About us
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The Kauiki Foundation's vision is to enrich the lives of Native Hawaiians through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, leveraging contributions to support education, workforce development, economic stability, and community growth. Our success is rooted in creating opportunities that not only enhance individual prospects but also foster cultural development, ensuring a holistic approach to empowerment and prosperity within the community.
Our Firms
The Kauiki Foundation operates businesses across diverse industries, all dedicated to furthering our mission of providing opportunities to Native Hawaiian communities. Through these ventures, we are deeply committed to supporting economic empowerment and sustainable growth, ensuring that our efforts align closely with the aspirations and needs of the communities we serve.
The NHO Program
Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) are vital community service entities dedicated to serving Native Hawaiian communities. To qualify, an NHO must hold majority ownership in an entity participating in the Small Business Administration 8(a) business development program. This requirement is essential due to the program's distinctive criteria and aims to ensure that Native Hawaiian communities have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for sustainable development and growth.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairperson: Ipolani Barcarse
Franzelle Ipolani Barcarse has dedicated her life to serving others, with a special focus on ensuring that Native Hawaiian youth have access to educational and vocational opportunities that are often lacking. Her years of community service have fueled a deep passion for promoting the success of young people in our community.
After careful consideration, Ipolani assumed the role of Chairperson of the Kauiki Foundation, a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiian youth.
As Chairperson, she plays a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating board decisions related to organizational priorities and governance matters, all in alignment with the Kauiki Foundation’s nonprofit purpose and congressionally mandated mission.
Vice Chairman: Ross Barcarse
Ross Barcarse has demonstrated his dedication to service through his military service in the Hawaii Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserves. Currently serving as the President of Haia Innovations, an IT and Engineering company, Ross brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role.
As Vice Chairman of the Board for the Kauiki Foundation, Ross serves as a voting member, actively supporting the foundation’s nonprofit purpose and congressionally mandated mission. In this capacity, he collaborates with the Chairman to guide board decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational plans, priorities, and governance principles.
Secretary/Treasurer: Treston Barcarse
Treston Barcarse, a distinguished graduate of Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama, possesses a robust skill set rooted in conflict resolution. With extensive leadership experience, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in driving performance and achieving industry goals. Treston’s proficiency extends across operations, team development, strategic planning, and consumer relations, earning him widespread respect as a leader.
In his current capacity as Secretary and Treasurer of The Kauiki Foundation, Treston occupies a critical role on the Board of Directors, serving as a voting member dedicated to advancing the foundation’s nonprofit purpose and congressionally mandated mission. Additionally, he oversees financial planning and reports, ensuring the foundation’s fiscal health and accountability.
Treston’s unwavering dedication and leadership significantly enhance the foundation’s success and impact within the community, embodying its commitment to empowering Native Hawaiian youth through education and opportunity.
Board Supported Programs
The Kauiki Foundation is dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiians through educational opportunities. Our long-term vision encompasses forging partnerships with esteemed institutions like the University of Hawaii (System Schools), Hawaii Pacific University, and Brigham Young University Hawaii. By leveraging these collaborations, we aim to provide comprehensive support for Native Hawaiians pursuing academic excellence. Furthermore, we aspire to extend our reach beyond Hawaii, partnering with educational institutions across the country to create pathways for success and elevate the educational standards for our community.
