Faces of
Philanthropy Winter 2007
Quarterly News from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation
honoring the values of home OUR MISSION We help people make a difference by inspiring the spirit of giving and by investing in people and solutions to benefit every island community.
As a local boy growing up in the towns of Makaweli and Kalaheo on Kaua‘i, Wayne Rapozo learned the values and ideals he holds true until today: a deep rooted respect for cultural diversity, an appreciation for stewardship of the land and responsibility to the community. Raised in the traditional hānai (the Hawaiian tradition when a child is raised by someone other than their birth parents) fashion by his grandparents George and Augusta Rapozo, Wayne eventually left Kaua‘i to complete his education and to broaden his horizons. Today he is a successful attorney and partner in the London office of American law firm Dechert, LLP. Although far from home, Wayne never lost his desire to reach out to the community he grew up in. His initial outreach came in the form of the “Rapozo Kama‘āina Fund,” which he established on December 27, 2006. After Wayne’s grandparents passed away, he kept funds they left him and added it to the existing fund’s endowment. The Rapozo Kama‘āina Fund was then established in honor of his grandparents, the original teachers of his lessons on giving. “My grandparents were fundamental to my upbringing and identity,” said Wayne. The goals of his fund mirror Wayne’s desire to reach out to well deserving groups and individuals committed to serving as moral and cultural anchors for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. The fund seeks to enhance stewardship of the land, celebrate continued interest in Hawai‘i’s cultural legacy, support education and economic self-sufficiency for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.
Wayne prefers to provide fair and meaningful gifts now, rather than wait until his senior years. Because Wayne is rather far from home, he views - Fund as a means of being the Rapozo Kama‘aina part of the community, or as he puts it “the modernday Ahupua‘a,” the historic Hawaiian land division where resources and responsibilities were shared. It is Wayne’s way of staying close to individuals and groups dedicated to Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. The fund has allowed Wayne to directly share in the goodwill that community contributions foster and to honor his grandparents. After much consideration, Wayne chose HCF to serve out his philanthropic wishes. “Working with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation was such a logical choice and was something that was familiar to me from my school years.” This year’s grantees support a wide variety of causes on Kaua‘i. The five recipient groups are: Mālama Kaua‘i, a North Shore farmer water sustainability assessment and implementation project; Kapa‘a High and Intermediate School Hawaiian Language Immersion Program at Anahola; Mālama Māhā‘ulepū, a project that funds student field trips to the historic coastal zone at Māhā‘ulepū, Kaua‘i; Na Kalai Wa‘a o Kaua‘i, a project to complete mast, radio equipment and other items of a voyaging canoe; and Garden Island Resource & Development Koke‘e Resource Conservation Development, a program to instill support for native forest and trail maintenance in Koke‘e. (continued on page 3)
For more information on connecting with a cause that you care about, please contact HCF’s Philanthropic Services Department at (808) 566-5560 (toll-free at 1-888-731-3863) or e-mail clientservices@hcf-hawaii.org
www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
leading the mission
a message from our board chairman and president
As 2007 comes to an end, we look back at another remarkable year of support and compassion for the community. Although it has been an honor for us at the Foundation to have witnessed the charitable acts of individuals like Wayne Rapozo (page 1) and of those of you who have given your time and resources this year, we look ahead to the coming year with high hopes for our island home. We continue to improve our client management practices in order to better reflect our commitment to building the assets of the entire philanthropic community rather than just our own. By forming stronger relationships with our clients, we are starting to increase our understanding of their charitable intentions and goals. And as a result, our Philanthropic Services Department has been able to enhance the type of services that it provides. We are excited to introduce to you two new members of our Philanthropic Services Department—Philanthropic Services
Officer Darcie Yukimura and Scholarship Officer Rona Kekauoha. Read more about them below. During this time of year, we should always be reminded that generosity and positive actions are contagious. Thank you for being such great examples for Hawai‘i. We will continue to serve you, those who have entrusted us with your charitable funds. In this season of giving, please know that you have made a positive impact in our community and will continue to do so in the years to come. If you would like assistance with your year-end charitable giving goals, please call us or have your advisor contact us at (808) 566-5560 (toll-free at 1-888-731-3863). Best wishes this holiday season, Barry K. Taniguchi Chairman of the Board Kelvin H. Taketa President & CEO
Meet the New Team Members [Philanthropic Services Department] We are excited to introduce two new additions to our Philanthropic Services team – Darcie Yukimura, philanthropic services officer for O‘ahu, and Rona Kekauoha, scholarship officer. Both are dedicated to HCF’s mission and are eager to help our clients carry out their charitable wishes.
“I
“E
want to be able to deliver the highest level of customer service. It is so exciting to help people contribute to the community in a way they feel is meaningful.”
ducation opens up so many opportunities and to be a part of that process and help students realize their dreams is satisfying for me.”
Darcie Yukimura
Rona Kekauoha
Philanthropic Services Officer, O‘ahu dyukimura@hcf-hawaii.org
Scholarship Officer rkekauoha@hcf-hawaii.org
Phone: (808) 566-5564 Hometown: Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i Previous job: Director of Communications, Saint Louis School Education: Kaua‘i High School; bachelor’s degree in Communication and master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona; currently working towards a master’s degree in Business Administration from Chaminade University
Phone: (808) 566-5557 Hometown: Kaimukī, O‘ahu Previous job: Scholarship Administrator and Counselor, Kamehameha Schools Education: ‘Iolani School; bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Washington; Education Administration Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Facesof
from island to island
Philanthropy
connecting people who care with causes that matter
In the Business of Sustainability When donor Wayne Rapozo (see cover story) planned out his thoughts on how he wanted to help Kaua‘i communities, the farmers in Kilauea were not far from his mind. “The Kilauea farmers have tended the land with care and pride and have had the misfortune of the (Ka Loko) dam break,” said Rapozo. The Ka Loko dam breached in March 2006, resulting in a loss of life and significant property damage on the North Shore of Kaua‘i. Yet, long-term effects for area farmers were also an issue considering Ka Loko supplied water for dependent Kilauea farmers. Malama Kaua‘i is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, already in the business of promoting projects and practices that move towards a sustainable Kaua‘i. Being based on the North Shore of the island, the group already had relationships with many farmers in Kilauea. Keone Kealoha, co-founder and executive director of Malama Kaua‘i, realized how critical
honoring the values of home
it was to outline the needs and ensure an investment in securing agricultural water for these farmers. Malama Kaua‘i was one of the recipients of the Rapozo Kama‘aina Fund grants. “The grant helped us to produce a report that went beyond the government itself and outlined the need on the North Shore since the effects of Ka Loko were so critical,” said Kealoha. A north shore farmer water sustainability assessment and implementation project was positioned upon receiving the grant. “The goal of this project is to secure reliable access to affordable water for all North Shore Kaua‘i agriculturalists,” said Kealoha. The plan towards ensuring water for the farmers is a piece of a much bigger pie for Malama Kaua‘i. About one and a half years ago Chris Jaeb and Kealoha co-founded the nonprofit. After working as a volunteer and realizing the need for a locally based cause that worked toward sustainability, Kealoha met his match. Although the birth of Malama Kaua‘i was accelerated by a lot of global issues and not just one, early meetings with the people of Kilauea town made him realize the issues existed closer to home. The
The Rapozo Kama‘aina Fund will provide scholarship funds to students from Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau attending (continued from page 1) four-year university programs as well as two-year degree programs and vocational programs. His goal is to broaden the spectrum of students who can participate beyond those entering a four-year college. Wayne understands the importance of higher education but he also commends students who have balanced significant family and work commitments while attending school. “My grandparents always believed you should choose a job or a trade and do it well,” said Wayne. He believes this principle still holds true in today’s economy. Awards are planned for this school year with funds earmarked for students from Ni‘ihau and from West
community spoke for themselves and the concerns were ongoing. They needed an avenue to help them promote their land. Today, Malama Kaua‘i is heavily involved in projects and is dedicated to action, not just words. They also play a supporting role in environmental issues by partnering with the community in helping make sure projects are implemented. “We’re trying to empower other groups and nonprofits by connecting their grassroots efforts with the government,” said Kealoha. One of the group’s current projects is operating a sustainable resource center or hub where people can go to learn or support green businesses. This center was established on a 45-acre parcel, which used to be owned by Kilauea Agronomics, operator of Guava Kai Plantation, Hawai‘i’s largest producer of guava. People from the community are able to go there for information on sustainability, or what Malama Kaua‘i defines as living within the limits of what the island can support. For more information about Malama Kaua‘i contact their office (808) 8280685 or visit their Web site at www. malamakauai.org.
Kaua‘i, Central and East side, and the North Shore to ensure a balanced recognition of merit. At the end of the day, Wayne wishes to send a clear message to the community and to the committed and hardworking individuals that their work is appreciated. He is especially grateful for the moral compass and goodwill that Kaua‘i had provided him and continues to provide him. When looking back at the values his grandparents passed on to him, Wayne notes the value of education and learning, a balance between the individual and community, and a love for the land that gives him his identity. “These values were as clear as can be in the Kaua‘i of my youth. But if I pause, even today, and think of the big picture, these values are still as clear as can be.”
caring for our community
grants and special initiatives at work
Leaders Continue to Learn with PONO
PONO’s 2006-2007 Fellows
Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s annual leadership program, Promoting Outstanding Nonprofit Organizations (PONO), has graduated another class of community leaders. These 15 individuals began their journey in continued learning in August of 2006 and graduated in May 2007. The program, which launched in 2003, provides nonprofit leaders with the management tools and support needed to help their organizations carry out their mission effectively. PONO brings local nonprofit executives together for a 10-month program of peer-centered learning. The maximum class size is 15, and the program is open to all nonprofits in Hawai‘i. This year’s PONO fellows featured six executives from Maui, four from O‘ahu, three from Hawai‘i Island and two from Kaua‘i. All participants are mid-career executives with at least two years of paid experience in their current positions. The training program is administered by La Piana Associates, a leading national nonprofit consulting firm based in California. The program emphasizes contextualized learning by providing participants with an organizational capacity building grant of up to $30,000 to focus on a critical issue or entrepreneurial opportunity facing their organizations. “PONO has been very well
received by those who’ve participated. In a recent survey, the majority of PONO fellows said that the experience made their organizations more strategic and better able to respond to change,” said Pi‘ikea Miller, HCF’s senior program officer for discretionary programs. Jocelyn Bouchard, executive director of the Maui Humane Society, is a 2007 PONO graduate. “PONO was an invaluable experience for me. It was Jocelyn Bouchard the complete package– education, networking and support. The group from LaPiana is wonderful and so knowledgeable. Working with HCF on the organization capacity grant in association with this program was the most amazing (in a good way) grant writing experience I have ever had and the support/input I got during that process was integral in moving our agency forward towards our now impending capital campaign,” Bouchard said. For Jeanne Skog, President & CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board, PONO has also made lasting impressions. Jeanne Skog She mentioned, “The experience reinforced my belief that Hawai‘i’s nonprofits are led by some of the most dynamic, resourceful and knowledgeable individuals who truly care about their community. Post-PONO, we are our own sustaining mechanism for professional growth and effectiveness.” Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s fifth PONO class started in September and will run to June 2008. If you would like to help support future PONO classes, please contact our Philanthropic Services Department at (808) 566-5560 for more information.
Podcasts of HCF radio interviews and programs are now available at: www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
PONO’s 2006-2007 Fellows Bob Agres, Jr.
Executive Director, Hawai‘i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development
Jocelyn Bouchard
Executive Director, Maui Humane Society
Wendy Burkholder
Executive Director, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawai‘i
Moya Gray
Executive Director, Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i
Sherri Dodson
Executive Director, Maui Inc., Habitat for Humanity
Jaqueline Hahn
President, Traditional Chinese Medical College
Ray Henderson
Executive Director, ‘Ohana Makamae, Inc.
Jane M. Hoffman
Business Manager, Kilauea Point Natural History Association
Stacey Moniz
Executive Director, Women Helping Women
Josi Morgan
Executive Director, Hawai‘i Island Humane Society
Rebecca H. Rhoades, D.M.V.
Executive Director, The Kaua‘i Humane Society
Venus Rosete-Hill,
Executive Director, Neighborhood Place of Wailuku
Debbie Shimizu
Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers, Hawai‘i Chapter
Jeanne Skog
President & CEO, Maui Economic Development Board
Dr. Stephen Zuniga
Chief Executive Officer, Big Island Substance Abuse Council
Copies of current and past issues of Faces of Philanthropy are available at www. hawaiicommunityfoundation.org We encourage your comments and questions. Please contact us via e-mail at communications@hcf-hawaii.org or call (808) 566-5544.
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 800 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813 Phone: 808-537-6333 Toll-free: 1-888-731-3863