Rooted here.
Reaching
beyond.
Connecting Hawaiʻi’s people, ideas, and capabilities to build a thriving space ecosystem—with opportunity that starts here at home.
perspective
A space future
with Hawaiʻi
at its heart.
Hawaiʻi has extraordinary capabilities. Our opportunity is to connect them.
Our Pacific location, astronomy and research capabilities, defense infrastructure, computing and education resources, and innovative companies form a strong foundation. Greater coordination can help diversify Hawaiʻi’s economy, pursue larger funding and contracting opportunities, and create pathways into high-wage careers for local residents.
The coalition connects people across sectors and islands to advance priorities that no single organization can tackle alone. MEDB serves as a neutral convener; members shape the direction, with community trust, stewardship, and shared benefits at the center.
Hawaiʻi as a nationally recognized space hub.
Listen first.
Build together.
September 15, 2026 · Wailea, Maui
At the first coalition gathering, people from industry, academia, government, military, education, and nonprofits explored where working together could make a difference.
The strongest theme from the pre-meeting survey was clear: help people understand one another’s work, share resources, and connect the capabilities already here.
- Participants at the first gathering
- 50+
- Pre-meeting survey responses
- 94
- Working groups formed afterward
- 6
Participants explored practical first steps for the next 90 days—from school speakers and internship resources to shared capabilities, community outreach, and coordinated advocacy.
Based on the September 15, 2026 Meeting #1 Report. Figures describe the kickoff, not current membership.
Six working groups.
One shared future.
Six working groups grew out of the first meeting’s priorities. Explore each group and the ideas participants put forward.
The examples below are proposals from the September kickoff. Working groups shape their priorities and next steps together.
01Career Awareness & Workforce Development
Build clearer pathways from education into sustained, competitive local employment—and help Hawaiʻi’s talent see a future at home.
- Create a space careers poster and organize speakers for schools.
- Compile internships and educational opportunities.
- Strengthen employer–education connections and expand local internships.
02Collaboration & Convening
Make it easier to find one another, share expertise, and collaborate across organizations and islands.
- Create a shared directory of organizations, capabilities, and equipment.
- Identify common technical challenges and existing solutions.
- Bring partners together for regular convenings and a statewide technical exchange.
03Community Trust & Stewardship
Build trust and shared benefits through listening, reciprocity, aloha ʻāina, and community participation in shaping projects.
- Connect outreach practitioners and educators in a shared network.
- Share stories of kamaʻāina working in the space sector.
- Develop engagement approaches that connect science, Hawaiian culture, and stewardship.
04Funding and Opportunity
Expand access to funding and markets so local innovation can grow, create opportunity, and retain skilled workers.
- Develop a centralized grants database and clearer funding guidance.
- Connect shared expertise and partners for collaborative proposals.
- Explore a funding forum and an economic impact study.
05Infrastructure
Improve access to shared facilities, equipment, and expertise while considering community benefits and underlying needs.
- Explore affordable shared workspaces and facilities for classified work.
- Improve access to laboratories, testing equipment, and computing resources.
- Consider housing, water, energy, and resilient communications alongside sector needs.
06Policy & Legislation
Build shared strategy and political support for conditions that help Hawaiʻi’s space ecosystem and local businesses thrive.
- Develop a coalition letter describing shared priorities and benefits for Hawaiʻi.
- Identify regulatory and administrative barriers to address.
- Coordinate policymaker education and engagement ahead of the legislative session.
Member-led. Action-oriented. Working groups meet monthly and share progress at quarterly all-hands meetings. MEDB helps convene, connect, and support; each group sets its own direction.
Register to get involvedYour perspective
belongs here.
Help bring more voices into the conversation.
Join the coalition
Register through our membership form and tell us about your interests.
Find your working group
Choose where you can contribute. Plan for at least 3 hours per month for each group you join.
Turn ideas into action
Meet monthly, help move work forward between meetings, and share progress at quarterly all-hands.
Let’s build what’s next.
Help shape a space future that creates opportunity for Hawaiʻi.
There’s a place in this coalition for you.