E Komo Mai
The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs
A resource hub to equip Hawaiʻi’s people to understand and engage with the Hawaiʻi State Constitution by providing clear, accurate, and accessible information and research about the state’s fundamental civic document.
A multistage initiative to understand and reverse the decline in local journalism across Hawaiʻi through historical analysis and engagement with Hawaiʻi’s communities and media organizations.
Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs
HIPA is the Aloha State’s pioneering non-profit, non-partisan educational organization dedicated to informing public policy through independent research and analysis.
WHO ARE WE
Hawaiʻi’s first non-profit, non-partisan, independent research organization
HIPA’s mission is to provide research, analysis, and recommendations on public policy issues facing Hawaiʻi.
HIPA is dedicated to navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by shifting norms, complex policy challenges, and the restructuring of traditional sectors.
In 2025, HIPA’s mission was rekindled to meet the challenges of this new era of public policy. It is prepared to identify, analyze, and support opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi and address long-standing problems.
HIPA’s mission is to provide research, analysis, and recommendations on public policy issues facing Hawaiʻi.
HIPA is dedicated to navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by shifting norms, complex policy challenges, and the restructuring of traditional sectors.
In 2025, HIPA’s mission was rekindled to meet the challenges of this new era of public policy. It is prepared to identify, analyze, and support opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi and address long-standing problems.
A twenty-five year track record of excellence
HIPA was founded in 2000 to prioritize data and fact-driven public policy in an era of widespread disenchantment with local and state government in Hawaiʻi. Since then, HIPA has been committed to promoting reform through cutting-edge research, ideas, and concrete actions that benefit Hawaii. HIPA’s track record of impact for Hawaiʻi‘s people includes:
Ensuring continued healthcare coverage for all of Hawaiʻi‘s working families
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By protecting Hawaiʻi‘s Prepaid Healthcare Act from an organized repeal campaign through data-informed economic analysis and stakeholder engagement.
Establishing the model for 21st Century Schools
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Which led to the establishment of the Schools Facility Authority to better use valuable DOE property and generate revenue for school facilities improvements across the State.
Creating Hawaiʻi‘s first statewide Sustainability Plan
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Outlining principles and actions to guide decision-making that emphasizes a healthy and resilient Hawaiʻi.
Underscoring the importance of digitizing statewide government services and information
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To promote greater access, transparency, and efficiency which was first recommended by HIPA in 2000.
Raising awareness about needed federal support
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One of the first organizations to document the impact of Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants on Hawaiʻi‘s state social safety programs, which finally led to a restoration of federal benefits for COFA citizens in 2024, ending $300M+ of annual burdens on Hawaiʻi‘s taxpayers.
Publications
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PUBLICATION
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Hawaii Housing Action Plan
The State of Physical Infrastructure in Hawaii Phase II
Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan
How Much Does Military Spending Add to Hawaii’s Economy