Hawai’i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations’ mission “to unite and strengthen the nonprofit sector” was on full display Friday at the annual HANOCON held at Windward Community College.
More than 300 individuals were registered to attend, per a count by Aloha State Daily, which was among the event's sponsors. From the buzz at exhibitor booths to breakout rooms and panels focused on federal funding developments, well-being and strategic change management for leaders and more, there was momentum to connect through shared purpose and aloha for Isle communities.
HANOCON 2025 modeled that of its lei hīpuʻu kukui graphic, designed by Shar Paet, which symbolizes “the unique characteristics of our sector and the moment we’re in,” its website notes, adding, “Each lau (leaf) of the lei represents our diverse nonprofit organizations and missions that we weave together, strengthened by our shared purpose and collective aloha for the communities of Hawai’i.”
“All of us have a role in weaving this lei with purpose, love and respect. Our lei is a work in progress, representing what we have achieved together so far, but acknowledging there is more work ahead of us.”
At the conference, opening remarks included an oli and explanation of the meaning behind the lei by HANO Board Member Chris Molina.
Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “We’re excited to host all the ʻike and mana in the room. … Being in the shade on this beautiful campus, I hope that all the grace increases your energy and serenity at the same time.”
HANO President and CEO Melissa Miyashiro said, “When things feel uncertain for me, it really grounds me to focus on the things that I do know, and the path forward becomes clearer. So, I do know that the people in this room have the power to change the world.”
“You’re here and in this work because you want to make the world a better place,” she continued. “Nonprofits are resilient and the people that work in nonprofits are creative and adaptable. I know that that resilience comes at a toll to our well-being and our mental, emotional and sometimes physical health. That’s why HANO is committed to delivering resources and training for your individual and organization well-being. And that’s why we’re deepening our work on policy.”
“I know that we are stronger together and the true magic of nonprofits shines when we are united, working collaboratively alongside each other, supporting each other with our unique strengths and the special sauce of our individual organizations. That’s what HANOCON is all about.”
Hawaiʻi Data Collaborative Executive Director Nick Redding was first up to present on building local data capacities amid federal disruptions. Following that were several breakout sessions about crafting advocacy messages, unlocking impact through strategic partnership, funding beyond grants, demystifying legal challenges, among other areas of interest. The day ended with a networking pau hana.
Funds donated to the event “will prioritize funding for HANOCON scholarships to support registration for smaller nonprofits and travel stipends for Neighbor Island attendees,” per HANO’s website. In 2024, the organization raised more than $1 million in support from individual and corporate contributors, according to its latest annual report.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
