P.O. Box 2655 Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743
(808) 885-8336

The Intention

To expand the ranks of community leadership by providing a broad range of leaders with the knowledge and incentive to confront the needs of the community.

• To seek out a set number of outstanding individuals each year, that have demonstrated a sincere interest in the welfare of Hawaiʻi Island.

The Series

Informs, motivates, and raises awareness of community issues and sense of community trusteeship through seminars, tours, reading, and interaction with experts, leaders, and decision-makers.

• Participants will hear from experts in the field - speakers and panelists - who provide background as well as predictions for the future of the community.

Timeline and commitment

The Series begins in September with an orientation, followed by a two day opening retreat.

• From October until May, the classes meet once per month, with full-day sessions around Hawaiʻi Island, to provide working, hands-on knowledge of pertinent issues facing the community.

• The Series closes with a two-day retreat and graduation celebration in June.

• In addition to the classes, each member will be required to participate in one of four committees. These committees are assigned either to work with pre-selected organizations on specific issues and/or to adopt an issue of community concern and develop an action plan to address it.

• There is an alumni group established for all graduating class participants, thereby perpetuating involvement and networking within the community.

Who can apply?

Admission to the Series is via a written application that is currently available in two formats: Word or PDF. Or call Friends of the Future at 808-885-8336.

• Applications are reviewed by an anonymous committee of community leaders. The committee’s goal is to make each class reflective of the community in terms of gender, race, and professional diversity, with as close to an even ratio of public and private sector representation as possible.

• The typical applicant has lived in Hawaiʻi for three or more years and has both demonstrated an interest in community issues, and a record of participation/achievement in voluntary community activities. Ideally, applicants occupy a position reflecting significant achievement relative to age and experience.

• The cost for the annual series is $1,100 per accepted participant. This fee includes the cost of meals (lunch) at the monthly class meetings, speaker and facilitator fees (if application), and accommodation and meals for pre and post-retreats.

• All applications are due no later than June 16th. Notification of acceptance into the Series will be done on or before July 1st each year.

“We need to perpetuate and cultivate responsive community leadership, this Series is designed to accomplish this.”
Mark McGuffie
Hawaiʻi Island Economic Development Board
Founder: The Hawaiʻi Island Leadership Series - ULUMAU

To encourage participation at all levels; The Hawaiʻi Island Leadership Series encourages corporate sponsorships, scholarships, and donations through Friends of the Future, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Applications for the 2007/2008 Series are being accepted until June 16th, 2008, with acceptance notification by July 1st, 2008.

To download an application form for The Hawaiʻi Island Leadership Series, click on your preferred format: or PDF, or call Friends of the Future at 808-885-8336.