Public Policy

HANO public policy committee drafts advocacy policy

The Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations Advocacy and Public Policy Committee has drafted an advocacy policy for the organization. The committee reviewed similar policies from state nonprofit associations around the country, adapting them to suit HANO’s mission and membership.

Committee members included: Pam Burns of Hawaiian Humane Society, chair; Beth Giesting of the Hawai‘i Primary Care Association; Jerry Rauckhorst of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i; Laura Robertson of Goodwill Industries Hawai‘i; Bruce Coppa of Communications Pacific; Gail Mukaihata Hanneman of Girl Scouts of Hawai`i; Geri Marullo of the Consuelo Foundation; John Howell of Easter Seals Hawai‘i; Sarah Richards of the Hawai‘i Theatre Center; Norm Baker of Aloha United Way; Mike Gleason of the ARC of Hilo; Joanne Lundstrom of Mental Health Kokua; Susan Chandler of the University of Hawai‘i Public Policy Institute; Judy Lenthall of Kauai Food Bank; Mike Onofrietti of First Insurance; Pamela Tumpap of the Maui Chamber of Commerce; Sandy Baz of MEO; and attorney Steven L. F. Ho.

The purpose of HANO’s advocacy activities, according to the committee, is:

  • To build the capacity of the nonprofit sector in Hawai‘i to monitor and take action on public policy issues which affect the sector
  • To educate the public on the importance of Hawaii’s charitable nonprofit sector
  • To promote public policies that allow Hawai‘i nonprofits to thrive and serve their communities
HANO advocacy policy (draft)

HANO works to foster an environment that allows and supports Hawai‘i nonprofits to thrive and effectively serve their communities. To that end we work within the following policy guidelines:

1.  Advocacy – Advocacy is an important role of the nonprofit sector. Advocacy is a vehicle through which nonprofits engage in the democratic process. Advocacy assists nonprofits to achieve their missions.

  • HANO encourages the advocacy activities of its members and the sector.
  • HANO supports policies and proposals and provides tools that build the capacity of nonprofits to advocate.
  • HANO encourages policies, regulations and proposals that seek the voice of nonprofits on public policies.
  • HANO advocates on behalf of nonprofits on selected issues that impact the sector.

2.  Accountability – Nonprofits serve the community and as a result should function with integrity and efficiency and should address violations within the sector.

  • HANO supports an appropriate level of government regulation and enforcement to protect the public's interest while upholding the integrity of the nonprofit sector.
  • HANO promotes vigilance in maintaining excellence in the sector and promoting the highest level of accountability within the sector.
  • HANO works to strengthen the management capacity of nonprofits.
  • HANO encourages nonprofits to speak out against abuses of trust within the sector and hold violators accountable for their actions.

3.  Tax Policy – Taxes and tax policy are important to nonprofits because taxes finance government programs and services, many of which are delivered by nonprofits or received directly by those served by nonprofits. Tax policy can also serve as an incentive for giving to charitable organizations.

  • HANO supports policies that protect the tax-exempt status of nonprofits.
  • HANO opposes tax initiatives that would result in dividing 501(c)(3) organizations based on subject matter and philosophy.
  • HANO supports tax policies that increase charitable support for the sector.

4.  The essential role of government and its partnership with the nonprofit sector – It is the role and duty of government to provide for and promote the safety, prosperity and general welfare of its citizens. The nonprofit community is dedicated to the same goals of public service and should be a leader in advocating for policies that recognize and support the fulfillment of this primary mission of government.

  • HANO supports government budget and fiscal policies that provide sufficient resources to meet the responsibilities of the government and the nonprofit sector, fairly, efficiently and accountably.
  • HANO opposes policies that place unnecessary burdens on the contractual relationship between government and nonprofit service providers.
  • HANO supports activities that strengthen nonprofits’ relationships with federal, state, county and local governments.

5.  Charitable Giving and Volunteerism – Public policy should recognize and support the important roles of volunteer service and private philanthropy in improving the lives of citizens and the quality of life in Hawai‘i.

  • HANO supports public policy that increases the number of volunteers.
  • HANO opposes public policy that places undo burden on organizations that effectively utilize volunteers.
  • In addition to favorable tax policy, HANO supports public policy that assists fundraising and increases charitable giving to the sector.
Implementation Criteria for Public Policy Initiatives
  • Fit:  Does the issue or initiative match the mission of HANO and its members and fit within HANO’s advocacy guidelines?
  • Impact:  Does the issue or initiative have significant implications for HANO members and/or Hawai‘i nonprofit organizations?
  • Support:  Is there, or do we reasonably anticipate that there will be, general informed support for the proposed position among the members of the Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations?
  • Credibility:  Will HANO be perceived as a legitimately concerned and appropriate advocate for the position to be taken?
  • Responsibility:  The president will act on initiatives based on the criteria above and consult with the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, Executive Committee or Board as needed when there are questions or concerns.

Comments and suggestions on the HANO Advocacy policy are welcome. Please send them to John Flanagan, jflanagan@hano-hawaii.org.