MEET
Breeani
Born and raised in Hilo, Breeani attended Kaumana Elementary and St. Joseph Middle School, before graduating from Hawaii Preparatory Academy. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and later completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Breeani has been widely recognized and awarded for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the community through her many contributions over the last decade, in her personal capacity, then after recognizing greater needs - as a business owner and manager, nonprofit leader, and scholarship founder.
Hawaii Rise Foundation - Co-Founder & President
Hawaii Island United Way - Chair, Board of Directors
Hui Kahu Malama - Vice President, Board of Directors
Big Island Substance Abuse Council - Board Member
Keaukaha General Store - Owner & General Manager
SCP Hilo Hotel - General Manager
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Current
Provided over 2,000 free CPR and FIrst Aid Certifications to youth island-wide at high schools
Facilitated over 40 free Hawaiian Language workshops both in person and online.
Established "Technology for Our Kupuna" program for seniors to promote healthy internet habits and family connection
Offered Driver’s Education classes for low-income youth to address transportation challenges.
Pioneered Safe Sitter certification in Hawaii, offering youth aged 11-14 safety, business, and life skills for caregiving roles
Breeani has led free workshops and trainings through Hawaii Rise Foundation for the last seven years, on topics including Resume-Building, Cover Letters, Mock Interviews, Financial Wellness, and other professional development skills; with the community, as well as the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy; helping to booster the capabilities and confidence of thousands of participants, and empower their pursuits of greater opportunities.
EDUCATION.
MALAMA KEIKI BACKPACK PROGRAM
Implemented a 4-year program to ensure kids living in affordable housing facilities have access to food through the weekend by providing backpacks filled with healthy snacks for students in public schools on Fridays.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVES
Hosted over 10 school supply drives, ensuring that children in need received free backpacks and essential school supplies.
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
Through Hawaii Rise Foundation, Breeani founded a program to provide comprehensive support to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, offering access to mental health services, rental payments, security deposits, and utility assistance in partnership with HUD.
HEALTH
INITIATIVES.
HUI KAHU MALAMA
Breeani's work with Hui Kahu Malama has been integral in
the facilitation of the "Rural Health Elective" collaboration of JABSOM and the Internal Medicine Residency Program; which provides residents with hands-on training experience, while nurturing their connections to our island, in hopes they will return to practice here
KULEANA FIRST
Partnered with Kuleana First to distribute over 5,000 free COVID Test Kits to low-income and vulnerable seniors throughout the community
URGENTCARE &
HUI MALAMA OLA NA 'OIWI
Partnered with Urgent Care and Hui Malama Ola Na 'Oiwi to distribute hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies island-wide to rural communities.
HAWAII RISE FOUNDATION
Provides free vision screenings, dental services, and stroke awareness workshops to low-income and elderly housing projects island-wide through Hawaii Rise Foundation.
FOOD
SUSTAINABILITY.
"TOGETHER WE CAN"
Breeani founded this program to provide fresh local boxes for elderly, rotating island-wide deliveries in partnership with over 30 local farmers and their families aiming to make healthy food accessible to community members, helping rural communities without reliable transportation and giving people equitable resources in food sustainability
"KUPUNA KAU KAU" BOXES
Provided over 2,000 free kupuna food boxes island wide to elderly struggling with grocery shopping, during and post-COVID, aiming to provide quality food to our seniors
LOCAL BUSINESSES' LEFTOVERS
Partnering with local businesses with food leftover at the end of the day, this initiative has consistently provided daily meal drop offs for the homeless over the last 10 years.