Ulupono Initiative

05/06/2026

Hawaiʻi's nonprofits are resilient, community-rooted, and doing extraordinary work across every island. They're also navigating real challenges and the path forward requires action from all of us.

The View From Here: Insights From Hawaiʻi's Nonprofits is Hawai'i Alliance of Nonprofits' new 2026 report on the nonprofit community. The report shares strengths, pressures, and opportunities ahead.

Visit hano-hawaii.org/resources/sector-report26/ to learn more and read the report.

05/02/2026

“For Cody, who grew up on O‘ahu, the work is meaningful and humbling. “It’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Knowing that the data we collect helps inform decisions that affect stream health and local communities, it’s rewarding to be part of a team that protects these systems for the future.”

Ultimately, Cody wishes the public understood the streams’ ridge-to-reef connection. Healthy streams aren’t just for fish like ‘o‘opu; they are tied to groundwater recharge needed for drinking water and the health of the entire watershed. “Restoring flow is essential,” she says, “but true recovery depends on the broader ecological integrity of our watershed.”

Read the full story to learn more about the stewards behind this work at the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Commission on Water Resource Management and the data informing key decisions: mailchi.mp/33ce3a1cec95/news-from-the-hawaii-commission-on-water-resource-management-4905452?e=d78e1e0358.

Consider subscribing to stay informed on ongoing efforts: mailchi.mp/840877084f13/sign-up-for-cwrm-announcements.

Commission on Water Resource Management

04/20/2026

A day filled with gratitude, smiles, and new beginnings 🌺🚲

On April 11, the Maui Bicycling League brought together community, partners, and recipients to deliver 30 e-bikes to Maui fire survivors.

Each bike represents more than transportation — it represents:
- A path to work
- Support for families
- Improved health and well-being
- A step toward independence

With 362 applications, this program also highlighted a much greater need in our community — and the opportunity to continue this work.

Mahalo to our partners, funders, and volunteers who helped make this possible. This is a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration — and a reminder of the work still ahead.
Ulupono Initiative Foundation
Hawai‘i Bicycling League Aventon Maui Sunriders Bike Shop Maui MPO

We are grateful for our West Maui CM Tamara Paltin for her attendance and support. And Maui MPO, Rotary Club Of Lahaina Sunset, and Maui Mountain Bike Coalition, an IMBA Chapter attendance.

We look forward to continuing and expanding this effort.

04/16/2026

🔋 Don’t miss the Hawaii Sustainability Expo & Electric Home Show
📍 Blaisdell | April 24–26

Join powerful conversations with local leaders, innovators, and changemakers:

🌊 Inside the Navahine Climate Settlement
Discover how Hawaiʻi’s youth helped drive a landmark climate case — and what it means for the future of transportation and climate action in our state. This talk with Doorae Shin will share how the case is shaping new policies and elevating youth leadership through the Hawai'i Youth Transportation Council.

🌱 Hawaiʻi’s Sustainability Journey
Hear from former PUC Commissioner Lorraine Akiba, State Sustainability Coordinator Danielle Bass, and Senator Chris Lee as they unpack Hawaiʻi’s groundbreaking 100% clean energy law — and what’s next.

⚡ Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan for the State's Fleet
DOT Director Ed Sniffen shares how Hawaiʻi is rapidly electrifying transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide.

🏡 Resilience for Your Biggest Investment
Learn how to cut your HECO bill and prepare for outages with experts in solar, batteries, cooling, and energy efficiency — featuring leaders from Rinnai, EP Cube, Maiven Energy, Island Cooling, and more.

🔗 View the full program via the link in bio or at electrichomeshow.com/program

Also at the expo:
- Discover hundreds of ways to lower your electric bill and live more sustainably
- Explore ultra-efficient AC systems that use 40%+ less energy
- Test ride e-bikes + check out EVs like the Kia EV6, Kia Niro EV, VW ID.4, and the electric Hummer
- Enjoy a farm-to-expo food court featuring local poke
- Bring the keiki for a kids zone with non-toxic toys + a solar-powered bounce house
- Join 8 wellness classes and more

🎟️ Register now: electrichomeshow.com (tickets $7.70)

04/11/2026

Due to severe weather including thunderstorms and flash flooding forecast to arrive later in the week, our Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) public meeting for zones 5 & 6 on Thursday, April 9, 2026, has been postponed until further notice.

To learn more about REZ and to comment anonymously on the interactive map, please visit https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/

Mahalo for your patience and understanding

04/08/2026

The Maui Bicycling League, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League, announced the recipients of the 2026 E-Bike Giveaway for Maui Fire Survivors, a program designed to support mobility, recovery and access to transportation for individuals impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

04/04/2026

Hawaiʻi knows what it means to care for what sustains us. As global events have underscored the risks of relying on imported fuel, building local, resilient energy systems matters more than ever.

Renewable energy can help lower costs, strengthen energy security, and move us toward greater self-sufficiency. And where we build matters.

Oʻahu residents are invited to help shape that future through upcoming Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) workshops with Hawaiian Electric.

Community input now can help balance cost, reliability, cultural considerations and care for ʻāina.

What kind of energy future do you want for your community? Consider sharing your manaʻo at the upcoming REZ workshops. You can also explore the interactive map and share input here: https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/

Oahu residents: We are seeking community feedback on an initiative to help guide where future renewable generation projects should be sited. It’s why we are hosting public workshops on Renewable Energy Zones, or REZ, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Leeward Community College and Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Windward Community College.

REZ are designated areas with high potential for clean energy generation, such as solar, that can be easily connected to the grid. They help focus development where renewable projects will be most efficient, cost-effective and impactful. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has directed our company to designate at least two REZ on Oahu by June 2026.

Community members are invited to join us to:
• Learn about the key criteria used to evaluate different sites for REZ
• Ask questions and interact with subject matter experts
• Provide anonymous input and comments on an interactive online map

Third-party data analysis and input from community working group members narrowed a pool of eight REZ to the four best suited for siting renewable projects:
• Zone 1 – Kunia/Schofield
• Zone 4 – Mililani Mauka, Waipio-Waiawa
• Zone 5 – Kualoa/Hauula to portions of Halawa/Moanalua
• Zone 6 -- Koolaupoko

Our Renewable Energy Zones public meetings are as follows:
📅 Zones 1 and 4: Monday, April 6, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Leeward Community College Education Building, room 201 (96-045 Ala Ike St., Pearl City, 96782)

📅 Zones 5 and 6: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Windward Community College,
Hale Akoakoa, room 113 (45-720 Keaahala Rd. Kaneohe, 96744)

For both workshops:
• 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Open house with displays, refreshments provided
• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Presentation and Q&A.

The presentation portion will be streamed live on our page starting at 7 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.

To learn more about Renewable Energy Zones and to comment anonymously on the interactive map, please visit https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/

03/31/2026

Oahu residents: We are seeking community feedback on an initiative to help guide where future renewable generation projects should be sited. It’s why we are hosting public workshops on Renewable Energy Zones, or REZ, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Leeward Community College and Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Windward Community College.

REZ are designated areas with high potential for clean energy generation, such as solar, that can be easily connected to the grid. They help focus development where renewable projects will be most efficient, cost-effective and impactful. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has directed our company to designate at least two REZ on Oahu by June 2026.

Community members are invited to join us to:
• Learn about the key criteria used to evaluate different sites for REZ
• Ask questions and interact with subject matter experts
• Provide anonymous input and comments on an interactive online map

Third-party data analysis and input from community working group members narrowed a pool of eight REZ to the four best suited for siting renewable projects:
• Zone 1 – Kunia/Schofield
• Zone 4 – Mililani Mauka, Waipio-Waiawa
• Zone 5 – Kualoa/Hauula to portions of Halawa/Moanalua
• Zone 6 -- Koolaupoko

Our Renewable Energy Zones public meetings are as follows:
📅 Zones 1 and 4: Monday, April 6, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Leeward Community College Education Building, room 201 (96-045 Ala Ike St., Pearl City, 96782)

📅 Zones 5 and 6: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Windward Community College,
Hale Akoakoa, room 113 (45-720 Keaahala Rd. Kaneohe, 96744)

For both workshops:
• 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Open house with displays, refreshments provided
• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Presentation and Q&A.

The presentation portion will be streamed live on our page starting at 7 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.

To learn more about Renewable Energy Zones and to comment anonymously on the interactive map, please visit https://hawaiipowered.com/rez/cycle2/

03/28/2026

Over the past two weeks, severe flooding from the Kona Low storms has significantly impacted farms statewide, affecting the individuals and families who sustain Hawaiʻi’s local food system. Farmers are dealing with damaged crops, flooded fields and disrupted livelihoods. These are the same farmers who nourish our communities every day.

To support recovery efforts, the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau have established the Hawaiʻi Farmers’ Disaster Relief Fund. The fund will provide direct assistance to farmers most affected by the storms, helping them rebuild and continue feeding our communities.

If you are in a position to contribute, please consider supporting this effort. When we invest in our farmers, we invest in the resilience and future of Hawaiʻi.

Donate: hawaiiagriculturalfoundation-bloom.kindful.com.

Photo via & .

03/19/2026

Join Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) for EAT THINK DRINK: The Blue Economy — Feeding Hawaiʻi First.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Prince Waikiki
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hawaiʻi consumes more seafood per person than almost anywhere else in the country — yet, most of what we eat is imported. Meanwhile, local fishermen face rising costs, changing ocean conditions, and pressure on wild fish stocks.

So we must ask: How do we responsibly grow aquaculture in Hawaiʻi so it feeds local people first — while protecting our ocean and benefiting our communities?

This evening with HAF will include bold conversation, chef-curated cuisine, and solutions-focused dialogue about the future of ocean-grown food in Hawaiʻi. Rooted in the tradition of loko iʻa (fishponds) and guided by modern science and innovation, responsible aquaculture can strengthen food security, support local jobs, complement wild fisheries, and reduce imports.

Keynote Speaker - Neil Anthony Sims, M. Sc.
Founder & CEO, Ocean Era - A global leader in regenerative aquaculture and open-ocean farming, Mr. Sims brings real-world solutions for building Hawaiʻi’s Blue Economy.

Moderator - Anthony Mau
Restorative Aquaculture Biologist, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources
Founder, Kupu Place
Vice President of Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association

Panelists

Micah Brodsky, VMD
Veterinary Medical Officer III (Aquatic), Animal Disease Control Branch, Animal Industry Division, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity

Jeff Garvey
Agriculture and Aquaculture Teacher, Waipahu High School

Brenda Lima
Hui Mālama Loko Iʻa Coordinator, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo

Federico Rotman
Vice President, Blue Ocean Mariculture

Early-bird tickets are on sale now through March 31. Seating is limited. Past EAT THINK DRINK events have sold out - secure your tickets today!

https://hfbf.org/eat-think-drink-april-2026/