Hawaii Community Foundation created the Wai Maoli: Hawaii Fresh Water Initiative in 2013, which is supported by a funding partnership of 12 funders including Sidney E. Frank Foundation. The Fresh Water Initiative is designed to resolve water supply issues to protect Hawaii’s fresh water future, and avoid costly problems down the road. The Community Foundation invited stakeholders from all sides of the issue — agriculture, private landowners, scientists, and government officials — to convene as a Fresh Water Advisory Council. 

The Council created A Blueprint for Action with a goal of providing 100 million gallons a day of additional reliable fresh water supply by 2030. HCF’s approach and unique position in the community provided the space and structure to bring together the diverse group of stakeholders, find common ground and ultimately come to agreement.