The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation

HO?OMAIKA?I 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

We are thrilled to announce that SPAARK, Inc. has been awarded a new contract with Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA). Our team will provide expert professional services and technical documentation support, including the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Hazard Analyses, and detailed engineering drawings. Team SPAARK is committed to delivering exceptional service, ensuring that PBA upholds the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. We look forward to supporting PBA in its critical mission! #SPAARK #PineBluffArsenal

‘IMI I KA MANA’O 8.22.24 Mahalo kākou for another fantastic pā?ina! We are grateful for the opportunity to create spaces where our community can connect, share, and support one another. By bringing together diverse voices and talents, we are able to leverage our collective strengths to make a meaningful impact. We are thankful to have you all as part of this journey! Mahalo to Loren Doctolero and Victoria McKay from the Bishop Museum for their coordination. We are excited about our new partnership and believe the museum's rich atmosphere provides the perfect setting for these important conversations to take place. We also want to extend a heartfelt mahalo to Robert K Ahquin IV of Kalamas Kuisine for providing the ono mea?ai and Pnut Kanahele of Nā Mea ?Ono for the dessert. Lastly, a huge thank you to our community partners at Papahana Aloha ?āina for sharing beautiful mele Hawai‘i and hula. Until next time, a hui hou!

While the Maui wildfires caused significant destruction, they also demonstrated the strength and resilience of our Hawai’i communities and the profound outpouring of aloha and support. Each of us was eager to contribute, whether by traveling to Maui to provide hands-on assistance, organizing donation sites, or spreading awareness on social media. Despite our swift and collective efforts, there was still a challenge: the aid was not always reaching the right places at the right times. This is why the Hawai’i Pacific Advisory Group was created—to address this issue and ensure that help is effectively and efficiently directed where it is most needed. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Hawai‘i Pacific Advisory Group (HPAG), we reflect on its pivotal role in supporting our communities during times of crisis. Over the past year, HPAG has fulfilled its mission as a critical bridge between the tactical and strategic levels of disaster response, ensuring that the voices and needs of those most affected are heard and addressed. This milestone is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved—from the community members who have entrusted us with their needs, to the responders and decision-makers who have worked tirelessly to deliver the right support at the right time. As we look ahead, HPAG remains committed to its mission of fostering effective communication and coordination, and we are grateful to continue building on the foundation laid during this first year. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey; your contributions have made a lasting impact!

One year since the devastating wildfires swept through Maui???? We honor those who were lost on that tragic day—may their lives continue to inspire us to live with purpose and to hold our ‘ohana close. To those who are still healing, know that you are not alone; we stand with you, offering support every step of the way. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the brave first responders whose courage and dedication saved lives and brought hope in our darkest hours. We continue to send our aloha and pule to you all. As we look to the future, we do so with the profound understanding that Lahaina is more than just a place—it is a community defined not by tragedy, but by resilience, unity, and an unshakable belief in our ability to overcome any challenge. The spirit of Lahaina is everlasting, a beacon of hope and strength that shines brighter than ever. Lahaina, we will see you rise again!

New partner alert! We’re thrilled to announce that HPF is now an official supporter of the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS)! Many residents are familiar with PVS, a non-profit organization based in Hawai’i dedicated to preserving traditional Polynesian voyaging and navigation techniques. Since its inception in 1973, PVS’s most significant achievement has been the construction and voyages of Hōkūle?a, a double-hulled voyaging canoe. Hōkūle?a has embarked on numerous voyages, including a historic journey around the world from 2014-2017. Hōkūle?a continues to voyage and embody a rich tapestry of cultural, environmental, and educational significance, resonating deeply with the people of Hawai’i and beyond. For many Hawaiians, PVS and Hōkūle?a have become a powerful symbol of their identity and heritage. It represents the ingenuity and navigational prowess of our ancestors, affirming the historical and cultural significance of voyaging. Over the past several months, HPF has engaged in insightful discussions with Nainoa Thompson, the president of PVS and a master navigator. Nainoa is a visionary leader who brilliantly integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary relevance, demonstrating how ancient wisdom can address modern challenges. Renowned for his humility, dedication, and resilience, he holds a profound respect for our ancestors and the natural world. His remarkable intelligence and insights are invaluable to Native Hawaiians and HPF, and we are deeply honored by this partnership. HPF is now a proud sponsor of PVS’s upcoming Pae ‘āina (Statewide) sail, which aims to connect with schools and communities throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Our donation is specifically focused on the Maui leg and educational component of this voyage. Nainoa states, “2024 should be seen as a year of coming home, really paying attention to our children in our communities and training, training hard and getting ready.” He adds, “This is also the year of getting younger people more prepared to take the reins of these canoes.” Originally, the plan was to circumnavigate the Pacific Ocean, known as the Moananuiākea Voyage. However, after consulting with science and weather experts, community partners, and voyaging leadership, PVS has decided to keep the canoes primarily in Hawaiian waters until 2025, when severe El Ni?o weather conditions are expected to settle down. Nainoa mentions, “We’re in a changing ocean and we need to pay attention.” Mahalo nui e Polynesian Voyaging Society, we are incredibly hopeful of the work we will accomplish together! This partnership stands as a testament to our collective commitment to navigating the challenges of the modern world while honoring the wisdom of our ancestors!

Congratulations on this WIN!! Ho’omaika’i!!! INTERAGENCY READINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC

Hawai’i Pacific Foundation was proud to co-sponsor the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Program of the 2024 FestPAC, held for the first time in Honolulu. YPL is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage, languages, and indigenous knowledge of the Pacific region. The program embraces cultural leadership, youth empowerment and ensures the seamless integration of these invaluable treasures into sustainable development approaches. Mahalo NUI to all the FestPAC organizers, especially our partners at Gravitas Pasifika, LLC, Aaron J. Salā, PhD and C. Makanani Sala, PhD! We also extend our gratitude to Nohea Lileikis, the lead coordinator and organizer of the YPL program. It was an invaluable week, and we are honored to have played a small part in these young leaders' journey.