OUR HUI PARTNERS: INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

In 2019, HMSA Foundation transformed its funding strategy—one rooted in uplifting community-driven practices that build health and connection amount people and place—for a more resilient, equitable, and healthy Hawaiʻi.

The Foundation committed to the following:

  • Provide unrestricted funding for five years

  • Create opportunities for connection among nonprofits doing similar work

  • Offer support beyond funding, including resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and capacity building

  • Invite honest feedback to co-create a meaningful and beneficial experience together

  • Be transparent and responsive to build accountability and authenticity

  • Simplify the paperwork process

We began a months-long journey of research and outreach, connecting with stakeholders and nonprofit organizations across Hawaiʻi that are addressing the deeper roots of health in their communities—guided by Pilinahā, a community-based model developed by Kōkua Kalihi Valley and Islander Institute that defines health and well-being through the lens of connection: to place, to community, to past and future, and to one's best self. From this process, we invited 10 organizations that aligned with our vision of health to form our 2019 Hui (cohort).

In 2025, the Foundation proudly announced our second Hui—eight organizations deeply rooted in the communities they serve and committed to promoting collective health and well-being across our state. Together, our hui is working to build relationships, trust, collaborations, and shared understanding—ultimately reshaping how we view and create health in Hawaiʻi.

2025 Hui Partners

2019 Hui Partners

Our original Hui Partners laid the foundation for this transformative approach to community health.