kya sustainability studio imagines Hawai‘i as a vibrant place where all communities thrive.

We help our clients and community surpass the challenges of Hawai‘i‘s rapidly changing marketplace for the benefit of present and future generations.  As we design solutions, we remain conscious of the inherent interdependence of Hawaiʻi’s ecology, economy, and society.  The success of one promotes the success of all.  Striving for excellence in one grows the potential for excellence of all.  Understanding the sensibilities of one builds the foundation to understand the sensibilities of all.  We call this place-based innovation.

To build a culture around place-based innovation, we’ve coined the term Eco-Lab-Oration, which stands for Systems Thinking (eco), Creative Learning (lab), and Dialogue (oration).

Systems Thinking acknowledges the importance of the history, practices, and wisdom upon which our communities are built.  Through Creative Learning, information and innovation transcends individualized hierarchy.  Dialogue enables the sharing of knowledge and provides a foundation to build lasting relationships.

During Eco-Lab-Oration, we ensure our clients are well-positioned with other markets and the local community.  At the same time, we focus on the details necessary for effective, efficient and sustainable operations.  We believe Eco-Lab-Oration aligns our perspective with Our Kuleana to cultivate the abundance of resources, relationships, and stories that make Hawai‘i unique for the benefit of our clients and our community.

Our Kuleana

We fulfill Our Kuleana to cultivate the abundance of resources, relationships, and stories that make Hawai‘i unique for the benefit of our clients and our community by incorporating Sustainability, Community, Leadership, Relationships, and Engagement throughout our work.


Sustainability promotes abundance, not sacrifice. Abundance is a demonstration in adaptability, resilience, and optimism. Protect and replenish resources for beauty, sustenance, and self-reliance.

Engagement fosters creativity. Creativity means feeling invited and heard. Listen and speak with patience and humility.


Leadership is listening to the present, past, and future. Listening means strengthening intergenerational wisdom and open perspectives through kindness, grace, and passion for all life.

Relationships create synergy. Synergy maximizes performance. Respect the interconnections between people, education, businesses, government, and ecosystem.


Community means taking responsibility. Responsibility built upon the sharing of knowledge creates common ground. Live harmoniously and balance individual consumption with the health and equality of others.

ahupua'aohi'a