It is all of our kuleana to address Hawai‘i’s issues together while remaining grounded in Native Hawaiian culture and values. HEC is helping community leaders to start meaningful conversations and actions that benefit Hawai‘i’s future.

Hawai'i's Soul

Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul

The process of rediscovering Hawai‘i’s soul is key to addressing the root causes of many of Hawai‘i’s most enduring challenges. By reimagining a future for Hawai‘i that is thriving, inclusive, and honors Hawaiian culture and values, the outlook for our people and our communities will be brighter than ever.

Through a process of Transformative Scenario Planning that was developed and facilitated by Reos Partners, a diverse group of community leaders came together in August and September 2022 to grapple with some big questions and begin to envision a variety of possible futures for Hawai‘i.

  • How can we ensure that Hawai‘i’s soul is not diminished or lost?
  • How can we help with healing so that trust is built and not eroded?

Out of the planning sessions with business leaders, cultural practitioners, educators, advocates, and nonprofit leaders, came four possible scenarios for Hawai‘i’s future that will be shared with broader audiences throughout the islands to spark conversation, collaboration, and action.

Learn more at hawaiisoul.org


Kalo for Hawai‘i, Kalo for the World

Kalo, the Hawaiian name given to taro, is known for its cultural significance, and recognized as an important food source that can help meet the nutritional needs of Hawai‘i and the world.

Through this initiative, HEC is helping to build the foundation for an agriculture strategy that starts with a focus on the kalo industry and envisions goals like these:

  • Hawai‘i produces 100% of its own supply
  • Local farmers have the support to create more kalo-cultivated spaces
  • Delivery and distribution systems are developed for kalo as an agricultural export

HEC recently partnered with the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival and Kamehameha Schools to host a recipe contest—open to new and experienced chefs—to create an original dish using kalo as the featured ingredient.

By learning from and working with local farmers, we hope to create a sustainable path for kalo as a thriving industry and as core to building a resilient Hawai‘i.

Hawai'i Soul Kalo Field