Our Kuleana is to serve our people with humility and grace.
Ronald K. Jarret
Founded in 2001
Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne (NOK) was established to benefit the Native Hawaiian community in perpetuity. Its mission is to strengthen and unite Native Hawaiian communities through cultural preservation and empowerment, encouraging lasting success rooted in Native Hawaiian values and culture. NOK uplifts communities by providing grants that promote social, economic, and cultural opportunities for Native Hawaiians. To realize this goal, NOK established an endowment through its controlling interest in several for-profit companies. These funds support initiatives that transfer the skills, values, and practices of the traditional Hawaiian way of life to the most vulnerable members of the community. NOK continues to expand the reach of these efforts to strengthen and unite the Native Hawaiian community so it can rise together.
Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is part of the Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne family of companies, serving as one of its for-profit entities. As the business arm of NOK, Galapagos generates revenue that directly supports NOK’s charitable purpose, creating a sustainable cycle that allows the organization to give back to the Native Hawaiian community. Through this relationship, Galapagos not only delivers innovative solutions to federal partners but also contributes to meaningful, long-term community impact across Hawai‘i.
Ron Jarrett started his first Native Hawaiian owned software firm in 1984, beginning his nearly 40-year career in government contracting and small business development.
Ron was a dedicated leader, a valued mentor, and a relentless advocate for the Native Hawaiian community. His unwavering commitment to supporting the success of Native Hawaiians, especially in business, earned him the utmost respect and trust of his peers. Ron could often be found meeting with elected officials and community leaders, working tirelessly to help improve conditions for Native Hawaiians. He didn’t hesitate to ruffle a few feathers if he knew it would lead to positive change.
In partnership with H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Ron established Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne (NOK) in 2001, the first Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development program. Ron worked closely with the offices of the late U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka to develop the Native 8(a) program, which was designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including NHO owned enterprises.
Ron spent much of his time in service to his community. He was an active participant - often serving as a Board Member, Chairman of the Board, Vice President, or President - for many organizations, such as the Native Hawaiian Organization Association (NHOA), the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC), the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council to the US Army, the Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace. Ron was awarded the prestigious ʻŌʻō Award in 2009 from the NHCC, which is presented to Native Hawaiians that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Native Hawaiian community. He was a ranking member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and a member of Mamaka ʻAialo, among other notable associations.
Ron achieved great success in his 66 years, more than most would hope to accomplish in their lifetime. He was the recipient of many accolades, but he always considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. Ron built the foundation of his family and businesses around Native Hawaiian values and culture, stressing the importance of ‘ohana (family), aloha (love, kindness, compassion), kuleana (responsibility), mālama (to care for, protect), and ha‘aha‘a (humility).
DOLLARS DONATED IN 2025
Aloha Initiatives
Since 2020, Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne has supported Nā Kālai Waʻa and its Makali‘i Voyaging ʻOhana through the Manawale‘a Initiative. Guided by the belief “He wa‘a he moku, he moku he wa‘a” — the canoe is an island, the island is a canoe — Nā Kālai Waʻa has, since 1993, worked to protect, perpetuate, and honor the indigenous Hawaiian traditions and practices of wa‘a (canoe) culture. Through programs like Holokai Education, which engages students from Pre-K to grade 12 and their families in voyaging and land stewardship, and Ke Aho Hālau O Makali‘i, which develops ʻŌiwi leadership among Native Hawaiian adults, Nā Kālai Waʻa continues to pass down cultural knowledge and values.
In 2024, the organization participated in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC), where Mauloa’s traditions were shared with over 60,000 visitors to the festival village and an estimated 500,000 attendees overall.
To learn more, visit https://www.nakalaiwaa.org/.
Since 2018, Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne has supported Mahope, a program based primarily at Hilo Intermediate School with outreachextending across Hawai‘i Island. Established in 2013, Mahope aims to inspire middle school students and teachers from Native Hawaiian communities to excel in math and science through hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/ʻāina, and math) learning experiences. This free program operates year-round, including intersessions and summer breaks, offering curriculum support, tutoring, mentoring, ‘Ohana Nights, and community outreach. Today, 52% of Mahope participants are Native Hawaiian, reflecting its success in engaging and uplifting local youth through education
To learn more, visit https://malamaaina.org/mahope-o-ke-kula-ke-ao-mau-ana-program.
Since 2024, Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne has supported the Hua Momona Foundation, an organization established by the team at Hua Momona Farms to serve the Maui community. The foundation focuses on addressing food insecurity and educating Maui’s youth about agricultural opportunities. Its mission includes supporting local charitable efforts through agriculture-based initiatives, direct food donations, providing hot meals, distributing fresh local produce, facilitating replacement housing, supporting mental healthcare programs, and participating in community fundraising events. Since 2020, Hua Momona has distributed over 24 tons of food to those in need and, as of November 2024, has served more than 63,000 hot meals to Lahaina’s displaced residents.
Since 2018, Nā ‘Ōiwi Kāne has supported Mahope, a program based primarily at Hilo Intermediate School with outreachextending across Hawai‘i Island. Established in 2013, Mahope aims to inspire middle school students and teachers from Native Hawaiian communities to excel in math and science through hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/ʻāina, and math) learning experiences. This free program operates year-round, including intersessions and summer breaks, offering curriculum support, tutoring, mentoring, ‘Ohana Nights, and community outreach. Today, 52% of Mahope participants are Native Hawaiian, reflecting its success in engaging and uplifting local youth through education
To learn more, visit https://malamaaina.org/mahope-o-ke-kula-ke-ao-mau-ana-program.
