low-cost mortgages for low-income homebuyers and home construction for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian homelands. These organizations are mission-driven lenders that focus on promoting economic growth in underserved communities.

The collective impact since 2023 has resulted in 900 new affordable housing units in development. Additionally, it’s paved the way for over 90 small farmers to strengthen their businesses through loans and technical assistance, and for 1,700 financially struggling households to receive help with financial education, loans, housing counseling and credit building, Robinson says.

HPH has invested in the Feed the Hunger Fund and Hawai‘i Investment Ready to support local food hubs and small food businesses. It also partners with Hawai‘i Foodbank and Farm Link Hawai‘i to make fresh, local produce available to food insecure families.

“HPH also supports our local food system by setting a goal to purchase at least 50% of produce and proteins served in our medical centers from local farmers,” Robinson says, and “partnering with Kamehameha Schools on this goal has increased the collective impact of our joint institutional food purchasing power.”

HPH is also working to reduce health disparities by improving economic mobility for ALICE individuals and families, or those considered “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.” The health system has invested in financial services, job training and employment opportunities for people from under-resourced communities who are looking at careers in health care.

“Our innovative Academic Health Center, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Education and Waipahu High School, is a great example of this,” Robinson says.

Other HPH partners include Hawaiian Community Assets, which provides financial education and grant and loan programs that help local households build wealth that can be shared and passed on to future generations. HPH also supports Aloha United Way’s ALICE Cohort, a collective of nonprofit organizations aimed at advancing financial stability, housing solutions and workforce opportunities for Hawai‘i’s struggling households.

One Kalākaua

To meet its goal as a vibrant community for longevity and healthy aging, One Kalākaua Senior Living has lush grounds, engaging social opportunities and a mission that aligns with Blue Zone values – places in the world where people regularly live healthy lives into their 100s.

Photo courtesy: One Kalākaua Senior Living

“The latest advancements in healthy aging point to Blue Zone regions and how lifestyle, environment, community and purpose play a role,” says Leina Ijacic, CEO at One Kalākaua. “We strive to be the leader in Hawai‘i for healthy aging in these driving factors.”

Activities and programs at the Honolulu assisted living facility focus on physical and mental health, spiritual growth and community engagement. Residents enjoy fitness classes, fresh and nutritious meals, and a sense of fun and community.

One Kalākaua has earned a perfect score from the Hawai‘i Department of Health in 7 of the past 10 inspection surveys, something Ijacic calls “an unprecedented track record in the assisted living industry.”

Over the past year, One Kalākaua has also strengthened strategic partnerships with Straub Benioff Medical Center; Navian Hawaii, one of the state’s only local nonprofit hospice providers; and the University of Hawai‘i.

It currently serves as an educational site for the geriatric physician fellowship program at UH Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, bringing the next generation of doctors into the community. One Kalākaua also partners with the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at UH Mānoa, where senior nursing students work with staff to provide care in the facility’s on-site clinic and residential units.

Ijacic points out that such partnerships are a “win-win” because they provide students “the opportunity to learn the many components of health and wellness, while helping our kūpuna as the school brings the most up to date care practices to improve the services we provide.”

One Kalākaua is Hawai‘i’s only fee-simple assisted living facility. Residents have the option to rent or purchase their units, and may sell the units or pass them along to next of kin.

“We strive to keep our residents independent and engaged, while offering personalized support to promote healthy aging,” Ijacic says.

Investing in retirement: why One Kalakaua is more than just a condo

For those seeking peace of mind in retirement or long-term value in investment, One Kalakaua Senior Living delivers both. This fee-simple condominium for adults 55 and older blends ownership, resort-style amenities, and continuity of care in the heart of Honolulu.

Photo courtesy: One Kalākaua Senior Living

Equity in ownership
Fee-simple ownership sets One Kalakaua apart from other senior facilities, giving residents the confidence of truly having a home within a supportive community. This model allows buyers to build equity, with units that can be willed to heirs, rented, or sold, providing both peace of mind and long-term value.

A full continuum of services & convenience
One of the greatest risks in retirement housing is the uncertainty of changing health needs. One Kalakaua addresses this with a complete continuum of care, offering independent living, assisted living, and a skilled nursing facility all within the community. This approach minimizes disruption for residents and reduces both the financial and emotional costs of moving.

In addition, unit amenities such as weekly housekeeping, dining services, fitness facilities, a pool and jacuzzi, wellness programs, and on-site medical response provide convenience, safety, and a higher quality of life every day.

Location + market trends = potential appreciation
Condo prices on O‘ahu have continued to rise year over year, reflecting steady demand. One Kalakaua’s location in Honolulu, close to medical centers, shops, and everyday amenities, strengthens its appeal for retirees seeking a walkable, service-rich community.

Risk mitigation & peace of mind
Meals, fitness, wellness programs, and health care at One Kalakaua reduce many of the unpredictable costs and stresses that often come with later years. The combination of ownership and services secures much of the lifestyle residents want without unwelcome surprises.

In short, One Kalakaua provides retirees with lasting peace of mind by combining the security of equity with the comfort of care, services, and a prime Honolulu location.

To learn more or schedule a personal showing, visit onekalakaua.net.

Hawaii Dental Service

Hawaii Dental Service is the leading dental benefits provider in the state, serving over one million residents across the Islands.

Maintaining access to care through HDS’s wide network of providers is always a top priority, which is why community outreach has become an important component of HDS’s efforts. Rural communities with fewer dentists may experience a gap in access to care, an issue HDS is actively working to address.

“I’ve seen firsthand, at community health centers on the neighbor islands, that access to dentists and specialists can be limited,” says HDS Dental Director, Dr. Vinh Tran.

HDS is committed to expanding access to dental care, especially in communities that need it most. To recruit and retain more dentists in rural areas, HDS is actively working to get high school and college-aged students interested in dental careers.

Smile Makers is HDS’s community program that works with local dentists and schools to spread the word via social media and educational materials that showcase dentistry as a rewarding career path.

The HDS Foundation also funds scholarships for students pursuing careers in dentistry and dental hygiene and contributes to loan repayment programs run by the state.

Choosing a career in dentistry is also a way for students to give back to their communities, Tran says.

“Dental care is constantly evolving and HDS’s mission is to champion oral health for Hawai‘i families. To achieve our mission, we’re working in partnership with local dentists, hygienists, and assistants to ensure everyone in our communities has access to the care they need.”

Photo: Getty Images

For nearly 20 years, HDS has hosted its signature community outreach event, the HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day, to provide screenings and educational outreach to families on O‘ahu. This year marked the first time the organization brought the event to Wailuku, Maui. One family even drove all the way from Hāna to attend.

“We try to bring access everywhere,” Tran says. “Community outreach is a core part of what we do, and we’ll continue to find new ways to make an impact. At the end of the day, it’s about creating healthier smiles across Hawai‘i, one community at a time.”

For Claudia Kalaola and the other keiki who grew up along Maui’s eastern shore in the 1960s, the reef and shoreline at Mu‘olea Point represented more than just a place to play. “At five years old, we knew how to fish. We ate limu (seaweed) and ‘opihi (limpets) and whatever we caught. This was literally our icebox,” says Kalaola.

Knowledgeable kanaka maoli helped maintain Mu‘olea for centuries, helping to ensure an abundance of marine life for families living near the coast. However, in recent decades, this cultural gathering place began to show signs of depletion; overfishing had decimated stocks of ‘opihi, kole, ‘u‘u, and other crucial species.

In 2004, area residents had the opportunity to purchase nearly 70 acres of coastal land around Mu‘olea, and created a nonprofit, Na Mamo o Mu‘olea, to better manage and protect the area’s natural resources. “In ancient times, the konohiki [land division head] would manage an area and make sure there were resources for everyone,” says Kalaola, who is Na Mamo’s director. “Today, the community has to collectively act as konohiki and ask: What kind of wind and rain are we having? What plants are growing and are the birds coming back?”

Na Mamo volunteers created the state’s first ‘opihi rest area, asking residents to limit their picking of the popular limpets for a three-year period. As a result, the area’s ‘opihi population rebounded. Today, this rest area has become a model for conservation in East Maui, which is now home to at least nine ‘opihi rest areas.

In fact, Kalaola’s work has expanded from Mu‘olea to communities spanning from Kaupo to Ke‘anae, which are now collaborating to establish their own regional Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area, Maui Hikina Huliamahi, covering 60 miles of coastline with proposed codes of conduct for species harvest based on Native Hawaiian cultural principles. Once created, this protected zone would be the largest of its kind in Hawai‘i.

“All of our East Maui communities have really started to bond together in the work,” Kalaola says. “You start talking and everyone has similar stories of how their kupuna took them out fishing and taught them always to kilo (look) and observe before taking. By combining knowledge and working together, we’re stronger.”

Supporting this vital coastal restoration work, the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) has been a strategic partner, providing funding and organizational strengthening to Na Mamo and a cohort of other grassroots groups facing similar challenges across Maui’s nearshore communities. Through its Holomua Marine Initiative Fund, Laulima Grants, and Makai Watch programs, HCF has helped build a network where traditional knowledge and community wisdom drive conservation efforts.

“By supporting community organizations like Na Mamo, HCF hopes the uniqueness and abundance of Hawai‘i’s nearshore marine environments will be restored and protected for generations,” says Dana Okano, HCF’s Natural Environment program director. “The expertise and lived experience of these communities is really the best source for finding effective, appropriate solutions to the conservation challenges faced all across the Islands.”

To learn more about the work HCF is supporting through the Change Framework, visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/change.

With this mission, the credit union continues to expand its community reach through personalized coaching, educational programs, and community partnerships that make financial wellness accessible across Hawaii.

HawaiiUSA’s 66 certified financial coaches have worked with thousands of members and employees, offering free one-on-one support in areas such as budgeting, debt reduction, savings and homeownership preparation. This effort underscores the credit union’s commitment to helping members achieve lasting financial stability.

Education remains central to HawaiiUSA’s outreach. For over 30 years, the credit union has supported student-operated credit unions at schools like Waipahu High School, where students learn real-world skills by managing financial transactions, mentoring peers, and promoting positive money habits. These student-run branches serve as living classrooms that help young people gain confidence and responsibility while broadening access to financial literacy within their school communities.

Building on this legacy, HawaiiUSA also invests in Hawaii’s educators and future leaders through scholarships for post-high and graduate students, classroom stipends, and tuition assistance for teachers enrolled in Chaminade University’s Financial Literacy Education Program. By equipping teachers with the tools to integrate personal finance into K–12 classrooms, HawaiiUSA ensures financial education reaches even more students statewide. These investments reflect a deep belief that empowering both students and educators creates lasting, generational impact.

HawaiiUSA extends this mission to vulnerable and underserved populations through partnerships with nonprofits such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Domestic Violence Action Center. These collaborations deliver financial wellness workshops, fundraising, and social enterprise opportunities that provide both education and tangible support for families navigating difficult circumstances.

With 13 branches statewide and a growing digital footprint, HawaiiUSA continues to evolve how people bank and how they thrive. More than a credit union, they are a community partner who actively and consistently builds pathways to financial resilience. By ensuring financial wellness is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in care, HawaiiUSA strengthens both its members and Hawaii as a whole.