We are working on strategic initiatives to make our island truly resilient by 2030.
A Big Island coalition for resiliency, equity and sustainability
We are focused on Big Island initiatives to increase our resiliency, equity, and sustainability.
We are only as effective as our people, and we have a great team working on our different focus areas and collaborating with like-minded organizations and individuals. Think B.I.G. has been volunteer-run since its founding.
Meet the team →Courtesy of Chloe Leis
Improve resiliency, equity, and sustainability in our island home.
We chose this mission because we are an island county in a small state nearly 2,400 miles from the mainland. We are vulnerable and highly dependent on outside energy sources, food, and goods. This is widely known, yet not enough is being done about it.
How we work
Think B.I.G. is focused on strategic policy and legislative interventions that increase our self-reliance through local green energy, local agriculture, sustainable waste management, better parks and recreation, and a stronger local economy.
Analyze
Data-grounded briefs on energy, food and the economy, built from primary sources like utility filings, the State Energy Office and the USDA.
Educate
Webinars, community meetings, free online tools, and op-eds that help residents and policymakers see the opportunities.
Advocate
Testimony and draft legislation at the County Council and the State Legislature, from the Strategic Food Reserve to Smart Imports.
Build
On-the-ground programs like the Food Abundance Team, which installs Prep, Set & Forget food forests household by household.
It really takes a village to make meaningful change. We partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to achieve our mission.
Where we put our effort
Renewable energy & transportation
Solar, wind, small hydro and geothermal done right, plus EVs and clean transit. Smart Imports, public solar financing and an energy task force.
Local agriculture & food sovereignty
Prep, Set & Forget food forests, the Food Abundance Team, and the Strategic Food Reserve Act.
Waste & the circular economy
Reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle, and build local materials industries that replace imports.
Parks, trails & evacuation routes
Better parks and trails, and routes that double as recreation and evacuation routes.
Get involved
Volunteer with the Food Abundance Team, help with research and testimony, or bring a Think B.I.G. talk to your community group.