Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Research and Development is to empower Hawaiʻi County through data-driven decision-making, collaborative action, and innovative solutions while honoring and integrating the wisdom of our Native Hawaiian culture.

Our Vision

Together, we see a thriving Hawaiʻi County where innovation, collaboration, and cultural stewardship drive sustainable prosperity, enhance the quality of life for all residents, and create a responsible and enriching experience for visitors.

Core Functions

Gatherers of Data – Informed Decision-Making for a Resilient Future.

• Conduct and analyze research to provide reliable, actionable insights for government leaders and policymakers.
• Develop and maintain a centralized data repository to track economic, social, and environmental trends.
• Expand our reach by making data more accessible, understandable, and useful for both decision-makers and the public.
• Enhance our engagement by actively seeking input from diverse communities to ensure inclusive and equitable data collection.

Conveners of Action – Building Bridges for Collective Impact.

• Facilitate collaboration among government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to tackle key challenges.
• Engage our community groups, non-profit associations, and educators to mobilize action to help solve pressing issues.
• Expand our reach by engaging underrepresented voices in decision-making processes.
• Increase our impact by fostering long-term partnerships that lead to sustainable solutions.

Drivers of Innovation – Advancing Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow.

• Identify and implement creative strategies to improve government operations and community services.
• Support pilot programs and research in emerging fields such as renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and economic diversification.
• Increase our ability and readiness to adapt by embracing new technologies, creative problem-solving, and flexible strategies.
• Enhance our engagement by encouraging cross-sector collaboration and public-private partnerships that introduce scalable and sustainable innovations tailored to Hawaiʻi’s unique needs.

Carriers of Our Culture – Honoring Indigenous Knowledge in Modern Solutions.

• Integrate Native Hawaiian wisdom, values, and practices into policies and development strategies.
• Promote sustainable land-use planning through traditional ecological knowledge and stewardship.
• Expand our reach by engaging cultural practitioners, educators, and community leaders in county initiatives.
• Increase our impact by ensuring cultural preservation is a fundamental part of economic and social development efforts.