Gift from University of Hawai‘i Regents Chair seeds Hawai‘i Sustainability Fund

Randolph G. Moore, chairman of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, has gifted the University of Hawai‘i $1 million to create the Hawaiʻi Sustainability Fund for sustainability research and initiatives across all 10 University of Hawai‘i campuses, to help students develop the skills and the knowledge to tackle climate change and critical resource issues in Hawaiʻi and around the world.

“UH is at the forefront of cutting-edge climate change and sustainability research that is crucial for Hawaiʻi’s future,” said Moore, who has served as a regent for 10 years. “We need leaders across all professions who have the skills and passion to ensure Hawaiʻi can remain a model for the world as a healthy, vibrant place to live.”

The University of Hawai‘i created the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience at Mānoa to advance the teaching and research on topics of critical importance to the planet to contribute to solving the problems around climate change. Hawaiʻi Sustainability Fund scholarships support sustainability-focused students who transfer from community college to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to a bachelor of arts degree in sustainability through an interdisciplinary program stewarded by the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience.

“Sustainability programs at UH help students in all majors, from all campuses, to think about problem solving and understanding both the physical and social impacts of critical environmental challenges, including climate change,” said Makena Coffman, Institute for Sustainability and Resilience director and professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. “This fund will help us equip students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to pursue professions that drive sustainable solutions for Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

The gift complements Moore’s longtime dedication and commitment to the University of Hawai‘i. On June 30, he will step down after completing his term and two years at the helm of the board; he also served as chairperson in 2014 and 2015. Moore is also a retired businessman, middle school teacher and education administrator and current member of the boards of Hawai‘i Green Growth, the Hawai‘i Housing Development Corp. and Grove Farm Co.

“Randy’s vision, leadership and generosity have been an unwavering hallmark of his commitment to UH and Hawaiʻi,” said University of Hawai‘i President David Lassner.

Moore hopes his gift encourages other donors to help grow the Hawaiʻi Sustainability Fund so that it may reach more students.