It is with deep gratitude and humility that I begin my new role as Chair of the Board of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.
Across six decades, the Foundation has partnered with remarkable organizations and community leaders working to improve the lives of people across Hawaiʻi. To help steward an institution with such a rich history of service is both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. As I reflect on this transition, I have found myself thinking about Harold K.L. Castle, my great-grandfather—not simply as the Foundation’s namesake, but as the person whose values continue to shape its work today.
Harold “Hal” Castle lived life with an extraordinary sense of adventure. Whether spending months preparing to climb the Matterhorn in Switzerland, traveling to Africa on big game expeditions, or exploring the waters of Kāneʻohe Bay, he embraced challenge with curiosity and determination. The ocean, in particular, was central to his life. He spent countless hours swimming, fishing, and diving along Koʻolau, or Windward Oʻahu. In one of my favorite stories, Hal fashioned his own “squid box,” a simple wooden viewing box that he held between his teeth while spearfishing for octopus and reef fish. Years of waves pounding against his squid box eventually cost him his front teeth—a small but memorable reminder of just how much time he spent immersed in the waters he loved.
But Hal’s greatest legacy was not found in his adventures alone. It was his unwavering belief that strong communities are intentionally built. He understood that for Windward Oʻahu to flourish, it needed more than homes. It needed churches, schools, and a hospital. He donated land to help make each of those possible because he believed communities thrive when people have places to learn, heal, gather, and grow. He loved his family, he loved his community and he loved Hawaiʻi. And perhaps most importantly, he believed that meaningful progress requires the courage to take thoughtful risks.
Those values continue to guide the Foundation today.
For me personally, that connection to Hawaiʻi has always been rooted in the ocean. I spent much of my life along the Kona coast of Hawai’i Island diving, snorkeling and fishing—from North Kohala to Miloliʻi and South Point. Those experiences have given me an enduring appreciation for our connection to ʻāina. They have also given me a front-row seat to both the fragility and resilience of our natural environment.
Over the decades, I watched nearshore fish populations decline throughout the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, I have been equally inspired to witness remarkable recovery in places such as Miloliʻi and Ka’ūpūlehu. Those experiences have reinforced a simple truth: when communities come together with shared purpose, long-term commitment, and thoughtful stewardship, meaningful change is possible.
Professionally, my career has centered on philanthropy and education. For more than a decade, I had the privilege of helping launch and lead a girls’ education initiative in rural India in partnership with state governments, working to improve educational opportunities for rural communities. The work with Educate Girls India developed a deep belief that lasting change happens when communities, governments, and nonprofits work together toward a common vision, especially when the prioritization of reform is driven from the ground up.
Today, I am developing software aimed at empowering students to create meaningful postsecondary plans connected to promising careers. That work was directly inspired by the foundation’s leadership in strengthening career pathways in Hawaiʻi, particularly through the vision and dedication of foundation staff and many outstanding partners across education and workforce development.
Yet if my years in philanthropy have taught me anything, it is this: Our grantmaking is only as powerful as the people and organizations we support.
Every day, I am inspired by the nonprofit leaders, educators, community organizations, and public servants across Hawaiʻi who dedicate themselves to improving outcomes for our keiki, our families, and our environment. Their passion, creativity, and perseverance are what transform philanthropic investments into meaningful impact.
As Board Chair, I look forward to supporting this work alongside my fellow trustees and the Foundation’s exceptional staff. Together, we will continue investing in bold ideas, trusted partnerships, and community-driven solutions that strengthen both people and place.
I also want to recognize and thank the incredible leadership and commitment of our outgoing chair, Mitch D’Olier. It is an amazing privilege to have him as a mentor and I hope to continue to build on his immense legacy. His continued dedication to our communities has always been an inspiration for me personally.
I remain optimistic about Hawaiʻi’s future. I believe that with sustained investment, collaborative leadership, and a willingness to embrace thoughtful innovation, we can create greater opportunity for every child and every community across our islands.
It is a privilege to continue this journey, building on the remarkable legacy of Harold K.L. Castle while helping shape the next chapter of the Foundation’s story. I ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope.
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