​HEALTH, WELLNESS & SECURITY

​For all to prosper, we must have equitable access & ability to satisfy our most basic needs of health & security. Understanding our intricate interdependencies deepens proportionately with enhanced physical & psychological need-satisfaction within our ecological, socio-cultural and economic systems, enabling us to progressively act more efficaciously in the best interests of all.

​THINK GLOBAL. ACT LOCAL.

PRINCIPLES/VALUES
To help us think globally, we’ve adopted the values and principles of the Earth Charter.“The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century.” To assist us with local action, we have looked to the indigenous wisdom of the ʻAha Moku system. “The ‘Aha Moku system recognizes the traditional geo-political division of each island into ahupua’a (akin to the present-day concept of watershed areas) and moku (a political district of two or more adjacent ahupua’a).”

​VISION

To help create an enduring, healthy economy that ensures better quality of life for all in a just, equitable manner and within the limits of supporting ecosystems.

MISSION

We’re dedicated to helping transform our islands’ capacity for enduring self-reliance by balancing ecological, socio-cultural and economic needs through community education, innovative practice and advocacy.

​HOW WE WORK?

​ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Modeling a nimble network, Sustain Hawaii is intentionally lean and flexible. It has a small board of strategically-positioned directors, no fixed payroll, and limited office infrastructure, finding great efficiencies in virtual operations that can quickly mobilize the right people (e.g., partners, contractors, volunteers) at the opportune time. This networked model of organization does not include any personnel or fringes. The bulk of the expenses are associated with contractual services for project deliverables. In practical terms, this means that Project Team members and others will be contracted for specific deliverables appropriate to their experience and expertise or contribute pro bono.​
KEVIN VACCARELLO
Founder & Executive Director
CHARLES KOEHL
Chief Technology Officer

Board OF DIRECTORS

Our highly experienced Board of Directors come with many wide-ranging skills and resources. With a board of 80% Native Hawaiian ancestry, we hold steadfast to our 21st Century Ahupuaʻa principles and maxims.
Collective success demands that each of the core sectors of society (government, business, education, non-profits and community) advance food, housing, energy, water, waste, transportation, etc. issues through practical actions. Transforming our communities’ capacities requires a collaborative effort. It's an evolutionary process that requires change within each of the core sectors and, perhaps more challengingly, coordinated change across those sectors.
​This knowledge heavily shapes our approach. It is why we first seek to educate about the need and possibility of island self-reliance. Then, we facilitate the identification of priorities, strategic actions and likely barriers to implementation. Finally, we support implementation of innovative solutions both within and across society’s sectors, emphasizing socio- ecopreneurship and supportive policies that can accelerate the spread of effective practices.
FUNDERS
Through the multiple programs that Sustain Hawaiʻi has created and/or worked on since 2003, we have gained support from many local and national funders. Here is a partial list:

NON-PROFIT LOVE


​PREVIOUS WORK

Our theory of change is simple – help each other learn our way to a better future. Since our inception in 2003, we've focussed on creating innovative ways to help us all live more sustainably. Marrying indigenous wisdom with contemporary science and appropriate technology, Sustain Hawai‘i is prototyping solutions and piloting strategies that help us transition to a healthier and more prosperous future.

WALK STORY FOR A HEALTHY ECONOMY
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