From humble beginnings, our founder H.T. Hayashi became a self-made entrepreneur who believed in everyone’s ability to rise above their circumstances and change their lives for the better. Hayashi, the son of immigrant plantation workers, was deeply committed to serving his community as a husband, father, businessman and community leader. His core values of compassion, humility and integrity are still passed down from generation to generation.
Today, we continue to honor our founder’s legacy by giving back to our community. Established to benefit all of Hawaii, H.T. Hayashi Foundation is primarily supported by the Hayashi family and HTH Asset Management, LLC. Together, we identify local nonprofits that can best serve the current needs of our state and are aligned with the values and mission of our organization. Our annual selection process involves a review of a number of worthy nonprofits by our management team that is pared down for final selection by the board of directors.
In recent years, we’ve focused on improving the health and wellness of our kupuna, providing food and shelter for our growing homeless population, and supporting youth education initiatives.
Below is a list of organizations that we’ve had the privilege of supporting over the past year.
Aloha Harvest
Aloha Harvest is the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaiʻi, getting quality excess food into stomachs instead of landfills. Free of charge and free of liability, we pick up quality excess food from donors (ex: wholesale distributors, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels) and redistribute it to recipient agencies feeding the hungry (ex: homeless shelters, social services, food pantries).
Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii
Our vision is to provide a world class Club-Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future and demonstrating good character and citizenship while living a healthy lifestyle.
Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii
Our mission is to reduce and prevent drug abuse in Hawaii through awareness, education, and action.
Domestic Violence Action Center
Domestic Violence Action Center makes a difference in the lives of island families, children and marginalized communities across the State. We meet survivors on their journey. We educate the community. We encourage youth to learn about healthy relationships. We speak to the press about this complex, costly problem. We work with our community allies to reform the system. We do what we can and what we must to bring hope and healing to this community. We do it with you.
Honolulu Theater for Youth
HTY believes that drama education and theatre are unique, socially-based education and art forms that help their participants and audiences walk in the shoes of others, allowing them to expand their imaginations, enrich their lives and discover the infinite possibilities in the world. HTY works towards a future for Hawaii in which people are culturally literate and imaginative, are critical thinkers and inventive problem solvers, with a respect for history and a sense of place in a complex world.
Founded in 1955, HTY is one of the oldest and most respected children’s theatre in the country. HTY has served over five million people through school and family performances and drama education programs. Over 300 new plays for young audiences have been commissioned by HTY.
Mānoa Heritage Center
The mission of the Mānoa Heritage Center is a 3.5-acre living classroom dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage.
Special Olympics Hawai‘i
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in our state. With the support of more than 11,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 10 Olympic-type sports and over 50 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and corporate partners. There is never a fee to any athlete or family to participate in Special Olympics programs.
St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai‘i
St. Francis Healthcare System was the first to introduce hospice care to the Islands in 1978. Hospice is not a place but a philosophy of medical care that gives those with life-limiting conditions the best quality of life – body, mind and spirit. Hospice care focuses on meeting the needs of an individual instead of treating a disease.