History

The Pacific Rim Educational Foundation, Inc. (PREF) was formed in July, 2001 with the broad purpose of contributing to peace and healing within the human family.

PREF's initial founding was in response to a specific request from then-President Kessai Note of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon of Korea. Dr. Moon was a philanthropist well known for his interest in education and his generous support of a wide range of educational institutions and peace-related programs.

President Note's request was that a school be established to offer an international experience and high-quality education to the young people of his nation. That request found resonance among other island nation leaders.

PREF responded to President Note's request by opening the "High School of the Pacific" in September, 2004. Its purpose was to educate young men and women who would ultimately return to provide leadership for a peaceful and prosperous future in their home nations.

Located in Kealakekua on the Island of Hawaii, the school was founded as a co-ed and non-sectarian leadership academy. All expenses for admitted students - including travel, room, board and tuition - were provided through grants from PREF.

The High School of the Pacific (HSP) grew to enroll over 40 students per year, the student body being drawn from island nations such as the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. All graduates have gone on to higher education.

As of the beginning of 2012 PREF's Board, seeking to carry forward the Founder's global vision of education in the service of peace, commissioned a broadening of PREF's activities and recruited new leadership to implement that mission .

PREF Funding

PREF is funded by the award-winning Hawaiian Queen Coffee, and by individual donors.

All profits from Hawaiian Queen Coffee are dedicated to supporting PREF's educational and charitable programs.