Vibrant Hawai?i

Since 2022, Vibrant Hawai?i CEO, Janice Ikeda, MA Ikeda, has been a member of the Aspen Institute Rural Action Roundtable on Equity (RARE), collaborating with rural community leaders from across the nation. Recently, RARE leadership convened the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (CSG) for an in-person learning exchange focused on Rural Development Hubs—organizations that are transforming economic development in rural America. This convening provided us with the invaluable opportunity to learn from impactful work being done nationwide, reinforcing the importance of community-driven resilience and growth. “Attending the Aspen CSG Summit on Rural Development Hubs reinforced the power of place-based, community-driven solutions. At Vibrant Hawai?i, we see ourselves as a Rural Development Hub—connecting people, resources, and knowledge to strengthen the well-being of our island communities. Through our Resilience Hubs, economic development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we are investing in solutions rooted in the wisdom and strengths of our people. We are deeply grateful for the work of Aspen CSG in bringing rural leaders together to share strategies, challenges, and successes. Their commitment to uplifting rural communities aligns with our ongoing efforts to ensure a thriving Hawai?i for generations to come,” said Janice Ikeda, CEO of Vibrant Hawai?i. #RuralDevelopment #CommunityDriven #EconomicDevelopment #VibrantHawaii #Leadership #Resilience #Partnerships #AspenInstitute #Hawaii

Join us for the March Housing Coalition Meeting with Nancy Carr Smith, Founder of Aloha Kohala Realty and Hawai?i Island’s representative on the State Land Use Commission! ??? Nancy will update the Coalition on the Commission’s role, its history, and the process of designating agricultural lands for urban or rural use, offering perspectives from both petitioners and the public. Don’t miss it—RSVP below! We hope to see you there. ???? #AlohaKohalaRealty #LandUse #CommunityEngagement #HawaiiEvents #HousingCoalition

Ho?okāhi ka ?ilau like ana. Wield the paddles together. Vibrant Hawai?i had the honor of welcoming the MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS and learning more about their Weaving Healthy Families Program. We each shared powerful hopes we have for our communities in a talking circle, and many of us remembered what we had been taught by Aunty Pua Burgess through Building A Beloved Community. Mahalo nui to our Ambassadors, Resilience Hub partners, Social Service Navigators, WBL Intermediaries, Community Schools and Community Health worker partners who joined us! Amylia-Rae G., Hawai'i Island Community Health Center, Māla'ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School & Hawaii Island School Garden Network, Jeannette Soon-Ludes, PhD, Diane Chadwick, Brittney Martinez

At Vibrant Hawai?i, we believe in the power of conversation to steer our wa?a together toward a shared vision. Our CEO, Janice Ikeda, MA, recently joined a meaningful talk story with Paul Normann, Executive Director of Neighborhood Place of Puna , and Andrew Kahili of the YWCA USA Hawai?i Island. Together, they shared insights and strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect by focusing on actions that nurture thriving, connected communities. We’re deeply grateful to the Consuelo Foundation for their steadfast dedication to the well-being of children, families, and communities in Hawai?i and the Philippines. Their compassionate, community-driven work continues to inspire us to create spaces where everyone can flourish. ???? #CommunityResilience #WellBeing #ConnectedCommunities #PartnershipsThatMatter HAUOLI MAU LOA FOUNDATION HUI MALAMA I KE ALA ULILI

It was powerful to bring together key voices at Vibrant Hawai?i’s office for a focused discussion on energy and energy justice in Hawai‘i. Vibrant Hawai?i is built on the foundation of meaningful partnerships, deep collaborations, and creating spaces where important conversations can unfold, creating place where individuals and organizations can come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and visions—knowing that the collective effort is what will lead to lasting change. Connecting with such passionate people, all dedicated to advancing a more equitable and sustainable energy future, was incredibly motivating. Together, we explored opportunities to build stronger networks and take tangible steps toward energy equity in Hawai‘i’s communities. We left the conversation feeling energized and ready to continue this vital work, knowing that through collaboration, we will make a real difference for Hawai‘i’s future. #EnergyEquity #Sustainability and #CommunityCollaboration Bethany Morrison Laura Acasio Kendra Obermaieri Kīhei Seto https://lnkd.in/gP-Bd2K9 https://lnkd.in/g2yDxG89 https://lnkd.in/gi8QGHKa https://energy.hawaii.gov/ https://lnkd.in/gP-Bd2K9

Vibrant Hawai‘i is proud to announce the addition of 20 new Resilience Hub partners from every district of Hawai‘i Island. This expansion emphasizes Vibrant Hawai‘i’s mission to help communities become self-reliant, prepared, and resilient in the face of both immediate and long-term challenges. Learn more in the article below!

Vibrant Hawai?i announces the launch of ?Iliahikū, a work-based learning (WBL) program on Hawai?i Island designed to prepare students for successful careers in key industries. Learn more this program below!

The The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has been an incredible visionary partner to Vibrant Hawai`i - their support made possible 4 Ambassador program cohorts. The team demonstrates a commitment to learning, and they regularly create spaces for reflection, connection, healing, and building trust. Mahalo nui Marisa Hayase Kelly Miyamura Xan Avenda?o and Ian Simoy. You are absolutely amazing. Your leadership inspires and truly brings out the best in everyone around you. ??

In times of crisis, we often discover the true power of unity. Whether faced with natural disasters, economic challenges, or global disruptions, one thing remains clear: collaboration is the key to resilience. This spirit of collaboration is what drives the Resilience Alliance—a network of businesses and nonprofits coming together to make a tangible difference in our communities. By joining forces, we can amplify our collective impact, create stronger partnerships, and establish a support system that remains intact even during the toughest times. Through collective action, we can make our communities more resilient and capable of overcoming any disaster. It’s time to #kāko?o our communities and create a foundation of support that lasts. Join us today— https://lnkd.in/gNeRXEyX

Building Disaster-Resilient Communities Through Chainsaw Safety Training ?? Across the island, dedicated community members are enhancing their skills through Chainsaw Safety Training, and the impact is far-reaching. This training isn’t just about operating a chainsaw—it’s about mitigating disaster impact, investing in gainful employability skills, and creating safer, more resilient communities. At Vibrant Hawai?i, we’re committed to strengthening our collective ability to respond when disaster strikes. Investing in skills like chainsaw safety is a key part of disaster preparedness and long-term resilience. Mahalo nui to our trainers: Arbor Global and Backyard Monkey LLC , and to our incredible community partners: Kohala Resilience Hub, Volcano Emergency Response Team and Hui Aloha Kiholo. We are on track to train up many more community groups in 2025! Join us in this vital effort by visiting https://lnkd.in/gmgi_ffX. Together, we can build stronger, more prepared communities. #DisasterPreparedness #CommunityResilience #ChainsawSafety #SkillsForLife #IslandStrong #PreparedForTheFuture