About Us

Our primary mission is to address the urgent potable water supply and infrastructure needs of the Hawaiian Islands, ensuring that all residents have long-term access to reliable fresh water for generations to come.

We are a Category 2 – Regional Water Infrastructure Environmental Finance Center (EFC) with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding, selected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help communities across the state access federal funding for infrastructure projects that improve public health and environmental protection. We recognize the barriers to accessing funding for long-term infrastructure projects that protect Hawai‘i’s water resources and the challenges in creating a healthy workforce dedicated to stewarding our islands’ water sources, and are here to work with community partners and government agencies to identify and support solutions. HIEFC program flyer

Our Goals

At the Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center (HIEFC), we are deeply committed to fostering environmental progress and resilience in our unique island ecosystem. Here are the goals we steadfastly pursue:

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Facilitate Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects:

  • Work with organizations to identify water priorities that need funding.

  • Research funding opportunities.

  • Assist organizations in applying for federal funding opportunities.

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Build a Sustainable Water Workforce:

  • Assess current workforce gaps in partnership with University of Hawai‘i Economic Resource Organization (UHERO), University of Hawai‘i – Water Resources Research Center (UH-WRRC), and Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN).

  • UHERO/UH-WRRC – identify and develop models for career pathways to support roles in the water sector.

  • USDN – assist agencies with workforce growth and professional development.

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Encourage Innovation in Sustainability and Equity:

  • Promote projects that emphasize water conservation, recharge, and reuse.

  • Ensure projects encompass sustainability and resilience.

  • Prioritize actionable plans for equity in disadvantaged communities.

Who We Are

The HIEFC is operated by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF). For over a decade, HCF has spearheaded Hawai‘i’s Fresh Water Initiative, directing funds toward projects aligned with the HIEFC's objectives. Our unique position as a community convener for systems change allows us to support community groups and government agencies working to aid underserved communities facing inequitable resource challenges.

Our Team

  • Dana

    Dana Okano, PhD, AICP

    DIRECTOR, Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Hawai‘i Community Foundation

  • Faisha

    Faisha Solomon, MBA

    PROGRAM OFFICER
    Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    Hawai‘i Community Foundation

  • Mary-Joy

    Mary-Joy Llaguno

    PROGRAM OFFICER
    Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    Hawai‘i Community Foundation

  • Melissa

    Melissa Unemori Hampe*, MBA

    GRANT WRITING & TRAINING CONSULTANT
    Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    Skog Rasmussen LLC

  • Keapo

    Keapo Bissen*

    GRANT WRITING & TRAINING CONSULTANT
    Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    Skog Rasmussen LLC

  • Christin

    Christin Reynolds*

    ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
    Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
    One World One Water

*Note: Consultants are contracted by HIEFC to complete this work.