A Home of Its Own and a Future of Empowerment
For 30 years, the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) has been dedicated to uplifting communities along the Wai‘anae Coast, focusing on educational programs, economic development, and cultural empowerment. Now, in a historic move, INPEACE has purchased the former Kaiser Permanente Nānāikeola Clinic in Nānākuli, securing a permanent home for its vital mission.
A Space for Growth and Healing
The 15,000-square-foot building, set on a 1.4-acre site, represents more than just a headquarters; it is a beacon of hope for the community. After years of leasing office spaces scattered across West O‘ahu, INPEACE will finally consolidate its operations into one central hub. This move not only streamlines its services but also amplifies its ability to serve local families.
“The Wai‘anae Coast has always been our home, and now with a building of our own, we look forward to consolidating our offices and expanding our services to revitalize the local economy and enhance educational resources,” says CEO Sanoe Marfil. “We are so grateful to Kaiser Permanente for this opportunity, and we are committed to honoring the legacy of healing here by giving this space new life.”
The purchase was made possible through an ambitious capital campaign launched in August 2024. Philanthropic support from donors such as MacKenzie Scott, Nakupuna Foundation, Kosasa Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, and many others helped raise the $5.3 million necessary for acquisition. But INPEACE’s journey doesn’t stop here. The nonprofit is now working to secure an additional $2.4 million to renovate and expand the site, ensuring it meets the needs of the current and future families it serves.
A Legacy of Service Continues
The building’s history is woven into the fabric of the community. For years, the Nānāikeola Clinic served as a trusted medical facility, offering care and comfort to thousands. Though the clinic closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, its spirit of service endures. Many Kaiser Permanente staff members, including Dr. Marcus Iwane, began their careers at Nānāikeola and now carry that experience forward into other medical offices in West O‘ahu.
“Along with our care teams that served in our former Nānāikeola Clinic, we collectively share our gratitude to INPEACE for breathing new life into this space,” says Dr. Iwane, Kaiser Permanente physician in charge, Leeward Area and Mapunapuna Medical Office. “Like many, I started my career at Nānāikeola Clinic and will continue to carry the spirit of Nānāikeola, which means ‘looking towards health and life.’ I’m confident that INPEACE will serve as a beacon of hope and support for the Wai‘anae Coast communities, addressing vital social determinants of health now and in the future.”
As a nod to its roots, the property still holds noni and mountain apple trees—symbols of life and resilience. This deep connection between past and future embodies the very mission of INPEACE: to sustain and uplift the community through culturally grounded initiatives.
A Place for Families and Future Leaders
For parents across Hawai‘i, INPEACE’s expanded space brings exciting possibilities. The organization has long been a leader in ‘ohana-focused education, ensuring that keiki receive the foundational support they need to thrive. From early childhood education to workforce development, INPEACE’s programs empower families and create pathways for success.
Some of its flagship programs in the following impact areas include:
Early Learning & School Readiness
- Hiʻilei – Home visiting services offering guidance and support to parents from prenatal to three years old.
- Hoʻāla – Empowering families with information about early childhood education, subsidy programs, and application windows to make informed decisions.
- Keiki Steps – A parent-child education initiative that fosters early learning through play and cultural activities.
Educational Equity & Leadership
- Community Schools – A collaboration with two West O‘ahu schools to create a network of support and opportunities for the youth and families of these schools and the surrounding community.
- Early Literacy – Fostering the development of young keiki within childcare settings with educational and training materials.
- Ka Lama – Growing teachers by facilitating their journey towards attaining college degrees and advanced professional certificates in the field of Education.
- Kupu Ola – Year-round school in Wa‘ianae Intermediate School’s garden to provide Hawaiian culture-based curriculum including the Eō program at Wai‘anaeElementary.
- Kaulele – Traveling educational exhibits to inspire learning through native Hawaiian science and STEM learning opportunities.
Family Economic Capacity Building
- Center for Entrepreneurship – A program that nurtures small business development, helping local entrepreneurs realize their dreams.
- Ho‘oulu Waiwai – A financial literacy program to increase local families’ economic stability.
With a permanent headquarters, these initiatives can expand, reaching even more families in need. By eventually housing all services under one roof, INPEACE can streamline its operations and provide a seamless support network for the community.
A Call to Action
As INPEACE prepares to move into its new home, the organization calls on the community to rally behind its next phase of growth. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to renovate and expand the building, ensuring it can serve as a thriving resource for future generations.
Community members, businesses, and potential funders have the unique opportunity to participate in this transformation. By contributing to INPEACE’s mission, donors can directly impact the future of Native Hawaiian families, fostering a cycle of education, economic growth, and cultural empowerment.
For parents, the new INPEACE headquarters means greater access to educational resources, parenting support, and economic opportunities. For funders, it represents a chance to invest in a proven organization with a three-decade track record of success. And for the keiki of Hawai‘i, it is a promise—one that ensures they have the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead
INPEACE’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the community. From humble beginnings to this milestone achievement, the organization has never lost sight of its mission: to empower Native Hawaiian families through education and economic self-sufficiency.
The grand opening of the new headquarters is set for later this year, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Until then, the community is invited to learn more, get involved, and support INPEACE’s vision.
To learn more about how you can help, visit www.inpeace.org. Together, we can build a brighter future—one rooted in culture, education, and opportunity.
