Our Kuleana

HAKA’s mission is to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities before, during, and after disasters by providing services that care for the entire ʻohana, people and animals alike.

Our story

HAKA began as a grassroots Facebook group during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption with a few heroes in the field; it grew through community response work and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The 2023 Maui wildfires and 2026 Kona Lows proved the need for statewide disaster and emergency rescue services extending to the whole ʻohana, which shaped HAKA’s mission today.

Kuleana

Kuleana is a deeply rooted Hawaiian value that speaks to both responsibility and privilege. It reminds us that we each have a role in caring for one another, protecting animals, and honoring the places and communities we call home.

Kuleana anchors HAKA’s approach by recognizing that preparedness, response, and recovery are shared responsibilities, strengthened when people act with compassion, accountability, and care for the whole ʻohana.

What we do

  • Disaster and emergency rescue services
  • DIRE Registry
  • Naʻau Network resilience and recovery centers
  • Microchip compliance
  • Lost pet reunification
  • Disaster veterinary care
  • K9 search and rescue support
HAKA volunteers guiding rescued calves

Leadership

Syndi Halualani-Texeira

Executive Director

Alessandra Rupar

Community Outreach Coordinator

Vanessa Carey

Project Coordinator

Tiffany Kaeo

Finance Coordinator

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