Ho`oulu Lāhui Inc.
(King David Kalakauas moto: To nurture and perpetuate
our people)
Draft: September 12, 2012
1. Mission, Vision, History
Ho`oulu Lahui is a 501c3 corporation founded in 1995. The vision of Ho’oulu Lahui is
that Hawaiian culture, values, beliefs and lifestyle will be perpetuated and nurtured in
partnership with the community in order to achieve lokahi (unity, harmony, total well
being).
Mission
Ho’oulu Lāhui promotes education, health and culturally appropriate economic
development for students, families, community members and visitors through forestry,
agriculture, environmental conservation, historic preservation activities using Native
Hawaiian practices and modern technologies.
History
Ho`oulu Lahui was founded by Keikialoha Kekipi and Susie Leigh Osborne in 1994.
After 8 years of successful implementation of the cultural educational programs, Kua o
ka La New Century Public Charter School was formed in response to the deep
community need for educational choice for our Native Hawaiian and other community
members. Kekipi and Osborne have devoted their lives to ensuring that Ho`oulu Lahui,
Kua O Ka Lā New Century Public Charter School and the lands of Pu`ala`a are
developed and sustained in perpetuity.
“Ho’oulu Lāhui” is derived from King Kalakaua’s motto about growing and nurturing a
nation or people, specifically the Hawaiʻian nation and people. Ho’oulu Lāhui, the
organization, is the result of a grassroots effort to restore and care for na wahi pana
(historically significant Hawaiʻian cultural sites) in Puna, along with the values and
lifestyle of the indigenous people (Lāhui) who established these sites. The ‘ili (land
division) of Pu’ala’a is the piko or center of Ho’oulu Lāhui.
The work of Ho’oulu Lāhui is implemented within the ahupua’a of Keahialaka. The
ahupua’a is a land division concept that includes physical characteristics, social
interactions and values to integrate land-use management, nature, humanity, and belief
systems. Hawaiian ahupua’a traditionally extends from the mountain peaks into ocean
fisheries. Other geologically significant features such as rift zones, or craters, may define
(mauka) boundaries of ahupua’a. Keahialaka is filled with cultural history, archaeological
complexes, ponds, agricultural sites and areas for recreation, residing, planting and
fishing. The area offers unique opportunities toward re-awakening a place of cultural and
experiential learning. Historically a pu`uhonua and wahi pana, this place of healing
welcomes the indigenous people and others from around the world and affords the
opportunity to deepen spirituality and advance the well being of all who come.
Describe how we got started and the infrastructure and financial success to date, awards
From jungle to
Stories to inspire
Founder is lineal descendant to burial sites within village
Educational Philosophy
Ho’oulu Lāhui was created with the vision of perpetuating all facets of Hawaiian cultural
knowledge, including agriculture, aquaculture, education, language, protocol, food
preparation, fishing, arts and crafts.
All learning programs integrate and encourage these values.
 Aloha kekahi i kekahi, Have love for one another
 Mālama i kou kuleana, Take care of your responsibilities
 Kōkua aku kokua mai, Give help, receive help
 Mahalo i ka mea loa‘a, Be thankful for what we have
 Kulia I ka Nu`u Strive to reach your highest potential
B. Problem and Opportunity
The Puna community faces significant challenges in 4 key areas i) education, ii) health &
wellness, iii) social development, and iv) economic/employment and many secondary
problems stemming from these primary issues.
Hawaiians in the Puna district face several barriers to a healthy, economically stable and
traditional lifestyle resulting from the region’s isolation, lack of adequate educational
opportunities, drastic changes in the community’s social makeup, and a limited job
market dominated by low -paying demeaning jobs. Few job opportunities and an
extremely high cost of living forces most community members to work multiple jobs and
long hours, which subsequently results in substandard living conditions, unsupervised
children and youth, despair and poverty. Native youth grow up learning that to survive;
they must serve the dominant “American” culture, steal/deal drugs, or leave.
WILL THESE YOUTH STILL SERVE THE DOMINANT AMERICAN CULTURE,
STEAL/DEAL DRUGS OR LEAVE PUNA WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
CULTURAL CENTER? HOW WILL THIS CULTURAL CENTER PROVIDE AN
ALTERNATIVE TO THIS SAD SCENARIO?
The development of an Hawaiian Cultural Education Center that uses the wisdom and
assets of the land and its people as an inspiration and a curriculum is key to
accomplishing the mission of Ho’oulu Lahui. The cultural education center is envisioned
to be a place for community involvement where cultural practitioners join with students
in a learning community that perpetuates and is sustained by traditional values, practices
and methodologies.
Anticipated is a truly Native Hawaiian environment that is planned to enhance the
learning experience providing an important support facility for Kua o ka La NCPCS
programs Current learning concepts will be integrated with traditional Native Hawaiian
customs and practices at the cultural education center that is planned to augment the
learning process and increase students’ attentiveness and retention.
Ho`oulu Lahui`s 600 acre site includes one of the most intact ancient Hawaiian coastal
fishing villages in Hawai`i. Rich with archeological sites, fish ponds, low land rain
forest, the property is a wondrous learning laboratory for all of Ho`oulu Lahui’s
educational programs.
Kamehameha Schools, the largest trust in support of native Hawaiian education is the
recognized land owner and natural mission aligned partner of Ho`oulu Lahui. The
agreed upon lease terms include 35 years with a 20 year option for extension.
Service and programs. Your unique role. Also describe the range of services
currently being provided by other like organizations in your area, and how you are
uniquely qualified to assist the community.
In order to meet the organizationʻs strategic goals the following services and programs
have been and are continuing to be developed.
1.Kua o Ka La New Century Public Charter School
Briefly describe
2. Hawaiian cultural education center.
Describe this.
3. `Aina Lako (explain)
Culturally appropriate Economic development ventures.
 Agriculturally based initiatives
 Agro-foresty based initiatives – Ulu food security ventures, and native tree
propagation
 Edu and cultural tourism describe what we have done, doing and will do
 Pond aquaponics
Describe this.
D. Other organizations that do what we do
No other organization does the full scope of our work however,
In our area ie Keone Kalawe
Charter schools HAAS, SPACE, waters of life,
Dragons Eye, Hawaiian Santuary,
E. Financial profile. Provide revenues and expenses by program and overall.
See attached
F. The long-range plan.
The strategic goals of Ho’oulu Lāhui are:
In this area, show how the capital project (second bullet below) will allow you to
approach your goals. Outline how important the facility is toward this purpose within the
context of your entire plan. This is a strategic plan

The development and operation of a Hawaiian Cultural Education Center
o Obtain architect drawings
o Permits and dates
o


The restoration and management of Hawaiian cultural sites in Puʻalaʻa, Puna.
Measurable objectives, dates or volume, what we have to do, tactics that allow
you to budget each objective how much $ you will need to operate in a year,
Mapping, time and cost to do invasive species removal, native plant
propagation, pig control for site stabilization, stabilize sites,
 Self sufficienty of Ho`oulu Lahui
o Culturally appropriate economic development ventures such as
that serve the mission of training and capacity development of the
organization and the community.
o
 Collaboration with other agencies and organizations that add value to all
participants
Show how the facility will allow us to achieve all of the goals, mission and vision of the
organization
The above are objectives that need criteria of successful implementation—so use dates or
other measures of accomplishment with these stated objectives. Later, your evaluation for
success will be determined by the timely accomplishment of these objectives.
If possible, outline the tactics that will lead to the fulfillment of these objectives. That’s
what you can use to help budget out how much this will cost you in terms of operational
budget.
What is anAnnual evaluation
Financials
Letter from ED and Board president
Milestones hit in the year
Contributions that have been given
Share with board
Approved by board
Official document
Updated annually
Case basis for feasibility study for this which is a mapping process for capital campaign
F. Statement of need. What will it take to continue/improve operations?
Hoʻoulu Lāhui has been successful at raising funds for the first three phases of their
cultural education center without running a capital campaign. For the next phase Hoʻoulu
Lāhui would like to conduct a capital campaign and needs to raise $______________ for
__________________(facility).
How much is the total facility value? How large is it? Where will it be located? Do you
own the land? Exactly what are the facility’s features and how will the facility serve the
organization’s programs and community’s needs? How does it fit into the organization’s
long range plan? Why is it critical that you do this construction now? A construction
budget? Has an architect been selected? How many people will be served by this facility?
Show how the facility will be maintained. How much will it cost to maintain and how will
you be financing the annual expense of this facility? A pro forma cash projection would
be ideal.
G. Campaign plan; budget; timeline; organization chart.
Don’t have this yet. Need to do feasibility study and that does campaign mapping
H. Security (money is safe) policies will be forwarded to us, solicitation, recognition
policies and methods of giving and fund use policies. This will be forwarded to us. We
got this, embed here Sasa will send to us.
To be approved.
I. Leadership. Put the names of the board members here. Briefly list their qualifications.
For each director, list full legal name, professional position, name of company that
employs this director, educational background (name of college or school, degree
obtained), other organizations they are DIRECTOR on board, your organization's
committees (name of committee and list "chair" if they are chair). Do not print entire
resumes. Just list as I have described here, and make the listing consistent in
organization. Also, include the names and qualifications of those who will be responsible
for the programs and policies for spending the money raised.
For each of these directors, “Ho’ouli Lahui Committees” should be listed and all
committees on which the director serves should be listed (see bold above).
Sample:
President
Current Position:
Education:
Degree:
Credentials:
Organizations:
KH Committees:
Janet L. Mayfield
Chief Financial Officer, National Tropical Botanical Garden
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Certified Public Accountant since 1982
Director, Hale Opio Kaua'i, Inc.
Member, Island School parent association
Member, Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants
Executive, Nominating, Facilities, Finance
Must create committees>>.development committee
Comprised of individuals will carry on and after I am gone
This can be a main handicap
This
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HO‘OULU LĀHUI
2018-2019
Office
Name and Phone
Address
PRESIDENT
Luika Imaoka
13-3548 Kumakahi St.
Ph:(808) 987-6950
Pahoa, HI 96778
Luika is an accountant for the film industry. Luika is a hula dancer, lauhala weaver,
spiritual advisor and cultural practitioner.
VICE CHAIR
Karina Leasure-Espinoza
(808) 965-2193
13-3554 Ho`okupu St.
Pahoa, HI 96778
Karina Leasure-Espinoza is an HR specialist formerly the East Hawaii manager for
Altress a staffing firm. She now holds the position of HR Administrative Assistant for
Kua o ka La Charter School.
Secretary/Treasurer Sue Henkel
(808) 987-0129
15-3011 Mako Way
Pahoa, HI 97880
Sue is the Co-owner of Stoneface Inc., a Hawaiian based art design/ engraving company.
MEMBER
Michael Dupont
875 Komohana Street
Hilo, HI. 96720
Ph. 345-8066
Michael is employed at the University of Hawaii CTAHR division. Mike has a focus on
Korean Natural Farming and animal husbandry. He has worked with Ho`oulu Lahui to
install chicken coops and encourage Korean Natural Farming methods.
MEMBER
Luana Bugsby Neff
ADVISORY BOARD
HO‘OULU LĀHUI
2017-2018
Name
Organizational Affiliation
Lance Ni‘imi
YMCA
Ruth Tachibana
3rd Circuit Family Court Hilo
Mana Forbes
Te Puna Rangahau Research Centre
P.O. Box 151
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
* = Native Hawaiian
ADVISORY BOARD
HO‘OULU LĀHUI
2005
Name
Address and Phone
Ulunui Garmon*
211 Laehala St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 961-3129
Gerald Kita
Lanakila Housing
391 Mohouli St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 965-7860
Lance Ni‘imi
Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center
919 Ululani St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 935-9381
Ruth Tachibana
3rd Circuit Family Court Hilo
Mana Forbes
Te Puna Rangahau Research Centre
P.O. Box 151
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
QUEEN LILI‘UOKALANI CHILDREN’S CENTER
REPRESENTATIVE
HO‘OULU LĀHUI
2005
Name
Lucille Chung*
* = Native Hawaiian
Address
Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center
919 Ululani St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 935-9381