Making an Impact
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN PEOPLE
Staying True to Our Mission
Hui Huliau is a nonprofit Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) whose core purpose is to function as a community service organization and address the needs of Native Hawaiians. We have an ongoing commitment to give back to the Native Hawaiian community through our own diverse programs and by supporting other like-minded nonprofits whose missions align with our own.
Our Why
The Waianae Coast on the western side of Oahu has the highest per capita percentage of Native Hawaiians in the world and the highest poverty and unemployment rate in the State of Hawaii. Many on the island struggle with food insecurity, homelessness, the need for education and job training, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues. We created Hui Huliau to make a lasting difference in the Waianae community.
Contracting with a Purpose
In April 2017, Hui Huliau launched a federal contracting organization to generate revenue to support our nonprofit activities. We began with one small company and now own multiple businesses that support the defense, intelligence, and diplomatic communities worldwide.
Our Impact
Between April 2017 and December 2023, Hui Huliau returned over $27.7M in benefits to Native Hawaiians across 7 categories tracked by the SBA.
• $2.1 Million Health, Social and Cultural Support
• $1.3 Million Education and Development
• $0 Lands
• $8.1 Million Economic and Community Development
• $8.4 Million Employment
• $7.4 Million Economic Benefits
• $106 Thousand Other
THE HUI HULIAU PUEA LEARNING CENTER
The Hui Huliau Puea Learning Center was designed and created by our Founder and Chairman, Adrian Silva. He envisioned developing an environment that enables Hui Huliau to:
• Create life changing opportunities for young Native Hawaiians by bringing technology to the Waianae Coast.
• Inspire and educate children by exposing them to traditional farming techniques and different aspects of Native Hawaiian culture.
• Improve food security for the elderly and others in need.
• Partner with local schools and universities, industry, and other nonprofits in support of the Waianae community and Hui Huliau’s mission.
Construction
The Hui Huliau Puea Learning Center project began in February 2022 when Hui Huliau leased 2.5 acres of land in Waianae.
• We cleared the land and used retrofitted shipping containers to build indoor and outdoor classrooms, office space, restrooms, and storage.
• We installed solar panels to create a renewable source of energy; the facility is 100% solar powered with a backup generator.
• We built an elaborate water distribution system and placed cable to support IT needs.
• We completed major construction in 2023, with some smaller projects continuing into 2024.
• Our Chairman, Adrian Silva, oversaw every aspect of construction and performed much of the labor himself.
• We began hosting tours for educators, community leaders, and government officials in September 2023.
Food Program
Adrian’s vision included using the land to help battle food insecurity and protect Hawaii’s natural environment.
• We planted banana, papaya, ulu (breadfruit), guava, mountain apple, avocado, Hawaiian orange, tangerine, soursop, jabong, star fruit, jackfruit, and noni trees to produce fruit for community food programs, and ti leaf plants for use in various cultural activities.
• We created a nursery of native plants and are partnering with the University of Hawaii to help restore the Waianae rainforest.
• We built one of the largest aquaponics systems in Hawaii to grow produce.
• We added egg-laying hens, a chicken coop and a henhouse for 100 hens, and a refrigerated unit to stage produce and eggs.
Technical Training and Cultural Awareness
The Hui Huliau Puea Learning Center offers education and economic opportunities for Native Hawaiians on the Waianae Coast.
• The Center hosts free technical training to help high school students and young adults obtain industry certifications and create a career plan for their future. Classes began in April 2024.
• The Center is partnering with local schools to create learning opportunities for K-6 students in traditional Hawaiian farming techniques and Native Hawaiian culture.
Why Training Matters
Each year, 15,000 Native Hawaiians leave the State of Hawaii for the mainland due to rising costs and lack of opportunity. Meanwhile, the defense industry is bringing in nonresidents from the mainland to fill well-paying civilian jobs because the local population does not have the required skills and training. Hui Huliau has joined with other companies to participate in a workforce development program that will help Hawaiians stay in their homeland and gain marketable skills.
ORGANIZATIONS HUI HULIAU HAS SUPPORTED IN RECENT YEARS INCLUDE:
• AccesSurf Hawaii empowers people with disabilities to succeed at beach and water programs by fostering an inclusive community.
• Aloha Week Parade culminates the historic, annual, week-long celebration of Aloha Festivals with a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through intricately decorated floats and tradition-steeped performers that display the unique aloha spirit of Hawaii.
• Boys and Girls Club Hawaii (Nanakuli) and Maui provides after school programs in a safe space filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships with caring adult mentors, and enriching programs.
• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Kāko’o Maui Fund provides resources to Hawaiian communities impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires.
• E Ala Voyaging Academy teaches the importance of embracing proven cultural practices and values to positively impact the lives of students along the Leeward Coast.
• Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation helps farmers create and sustain vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all Hawaii through various scientific, educational and charitable activities.
• Hawaii Pacific Foundation is a nonprofit Native Hawaiian Organization that enriches Native Hawaiians through education, workforce development, economic stability, and community development.
• Hui Huliau Hou promotes and fosters the health, education, and welfare of lowincome people and communities with a primary focus on serving Native Hawaiians.
• Hui Mauli Ola utilizes Native Hawaiian traditions and spiritual practices to bring quality care and educational opportunities to the Native Hawaiian community.
• Ka’ala Farm Inc. preserves the living culture of Native Hawaiian ancestors through practicing ancient agriculture and providing interactive learning opportunities.
• Kalaeloa Heritage Park instills an understanding of important Native Hawaiians ancestral heritage by protecting 77-acres of culturally historic landscape.
• Ka Waihona o ka Na’auao Public Charter School (Leeward Coast Public Charter School) creates socially responsible, resilient, and resourceful young men and women by providing an environment of academic excellence, social confidence, and Hawaiian cultural awareness.
• Leeward Kai Canoe Club (Waa Loli Mau, Inc.) perpetuates cultural, educational, and physical excellence through the sport of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling and racing.
• Malama Learning Center brings art, science, conservation, and culture together to promote sustainable living through practical, place-based education initiatives.
• Maui Nui Resiliency Hui advocates for affordable housing, shoreline access, and food insecurity for Maui County.
• Mauka to Makai Makaha Foundation, Inc. educates the keiki and young people of the community on Hawaiian history and cultural practices, ocean safety education, sustainable-traditional gathering practices, and ancient and modern ocean sports.
• Mauliola Ke’eih immerses students in mental, cultural, physical, and scientific activities that are grounded in the island’s rich history and demonstrate its everevolving ecology.
• Na Kama Kai empowers youth through ocean education and stewardship, creating a bond of love and respect between the next generation and the ocean.
• Nanakuli High and Intermediate School produces community-grounded and globally-minded scholars through authentic academic experiences, place-based curriculum, and service-learning opportunities rooted in Hawaiian values.
• Nanakuli Performing Arts Center uses music, art, dance, and drama to provide students from any public school the opportunity to grow and discover new passions on stage.
• Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce works on behalf of its members and the Native Hawaiian business community to advocate for and promote a vibrant economic environment and improve the quality of life for Native Hawaiians in business.
• Olelo Community Media empowers the voice of the community to tell their stories through full-service media centers and production training.
• Royal Order of Kamehameha I is an order of knighthood established by Kamehameha V in 1865 that provides various kinds of aid and support to the Hawaiian people and perpetuates ancient culture, customs, and traditions of Hawaii.
• Searider Productions Foundation equips Waianae High School students with educational support, job training, and workforce development opportunities.
• Suzuki Family Foundation to sponsor a Labor Day 2023 music event benefiting those affected by the Maui wildfires.
• Waianae Coast Early Childhood Services provides preschool services and early intervention programs for infants and toddlers at risk of developmental delays.
• Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club supports the advancement of Native Hawaiians through education and the preservation of native culture. Hui Huliau assisted the Waianae Civic Club by underwriting the publication of the 50th Anniversary Edition of “Historic Waianae – A Place of Kings” book. The new edition includes 400 historic photographs of the Waianae Coast and is available as an online eBook or audiobook. historicwaianae.com
EXTENDING OUR IMPACT
In the last two years Hui Huliau has donated $262,600 to charitable organizations outside of Hawaii. Over half of those donations were given to charities that support Veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces and their families.
