We are a collection of volunteer citizens, students, professionals, retirees, and other members of the general public.

There is no criteria or qualification other than that you want to learn or do more.

What we do is promote and sustain the use of Free and Open Source Software. This is software with source code owned by the general public rather than a specific individual or company.

We sustain its use by collecting, refurbishing, and donating hardware running open source software like the k12ltsp to schools and other non-profit organizations. With the donation of hardware, we provide the installation, training and support to make it useful. We promote its use by sponsoring classes, seminars, meetings, and conferences.

In addition to donating hardware, we focus on education. Throughout the year we have classes demonstrating specific strengths of open source software.

As a publicly supported charitable non-profit we do not have resources invested in any particular location.

Like many states, Hawaii needs to save money. We are dependent on software and information technologies that are developed on the mainland at great cost to our taxpayers and at diminished profit to our entrepreneurs. This is a cost that some eventually may not be able to afford. The per seat software licensing fee for many schools, businesses, and government agencies comes at the expense of needed public services. We can change this.

By using openly sourced software, our local graduates and professionals control the code. It enables local businesses and individuals to provide the support and training our schools, charities, and government need and often pay outrageous rates for. By keeping the software cycle of development, testing, and deployment local, our economy grows stronger. The money not spent with proprietary software vendors stays here.

Schools are starved for resources. They can ill afford software licensing fees when teachers are underpaid, books are outdated, and facilities are decaying. Open Source Software benefits them two-fold: by eliminating certain and costly licensing fees and, more importantly, by exposing interested students to the source code that makes programs work.

By installing and supporting Open Source Computer labs, HOSEF is building the technology work force that can support and sustain businesses operating OSS. By hosting workshops, classes, conferences, and seminars, we are educating our Business, Education, Legal, and Government communities about the ramifications of choosing or not choosing OSS solutions.