Hoakeolapono Trades Academy and Institute
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Our mission is to cultivate Hawaii's workforce. We offer workforce development, career training, and building and construction education for Native Hawaiians, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
- Income
- $561,850
- Spending
- $550,635
- Spent on programs
- 73%
- Reserves
- -1.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 62%
- Employees
- 6
- Volunteers
- 1
- Highest pay
- $43,000, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 15% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 19% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1573% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 66 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $404,198 spent. Ho'akeolapono Trades Academy and Institute has successfully conducted three programs: internship, high school, and Nawahine programs. The internship program has generated over $600,000 through building projects and has provided 12 interns with full-time careers in the construction industry. The Nawahine and high school programs had a 100% class proficiency completion rate. We have expanded our reach to Kekaha, with a partnership with Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha. Our programs provided 42 individuals with training, tools, safety equipment, uniforms, and computers.2024 Projects:We have completed construction projects for Foundation Systems Hawaii, LaddConstruction Inc, Nakazawa Construction Inc, Bonzai Designs and Builders Inc, andmultiple home and office renovations.Our most significant project was for Bonsai Designs and Builders Inc. This eight-month project generated $200,000 to renovate a 3,500-square-foot single-family home. This project was noteworthy because of the considerable damage to the existing property and because it was our highest-grossing project. We began the project by demoing the entire two-story house, then started construction on the framing and roof. We finished with drywall, finish work, and painting.Program activity Objectives:In 2024, our primary objective was to propel the growth of our program and bolster the workforce on Kauai. This strategic endeavor aligns with our long-term vision ofestablishing a construction-focused high school within our community. By fostering arobust construction education program, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this vital industry. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of our local workforce but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for Kauai.Within the year 2024, the organization has sustained its previous achievements through the establishment of various collaborations, the acquisition of grant funding, the execution of several land lease agreements, and the expansion of educational opportunities in the western region of Kaua'i. The organization has effectively provided training, resources, and education to thirty-six Native Hawaiian individuals through its three distinct programs.Our unwavering commitment to this goal ensures that our students will have access tohands-on training, industry-standard equipment, and mentorship opportunities fromexperienced professionals. Through this high school, we aspire to shape the nextgeneration of construction leaders and innovators, ensuring that Kauai's construction industry remains competitive and thriving for years to come.2024 Partnerships:We have partnered with the Mochary Foundation 2008, Zen State of Mind LLC, OHA,DHHL, KKOA, Bonsai Design & Builders LLC, Ladd Construction Inc., NakazawaConstruction Inc, and Foundation Systems Hawaii LLC. These partnerships have addedvalue to all aspects of Hoakeolapono, and the steady income stream allows our continued growth.Publications:Ka Wai Ola: Published July 2024. Building the Lahui Describes the programs impact of projects for kupuna and the overall community.Podcast: Talking Growth: July 2024. How hope is created from opportunity (with Lawai'a Naihe)
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.