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About

Mission

Who we are?

The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs (“HIPA”) is Hawaii’s first non-profit, non-partisan, and independent research organization whose mission is to provide research, analysis, and recommendations on public policy issues facing Hawaiʻi“.
  • We promote civic engagement and foster open dialogue to solve Hawaiʻi‘s biggest issues.
  • People are our most valuable resource.
  • We take no sides. We are a place where public issues can be aired, addressed, and resolved.
  • Social and economic progress requires a commitment to local values and participation of all sectors of society.
    • Sound public policy is based on careful research and analysis.

    fact-driven public policy

    A twenty-five year track record

    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 progress through cutting-edge research, ideas, and concrete actions that benefit Hawaii. HIPA’s track record of impact for impact for Hawaiʻi‘s people includes:

    Ensuring continued healthcare coverage for all of Hawaiʻi‘s working families

    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

    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.

    Raising awareness about needed federal support

    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.

    Underscoring the importance of digitizing statewide government services and information

    to promote greater access, transparency, and efficiency which was first recommended by HIPA in 2000.

    Creating Hawaiʻi‘s first statewide Sustainability Plan

    outlining principles and actions to guide decision-making that emphasizes a healthy and resilient Hawaiʻi.

    2025

    HIPA today

    HIPA remains dedicated to its mission for mission for Hawaiʻi by informing and advising decision-makers and the public navigating the global landscape of changing norms, increasingly complex policy challenges, and the reorganization of traditional institutions and economic sectors.

    In 2025, HIPA’s mission has been rekindled to meet the challenges of this new era of public policy. It is prepared to identify, analyze, and support opportunities and ideas that strengthen Hawaiʻi and address long-standing problems, all while staying true to HIPA’s commitment to organizational independence, local values, and fact-based decision-making.

    PARTNERS

    National and local partners

    Over the years, HIPA has received funding support and recognition for its public policy contributions from a diverse community including government, foundation, and corporate entities.

    OUR TEAM

    Board of Directors

    At HIPA, our team is committed to building a better future for Hawaiʻi. Get to know the people who lead our efforts in research, policy, and community impact.

    Barbara J. Tanabe

    President and Chair

    William M. Kaneko

    Vice President and Treasurer

    Burt Lum

    Sabrina Nasir

    Ramsay Taum

    Cameron S. Deptula

    Vice President

    Ian Kitajima

    Patrick McGuirk

    Secretary

    Perry Michael Arrasmith

    Vice President

    Jacqui Hoover