The Yes Effect: Hawaiian Humane Society

Thanks in part to a generous $100,000 donation from First Hawaiian Bank, the Hawaiian Humane Society (Hawaiian Humane) opened the new Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili in May.

“Having this campus wouldn’t be possible without partners like First Hawaiian Bank. We’re so grateful,” says President and CEO Anna Neubauer. “We’re excited to embed ourselves in West Oʻahu, expand our services, and meet the needs of this community for years to come.”

Photo: courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank

Celebrating 140 years of service this year, Hawaiian Humane was founded by King Kalākaua, and is dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals, offering 30+ programs and services including adoptions, education, outreach, affordable community spay/neuter, field services and more.

“We are truly there for those who are most vulnerable and need us the most,” says Neubauer. “Our work touches so many aspects of our community, and we partner with many different human service organizations to make sure people have what they need to keep their pets with them. Part of our goal is to keep families together.”

After 10 years in planning, the new $30.5 million campus is Hawaiian Humane Society’s second location on Oʻahu. “It’s a long dream in the making, and so welcomed by the community,” Neubauer says. “We plan to offer new services down the road, summer camps, and youth and adult education.”

Photo: courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank

The Kosasa Family Campus sits on a five-acre property, generously donated by builders D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi. It features a 27,000-square-foot “new generation” shelter designed to optimize the behavioral, medical and socialization needs for more than 10,000 animals each year, and the people who visit them.

Photo: courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank

“Itʻs a real community resource and we invite everyone to come and get to know us. We designed it to be a welcoming community space for everyone,” Neubauer says.

In addition to the donation, a group of First Hawaiian Bank employees volunteered their time to build 140 pet beds that allow the animals to get up off the floor and have a nice, cozy spot to lie down.

“We are so fortunate to have partners like First Hawaiian Bank. They do so much more for us along with donating funds. We’re really excited to have this relationship with them,” says Neubauer. “We really appreciate all that First Hawaiian Bank has done for us.”

Article is sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank, Member FDIC.