Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i. The organization provides hands-on training programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of our culture and environment, helping them develop a strong connection to the place in which we live. Since 2007, Kupu has risen to meet the increasing demands of the green economy by training over 3,000 youth in the areas of conservation, sustainability and environmental education. Kupu affirms the Hawaiian notion of “ma ka hana ka ʻike” or “in working one learns”. This approach has led to the creation of hundreds of internships and service-learning opportunities which blend vocational training and green leadership development to support over 150 partner sites across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
In Hawaiian, the word kupu means to “to sprout, grow” providing the backbone of the non-profit’s efforts to revive the people, land and the sea across Hawaiʻi. Kupu’s work has been likened to the role of the Kupukupu Fern which is one of the first plants to cultivate the land after a lava flow. The fern not only serves as a foundational species for rebuilding a healthy, native ecosystem, but it also symbolizes a place where knowledge can grow. After learning from their experience, this next generation of green leaders enter the workforce with valuable skill sets that positively impact the communities in which they work.
MISSION
To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage pono (integrity) with Ke Akua (God), self, and others.
IMPACT
3252
Total Youth Served
93%
Environmental Issues
Participants continue to pursue environmental issues
86%
Cultural Awareness
Participants increase their understanding and connection to Hawaiian culture
95%
Connection to Place
Participants increase appreciation for and connection to place
86%
Green Career
Participants actively pursuing or currently employed in a career in conservation, sustainability or natural resource management
94%
Continued Growth
Participants pursue higher education or found employment immediately after completion of Kupu program
76%
Community Service
Participants continue to serve their community
WHO WE SERVE
Highest level of education completed prior to program participation
Total household income prior to program participation
WHERE WE SERVE
MEET THE TEAM
Leadership Team
John Leong
Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Bauer
Chief Operating Officer
Janice Kim, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Katrina Ogata
Director of Impact
Nate Gyotoku
Director of Sustainability Initiatives
Gina Carroll
Director of Environmental Leadership Development Initiatives
Board of Directors
John Neff
President
President, Hawaii Region
Penhall Co.
Kaulana Park
Vice President
Senior Project Manager
Rider Levett Bucknall
Julianna Rapu Leong
Secretary
Co-Founder
Kupu
Bradley Totherow
Treasurer
Vice President
Cadinha & Co., LLC
Kim Gennaula
Member at Large
Executive Director of Advancement
ʻIolani School
David Matsuura
Member at Large
Owner
Orchid Isle Nursery
Kathleen Thurston
Member at Large
Owner & President
Thurston Pacific, Inc.
Tyler Tokioka
Member at Large
Vice President, External Affairs
Island Insurance Company
Member at Large
Michael Wilson
Member at Large
Supreme Court Justice
State of Hawaii
Financials
Fiscal year October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016
$16,414,499
Total Economic Benefit in 2016
$73,151,775
Cumulative Economic Benefit Since 2007
REVENUE
Government Grants and Contracts
Private Grants
Program Service Fees
Donations and Contributions
EXPENSES
Program Services
Management and General
Fundraising and Development