In recent months, Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) 8(a) enterprises have appeared in national headlines, often without much explanation of what they are or why they exist.
Lost in much of that coverage is the real story: organizations quietly doing exactly what the program was designed to do, reinvesting proceeds from federal contracting back into Native Hawaiian communities, expanding opportunity for the lāhui.
Many may have never heard of NHOs. But these nonprofit organizations have supported scholarships, built workforce pathways, partnered with schools, and invested in the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders.
One example is The Hawaiʻi Pacific Foundation (HPF), which uses revenues generated through federal contracting to support education, workforce development, and community initiatives across the islands.
HPF President and CEO Jeanine DeFries explained that the goal is simple: create opportunity that flows back to the lāhui. “Our businesses participate in the federal SBA 8(a) program and compete for contracts. When those companies succeed, the resources generated are reinvested into programs that support Native Hawaiian students, families, and communities.”
Education has been one of the foundation’s key priorities. Through partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi and other institutions, HPF has invested more than $5 million into programs that expand opportunities for Native Hawaiian students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. But the impact goes well beyond scholarships.
Between 2018 and 2024, NHOs reinvested more than $125 million into the community. Those funds have supported everything from rural water systems and youth summer camps to university partnerships and workforce training. These dollars stay local, hire local, and strengthen local institutions.
According to DeFries, “It’s not just the money. NHOs show up. They’re on boards, in classrooms, at community meetings. They mentor students, partner with nonprofits, and stay connected to the work long after the check is signed. That kind of investment doesn’t show up on a budget line, but it’s real.”
The NHO model was designed to create stability. Federal contracting provides a consistent revenue stream tied to performance and expertise. That stability allows them to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen families and communities. Those investments address one of the most difficult challenges: the migration of Native Hawaiians out of Hawaiʻi.
By supporting education, career pathways, and leadership development, NHOs increase the likelihood that Native Hawaiians can build successful futures while remaining connected to their communities, culture, and ʻāina.
When opportunity is reinvested with purpose, it becomes more than economic success, it becomes a commitment to mālama i ka lāhui and helps ensure that future generations of Native Hawaiians can thrive in the islands they call home.
Questions or feedback? Please contact andrew@nativehawaiianchamberofcommerce.org.
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