HSI Announces Partnership with Pacific American Foundation
Pacific American Foundation and Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative Partner to Advance Education, Stewardship, and Cultural Respect in Hawaiʻi’s Ocean Future
The Pacific American Foundation (PAF) and the Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative (HSI) today announced a strategic partnership that unites more than 30 years of trusted community service with an emerging coalition dedicated to advancing Hawaiʻi’s ocean future. Through this partnership, PAF will serve as the fiscal sponsor of HSI, enabling tax-deductible donations that support joint missions in education, stewardship, and cultural integration.
Community Impact and Education Opportunities
With three decades of proven leadership in youth development, ʻāina-based learning, and professional development services, PAF has long been a trusted partner to schools and communities. By combining this expertise with HSI’s focus on ocean innovation, the organizations will expand education programs and opportunities as well as host community events that inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Environmental Stewardship and Responsibility
The partnership strengthens both organizations’ commitment to mālama i ke kai. Through joint stewardship days, including restoration projects at Waikalua Loko Iʻa, HSI members and participants will create opportunities for students, families, and communities to learn, act, and lead in caring for Hawaiʻi’s waters.
Cultural Respect and Integration
PAF’s Native Hawaiian foundation ensures that culture and place remain central to all efforts. Anchoring Seaglider education and community events in spaces such as Waikalua Loko Iʻa respects and uplifts traditional knowledge systems to work towards a more resilient future.
“For over 30 years, the Pacific American Foundation has worked to empower Hawaiʻi’s youth and communities through education, stewardship, and cultural grounding. Partnering with the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative allows us to extend that mission. Serving as fiscal sponsor ensures we can strengthen this work together with broad community support.”
- Kapono Ciotti, President, Pacific American Foundation
HSI leaders emphasized that PAF’s trusted reputation and fiscal sponsorship provide a foundation for sustainable, community-centered growth. “This partnership ensures our work remains rooted in local values and accessible to the community,” said David Uchiyama, HSI Co-Administrator. “With PAF’s guidance and stewardship, we can expand opportunities for education, deepen environmental responsibility, and honor cultural traditions as we shape Hawaiʻi’s ocean future.”
Community Impact and Education Opportunities
With three decades of proven leadership in youth development, ʻāina-based learning, and professional development services, PAF has long been a trusted partner to schools and communities. By combining this expertise with HSI’s focus on ocean innovation, the organizations will expand education programs and opportunities as well as host community events that inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Environmental Stewardship and Responsibility
The partnership strengthens both organizations’ commitment to mālama i ke kai. Through joint stewardship days, including restoration projects at Waikalua Loko Iʻa, HSI members and participants will create opportunities for students, families, and communities to learn, act, and lead in caring for Hawaiʻi’s waters.
Cultural Respect and Integration
PAF’s Native Hawaiian foundation ensures that culture and place remain central to all efforts. Anchoring Seaglider education and community events in spaces such as Waikalua Loko Iʻa respects and uplifts traditional knowledge systems to work towards a more resilient future.
“For over 30 years, the Pacific American Foundation has worked to empower Hawaiʻi’s youth and communities through education, stewardship, and cultural grounding. Partnering with the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative allows us to extend that mission. Serving as fiscal sponsor ensures we can strengthen this work together with broad community support.”
- Kapono Ciotti, President, Pacific American Foundation
HSI leaders emphasized that PAF’s trusted reputation and fiscal sponsorship provide a foundation for sustainable, community-centered growth. “This partnership ensures our work remains rooted in local values and accessible to the community,” said David Uchiyama, HSI Co-Administrator. “With PAF’s guidance and stewardship, we can expand opportunities for education, deepen environmental responsibility, and honor cultural traditions as we shape Hawaiʻi’s ocean future.”
About Pacific American Foundation (PAF)
PAF is a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth leadership, cultural continuity, and environmental stewardship through ʻāina-based education, community events, and teacher professional development. A trusted partner for more than 30 years, PAF is also steward of Waikalua LokoIʻa and a leader in programs that connect thousands of students and educators to Hawaiʻi’s cultural and ecological heritage.
About the Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative
The Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative (HSI) is a consortium of stakeholders from local government, Hawaiʻi communities, and the private sector, working to increase understanding and adoption of Seagliders in Hawaiʻi with a focus on community, culture and the environment. HSI’s mission is to operationalize Seagliders in Hawaiʻi as an affordable and accessible transportation option for Hawaiʻi communities that will help modernize the state’s transportation network while meeting its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets.
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