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) 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:
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.
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. Project Summary
USDN – assist agencies with workforce growth and professional development.
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
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Dana Okano, PhD, AICP
DIRECTOR, Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Hawai‘i Community Foundation -
Faisha Solomon, MBA
PROGRAM OFFICER
Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
Hawai‘i Community Foundation -
Danielle Chung
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
Hawai‘i Community Foundation -
Melissa Unemori Hampe*, MBA
GRANT WRITING & TRAINING CONSULTANT
Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
SR Partners LLC -
Keapo Bissen*
GRANT WRITING & TRAINING CONSULTANT
Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
SR Partners LLC -
Christin Reynolds*
ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
One World One Water
*Note: Consultants are contracted by HIEFC to complete this work.
Recent Accomplishments
Here are some highlights of what we have accomplished with the help of our partners:
Assisted with grant applications for more than $16 million in federal funding requests.
Received nearly 50 inquiries from organizations across Hawai‘i seeking tailored training and technical assistance.
Provided more than 650 hours of technical assistance to organizations.
Curated a list of over 30 water-related federal funding opportunities to help organizations access essential resources.
Supported projects in all four counties across Hawai‘i.
Launched recruiting for the first cohort of the Hawai‘i Water Workforce Fellowship program.