A Future Where People and Nature Thrive
In 1993, the Pūʻā Foundation was granted land stewardship to a 1,300 acre parcel of Hawai’i Island land, returned by the church as partial reparation for their part in the 1893 illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
In 2022, we launched our place-based strategic initiative: the Punahoa Heritage Forest.
Within this initiative, we want to showcase Hawaiian culture and environment. But the “idea” is bigger than “place”. Our long-term goal is for the Punahoa Heritage Forest to be a place of Hawaiian cultural and environmental best practices that captures the hearts and minds of all people in Hawaiʻi. More than that we want to showcase our heritage globally, to engage understanding in others for what it means to be Hawaiian.
A Bold Vision
For a forest of world-renown that enables Hawaiians to know, care and connect with their heritage.
Vision Strategy Map
A Clear Mission
To preserve and protect the natural state of the forest. To help it flourish as a place of gathering, rejuvenation and cultural expression for all Hawaiians and for those who embrace Hawaiian culture.
Mission Strategy Map
Mission Narrative
We envision three major phases: Forest, People and Connect.
Each phase leads into the next phase, building from strength to strength. It’s imperative that we address the Forest first so it is an environmentally healthy and sustaining place for the People to be welcomed and engaged in cultural practices.
Ultimately, we believe that the Punahoa Heritage Forest can be a showcase to the rest of the world. This is when we Connect. Especially to other indigenous cultures around the world looking to reclaim or sustain their own land, language and cultural heritage.
Our Values
1. Mālama ʻĀina (care the land)
2. Mālama Kānaka (care for the people)
3. Mālama Honua (care for the earth)
4. Mālama i ke kai (care for the sea)
5. Mālama i ka wai (care for the water)
6. Haʻahaʻa - humility
7. Aloha - love and much more
Five Year Plan
Draft Budget
We estimate getting into the third and final phase will take approximately five years and $10M. Large parts of the $10M budget are dedicated to land focus and capital works. The third phase will mark a transition to economic sustainability - a goal of generating sufficient revenue from the land and its activities to cover operating and costs.
Year One Goals
Garner “local” support - on Hawai’i Island as well as through rest of Hawai’i
Secure local sponsors and local government contacts
Create education and awareness events to attract local business interest and enroll local networks
Seek financial donations as well as other support (in-kind services, referrals, etc).
Raise first $100,000
Use of funds:
Commission a baseline environmental survey - “map the forest” - in support of Phase 1: Forest
Add team capacity to help drive awareness building and fundraising efforts
Begin community engagement in preparation for Phase 2: People
Raise next $150,000
Use of funds:
Secure a Land Manager
Develop plan with best practices for forest preservation and protection
Begin to execute the forest plan; allow for large scale fence or other forest protection
Plan Inputs
Following are examples of the kinds of inputs that are helping shape our planning for Punahoa Heritage Forest. Our first objective is to complete Phase 1 - FOREST, which elevates the importance of having a comprehensive land survey done first.
Modern Land Survey
We have completed the benchmark mapping using 2019 data.
Facilities for Use
Illustrative concepts that inform our strategic planning in Phase 2 - PEOPLE.
Early concepts show how the land could be used to support cultural practices and activities in Phase 2 - PEOPLE.