Historic Hawai'i Foundation
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is a Honolulu-based public charity whose work centers on preserving Hawai‘i’s historic places. It provides preservation grants and technical assistance, and conducts education and advocacy related to historic properties.
Historic Hawai'i Foundation at a glance
In short: Historic Hawai'i Foundation gave $616K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $32K), mostly in Hawaii. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $616,400
- -12.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- -9.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $32,442
- -3.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $2,712,577
- +2.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (8 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Hawaii (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Historic Hawai'i Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The website provides an online application form and application instructions for the HHF Historic Preservation Grants.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists June 1 and September 1, 2026, as HHF Historic Preservation Grant deadlines; both dates have passed. The Hilo Preservation Grant Program lists June 12 and September 11, 2026; those dates have also passed.
- Deadline
- The website lists June 1 and September 1, 2026, as HHF Historic Preservation Grant deadlines; both dates have passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1658, Honolulu, HI 96806-1658
Phone: (808) 523-2900
Website: https://historichawaii.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Historic Hawai'i Foundation
Who Historic Hawai'i Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Temple Children LLC ($70K). Together the top 10 received $446K.
Grant Size Distribution
90 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 71 grants of 90 (79%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Honolulu, and all grant dollars reported for 2024 went to recipients in Hawai‘i. Its HHF Historic Preservation Grants support projects in Hawai‘i, and its Hilo Preservation Grant Program serves historically significant buildings and structures in core downtown Hilo. The website says projects on a neighbor island or in a rural community are strongly encouraged for the HHF Historic Preservation Grants.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Historic Hawai'i Foundation open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 8 of 19 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $38K; repeat grants $28K. How we count
Medians: $38K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $394K (2021) to $706K (2023). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $616K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Children LLC Hilo, HI | Beautify and revitalize the subject areas of downtown hilo with two public murals on the agasa building and hilo plaza building. | $70,000 |
| The Kohala Center Inc Kamuela, HI | To preserve niulii hala groves and the knowledge and traditional practices of lauhala to perpetuate this important kohala resource. | $56,250 |
| Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 759 Hilo Hilo, HI | Rehabiliate siding, roof, windows, doors and electrical system in historic building. | $55,000 |
| Papae O Huleia Kaneohe, HI | Stabilize and restore 300 feet of kuapa (fishpond wall). | $50,000 |
| Kuhau Inc Sig Zane Designs Hilo, HI | Rehabilitation of the front facade of the building with awning replacement, window repair, gutter system repair, and exterior painting. | $50,000 |
| Malama Huleia Lihue, HI | Restore 1,000 Feet of Historic Kuapa (Fishpond Wall). | $40,000 |
| Malama Loko Ea Foundation Haleiwa, HI | Hands-on learning opportunities in fishpond restoration to restore one acre of land/water, propagate 500 native plants, and remove 1,000 cubic feet of invasive plants from loko ea fishpond. | $37,500 |
| Hui Malama O Kaneiolouma Koloa, HI | Provided a series of ten dry stack masonry trainings to twenty native hawaiian practitioners to restore 500-feet of ancient hawaiian village wall. | $37,500 |
| Aina Momona Kaunakakai, HI | Rehabilitation of upland forest to implement erosion control strategies to slow runoff into keawanui fishpond. | $25,000 |
| Hawaii Agriculture Research Center Kunia, HI | Renovate the gymnasium for community and sporting activities, and address outdated electrical systems and wiring to bring the building up to code for safety. | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Historic Hawai'i Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,712,577 | $1,292,089 | $1,279,736 | $616,400 | 19 | $80,052 |
| 2023 | $2,643,145 | $1,196,864 | $1,305,491 | $706,255 | 21 | $94,890 |
| 2022 | $2,646,286 | $1,345,719 | $1,174,666 | $580,895 | 19 | $37,348 |
| 2021 | $2,591,431 | $1,262,395 | $990,202 | $393,750 | 15 | $49,492 |
| 2020 | $2,292,676 | $1,677,302 | $1,060,501 | $521,500 | 16 | $59,990 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to preserve and encourage preservation of historic buildings, objects, and sites relating to Hawai‘i’s history; promote awareness of what is historically significant and architecturally distinctive in the state; and keep the islands’ beauty and historic role in the Pacific Basin intact for future generations.
Its work includes preservation projects and technical assistance, public education, and public outreach and advocacy. Its preservation grants support rehabilitation or restoration construction projects that preserve character-defining features of historic buildings or sites. The website says eligible applicants include public agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations, and other nonprofits. Projects should have local support and investment, follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, serve a public or community purpose after completion, and commit to preserving the property for at least 10 years.
Grantees in 2024 included organizations with a range of missions. The Kohala Center describes itself as a community-based center for research, conservation, and education. Mālama Loko Ea Foundation says it works to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture through education, land stewardship, and community building. Foundation for Maryknoll School says it exists solely for the benefit of Maryknoll School.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $616,400. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $70,000, with a median of $25,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $70,000 to Temple Children LLC for two public murals in downtown Hilo; $56,250 to The Kohala Center for preserving Niuli‘i hala groves and traditional lau hala practices; $55,000 to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 759 Hilo for rehabilitation work on a historic building; and $50,000 to Papae O Huleia to stabilize and restore a fishpond wall. Other notable awards included $40,000 to Mālama Huleia for historic fishpond wall restoration, $37,500 to Mālama Loko Ea Foundation for fishpond restoration and hands-on learning, and $25,000 to Foundation for Maryknoll School for preservation and rehabilitation of Bachelot Memorial Hall.
The foundation’s filing describes a grant request form and checklist covering organizational profile and capacity, scope of work, personnel qualifications, and budget. It says a portion of grant funds is provided at project initiation and the balance after project completion; a final report on outcomes and finances is required. The foundation typically conducts site visits at the start and conclusion of a project. The website says applicants that have received previous HHF preservation grants are not eligible for additional funds.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Rick Kiefer as president; Jim Kelly as first vice president; Joanna Oshiro as treasurer; and Trinette Kaui as secretary. It also lists Len Isotoff, Kawika McKeague, Vincent Shigekuni, and Katie Stephens as at-large officers, and Cord Anderson and Ricky Ching as trustees.
Historic Hawai'i Foundation is led by Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 35 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kiersten Faulkner
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$114K (2020) → $123K (2024)
Rick Kiefer
President
Trustee → Trustee & At Large Officer, 2021
Trustee & At Large Officer → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Allen K. Hoe
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Shideler
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donne Dawson
Trustee
Trustee & At Large Officer → Former Trustee, 2021
Former Trustee → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hallett H. Hammatt
Trustee
Trustee & At Large Officer → At Large Officer, 2023
At Large Officer → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linda Chiu
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ricky Ching
Trustee
Trustee & Past President → Former Trustee, 2022
Former Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nicole Okuna
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adriane Truluck
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Blaine Gemeno
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Hong
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cord Anderson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Mitchell
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kenny Stanley
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Kraft
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Hackler
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Iinimaikalani Kahakalau
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jan Tenbruggencate
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Robinson
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Ueda
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Lambert
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Pietsch
Former Trustee
Trustee → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joanna Oshiro
Treasurer
Former Trustee & Treasurer → Trustee & Treasurer, 2021
Trustee & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kekoa Kaluhiwa
Former Trustee
Trustee & Secretary → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Len Isotoff
At Large Officer
Trustee → Second Vice President, 2023
Second Vice President → At Large Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vernon Wong
Former Trustee
Trustee & Past President → Trustee, 2023
Trustee → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wendie McAllaster
Former Trustee
Trustee & President → Trustee, 2023
Trustee → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wendy Rice Peterson
Former Trustee
Trustee → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Baldwin
Former Trustee
Trustee → Former Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kawika McKeague
At Large Officer
Trustee → At Large Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Trinette Kaui
Secretary
Trustee → At Large Officer, 2023
At Large Officer → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vincent Shigekuni
At Large Officer
Trustee → At Large Officer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Kelly
First Vice President
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Stephens
At Large Officer
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Lehua Kauhane (2020–2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Maenette Ah Nee Benham (2020–2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Rosemary Fazio (2020–2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Roy Murai (2020–2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Will Crowley (2020–2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Pat Griffin (2023) — Former Trustee
- Former: Christine Ruotola (2020–2022) — Former Trustee
- Former: Donna Kalama (2020–2022) — Former Trustee
- Former: James Niess (2020–2022) — Former Trustee
- Former: Juliette Cooke (2020–2022) — Former Trustee
- Former: Patricia L. Griffin (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Thomas S. Witten (2020–2022) — Former Trustee
- Former: Christopher Hong (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: James Kelly (2021–2022) — Trustee & At Large Officer
- Former: Leonard Isotoff (2021–2022) — Trustee & Second Vice President
- Former: Katherine Stephens (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Kauilehuamelemele Kauhane (2022) — Trustee & At Large Officer
- Former: Richard Kiefer (2022) — Trustee & First Vice President
- Former: J. Scott Meidell (2020–2021) — Former Trustee
- Former: Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter (2020–2021) — Former Trustee
- Former: Gregory Chun (2020) — Former Trustee
- Former: Joy Davidson (2020) — Former Trustee & Secretary
- Former: Natalia Lagmay (2020) — Former Trustee & Past President
- Former: Tomo Kuriyama (2020) — Former Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $123K, to Kiersten Faulkner (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Historic Hawai'i Foundation
How much does Historic Hawai'i Foundation give each year?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation gave $616K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $706K across 21 grants.
What is Historic Hawai'i Foundation's typical grant size?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $32,442, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Historic Hawai'i Foundation that year got $38K on average.
Where does Historic Hawai'i Foundation give grants?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation gives mostly in Hawaii: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Hilo, HI (5 grants), Honolulu, HI (2 grants) and Hakalau, HI (2 grants).
Does Historic Hawai'i Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on Historic Hawai'i Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Historic Hawai'i Foundation's largest grantees?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Temple Children LLC ($70,000), The Kohala Center Inc ($56,250) and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 759 Hilo ($55,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Historic Hawai'i Foundation?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation reported $2.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.3M.
What does Historic Hawai'i Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to preserve and encourage preservation of historic buildings, objects, and sites relating to Hawai‘i’s history; promote awareness of what is historically significant and architecturally distinctive in the state; and keep the islands’ beauty and historic role in the Pacific Basin intact for future generations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Historic Hawai'i Foundation?
The website provides an online application form and application instructions for the HHF Historic Preservation Grants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Historic Hawai'i Foundation's EIN?
Historic Hawai'i Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7441972. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Historic Hawai'i Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Historic Hawai'i Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/historic-hawai-i-foundation-morg_3d41f87e310143348ca4031ae4694b66
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237441972_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Historic Hawai'i Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/historic-hawai-i-foundation-morg_3d41f87e310143348ca4031ae4694b66},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Historic Hawai'i Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Historic Hawai'i Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?