Taking action on climate isn’t just a commitment, it’s our kuleana.

Our Mission

Climate Hawai‘i is committed to dismantling the systemic barriers that stand in the way of meaningful climate progress across the islands. We recognize that while individual action is essential, true impact comes from addressing the structural challenges that slow or prevent large-scale change. That’s why our approach is two-fold: we support organizations in taking internal climate action through our Climate In initiative—helping them reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and build climate literacy—while also fostering collaboration and shared momentum through Climate Out, our platform for collective advocacy, resource-sharing, and policy alignment. By strengthening both the internal and external capacity for climate action, we help build durable, system-wide change.

Since our founding, 48 organizations have signed on to our Climate Pledge, representing a powerful cross-section of Hawai‘i's economy and governance. From small local businesses to major nonprofits, K–12 schools to universities, and all four county governments as well as the Governor himself, this diverse coalition reflects a growing commitment to climate leadership across sectors. At the heart of our work is a unique and critical role: bridging the long-standing divide between Hawai‘i’s business and environmental communities. Together, we are advancing a shared mission—one rooted in sustainability, resilience, and a deep sense of kuleana—to protect the climate future of our islands, for ourselves and for generations to come.

An Initiative of Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC)

The Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a convener and provides backbone support to leaders from different sectors who want to help build a more resilient economy and state. HEC members believe in the power of acting collectively and focus their energies and resources on areas where immediate and systemic changes will benefit Hawai‘i and the world.

We seek to accelerate Hawai’i’s equitable transition to a resilient, prosperous future by helping organizations meaningfully act on climate initiatives internally while working systemically to advance pro-climate policy and investment. Climate Hawai’i leverages the influence and collective capacities of HEC and organizations statewide to build a foundation on which climate solutions can succeed.

You can check out the Hawai’i Executive Collaborative and their work here.

A Coalition For Change

Behind Our Logo

The Climate Hawai‘i logo features a stylized “pewa,” or butterfly joint—a traditional Hawaiian woodworking technique used to bind and repair wood. Symbolizing strength through connection, the pewa is often used to mend what is broken while honoring the integrity of the original piece. It reflects not just repair, but care, craftsmanship, and intentionality. In many traditions, the butterfly shape also represents renewal, life, and transformation—powerful metaphors for the work of climate action.

This symbol captures the essence of Climate Hawai‘i’s mission: to bring together diverse people, organizations, and sectors to create a unified response to the climate crisis. Like the pewa, we aim to strengthen bonds across differences and address fractures in the system through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. Our logo is a visual reminder that lasting solutions come not from acting alone, but from joining together to repair, restore, and regenerate.

History of Climate Hawai‘i

  • Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative Climate Coalition Is Founded

    Climate Hawai‘i began in 2022 as an initiative of the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative, following a pivotal climate panel at HEC’s annual conference. Chris Benjamin and Professor Chip Fletcher stepped in as co-chairs to lead the effort, uniting cross-sector partners to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration.

  • Climate Coalition Begins Carbon Inventorying

    In 2023, Climate Hawai‘i launched a pilot program to help local organizations measure their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Through hands-on support and a Hawai‘i-specific guidance document, participating partners gained the tools and confidence to begin tracking their climate impact.

  • HEC Climate Coalition Hosts First "Brave Space" Conversation

    In April 2024, Climate Hawai‘i hosted its first Brave Space conversation to address the controversial securitization legislation proposed after the Maui wildfires. The session brought together Hawaiian Electric, public interest groups, and policymakers for a private, trust-based dialogue on balancing climate resilience with accountability.

  • HEC Climate Coalition Rebranded As Climate Hawai‘i

    To reflect its broader statewide mission and growing visibility, the initiative rebranded as Climate Hawai‘i in mid-2024. While still housed within HEC, the new identity clarified its distinct role in advancing organizational and systemic climate solutions.

  • First Climate Leadership Awards Ceremony Held

    Climate Hawai‘i launched its inaugural Climate Leadership Awards in October 2024 to recognize bold climate action across sectors. Honorees included businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who exemplified innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact.

  • Climate Hawai‘i Launches A Decarbonization Toolkit

    In 2025, Climate Hawai‘i released a practical Decarbonization Toolkit to help organizations move from measurement to action. The toolkit provides step-by-step strategies for reducing emissions through behavior change, efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy adoption.