Dana Okano from Hawai’i Community Foundation joins us today to talk about the needs of her home state Hawai’i, and the importance of giving back to the land that rejuvenates you. She dives into the ongoing challenge of supporting environmental and community needs. Dana and Sybil dig deeply into her freshwater initiative and many of the important priorities in Hawai’i in order to  donate and support local organizations in a place that many people visit for rejuvenation.

Episode Highlights:

• Tips and strategies for effective giving 

• Leveraging local resources in a place that rejuvenates you

• Favorite grants and initiatives

Dana Okano Bio:

Dana Okano, PhD, AICP, (she/her) is Director of the Natural Environment sector at Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and is responsible for programs such as the Hawai‘i Fresh Water Initiative, Holomua Marine Initiative, and co-chairs the Hawai‘i Environmental Funders Group.  She is also Director of the EPA-funded Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center, providing Technical Assistance to communities across Hawai‘i for their water needs.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Okano worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program and Coastal Zone Management Program in Saipan, CNMI.  Dr. Okano also previously worked as a Planner at County of Hawai‘i Planning Department, and she began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Benin, West Africa.  

Links:

• Holomua Marine Initiative:  https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/ 

• Hawai’i Makai Watch:  http://pupukeawaimea.org/programs/makai-watch

• Hawai‘i Community Foundation https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

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https://www.doyourgood.com/blog/150-pooled-funds-that-protects-sharks

https://www.doyourgood.com/blog/129-jim-enote

https://www.doyourgood.com/blog/leveraging-public-dollars

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