The Record

Brian serves as Executive Director of Helping Hands Hawaii, one of Oahu’s most well-known and respected social services agencies. They provide mental health services, take care of the neediest among us with cash assistance, language translation and school supplies, as well as help with other necessities, including child care. The organization has 100 employees, and a $6 million dollar annual operating budget. Brian began in 2002 when the agency was in dire straights, and helped lead the organization to provide excellent service to more than 30,000 needy people every year.

The Future

Brian believes strongly that nonprofit organizations can partner with the government and community to help solve problems. He also believes nonprofits are too often viewed as an economic drain, rather than an economic driver. Brian will establish regular meetings with nonprofit leaders to advise him not only on nonprofit issues, but also on public policy matters, such as education, economic development, and health care. Finally, nonprofits are often treated badly when entering into contracts with the State. Brian will ensure nonprofits are paid promptly for services delivered, and that a statutory preference be given to not-for-profit rather than for-profit providers when the state government determines that social services should be contracted out.

First published on April 1st, 2010.