About Us

Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul (RHS) is a values-based initiative rooted in Native Hawaiian principles and inclusive of all who call Hawai‘i home. It is a way of thinking, being, and leading that helps individuals and organizations align around shared values to guide decisions, build trust, and take action to address Hawai‘i’s most pressing challenges. RHS is not a program with a single goal, but a foundation for systems change grounded in the soul of Hawai‘i.

RHS Origin

RHS began in 2022 in response to growing divisions over critical issues like Pōhakuloa, Mauna Kea, Red Hill, and the lack of affordable housing. Recognizing that the soul of our home was at risk, the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC) partnered with Reos Partners to convene a diverse group of leaders – kūpuna, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and leaders from business and nonprofits. Together, these 43 leaders (RHS Scenario Team) co-created the Hawai‘i’s Soul scenarios and the Hawai‘i’s Soul Framework.

RHS Scenario Team

William Aila, Formerly from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawai’i
Twinkle Borge, Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae
Michael Broderick, Broderick Dispute Resolution
Matt Cox, Matson, Inc.
*Kamana‘opono Crabbe, Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative
John DeFries, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
Māpuana de Silva, Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima
Matt Emerson, Bank of Hawai‘i
Jeff Gilbreath, Hawaiian Community Lending
Kenneth Hara, Department of Defense, State of Hawai‘i
Kawaikapu Hewett, Windward Community College
Mehana Hind, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Peter Ho, Bank of Hawai‘i
Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, Ka Hikina O Ka La University of Maui College
*Corbett Kalama, RESCO – Locations Hawai‘i
Pualani Kanahele, Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation
Luka Kanaka‘ole, Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation
*Micah Kāne, Hawai‘i Community Foundation
*Michelle Ka‘uhane, Hawai‘i Community Foundation
Earl Kawa‘a, Cultural Practitioner

Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric Company
*Duane Kurisu, Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative
Mike Latham, Punahou School
Kūhiō Lewis, Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement
Rich Matsuda, W.M. Keck Observatory
*Lynelle Marble, Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative
Colbert Matsumoto, Tradewind Capital Group, Inc.
Connie Mitchell, The Institute for Human Services, Inc.
*Glenn Miyataki, Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative
Kīhei Nahale-a, Hawai‘i Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability, Brigham Young University
Cameron Nekota, First Hawaiian Bank
Catherine Ngo, Central Pacific Bank
Jon Osorio, Hawai‘inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, University of Hawai‘i
Walter Ritte, Community Activist
Dawn Kau‘i Sang, Department of Education, State of Hawai‘i
Leah Santos, All I See Is Art
Wai‘ale‘ale Sarsona, Kamehameha Schools Hi‘ialo Group
Ann Teranishi, American Savings Bank
*Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society
Suzanne Vares Lum, East-West Center
*John Waihe‘e III, Former Governor, State of Hawai‘i
Jack Wong, Kamehameha Schools
Kūha‘o Zane, SZKAIAO LLC.

*Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul Core Committee

Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative

The Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul (RHS) initiative is supported by the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC). HEC is a backbone organization that builds leadership, trust, and alignment so Hawaiʻi can solve complex challenges together and steward this place for future generations. Learn more at hec.org.

HEC is the organization that convenes and supports the RHS Network by providing backbone coordination, facilitation, and strategic support. HEC creates consistent opportunities for individuals to engage – facilitating knowledge sharing across the network, linking aligned efforts, and elevating stories of impact. HEC is also a participating organization within the RHS network who is committed to collaborating with others in the network on shared actions in key focus areas.