Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, announced a $150 million donation in 2024 to improve healthcare across Hawaii.

Of the funds, $50 million was directed to Hilo Medical Center, while $100 million was given to Hawai‘i Pacific Health to help transform Honolulu’s Straub Medical Center into a state-of-the-art facility.

Hospital leaders emphasized the funds would expand critical care, upgrade equipment, and close long-standing gaps in infrastructure.

“Nothing is more important than the health of our community and access to care for all who need it,” the Benioffs said in a joint statement.

Community Concerns

The donation, however, comes at a time of growing unease among Hawaiians about Benioff’s presence in the state.

Since 2000, the billionaire has purchased more than three dozen parcels of land in Waimea, a rural Big Island town known for its ranching history and population of fewer than 10,000.

Locals worry that his acquisitions — often made through nonprofits and anonymous LLCs — could raise housing costs and erode cultural traditions.

Critics point to the timing of his philanthropic pledge, noting it coincided with NPR’s reporting on his landholdings.

Benioff’s Defense

Benioff has defended his investments, stating that nearly 75% of the land he’s purchased has been donated back for community use.

This includes over 280 acres for affordable housing projects and 158 acres to another nonprofit for long-term philanthropic development.

He insists his intentions are aligned with strengthening local communities rather than displacing them.

“We feel fortunate to have been part of the Hawaii community for many decades and to be able to support our ohana in this way,” Benioff explained, referencing the Hawaiian word for “family.”

A Dual Legacy

The Salesforce founder, whose net worth is estimated at $10.5 billion, has a track record of large-scale philanthropy.

Yet his Hawaii endeavors highlight the complicated intersection of generosity and gentrification.

While the $150 million hospital donation will undeniably improve healthcare access for generations, the scope of his land acquisitions continues to spark debate over wealth, power, and local culture.

For many in Hawaii, Marc Benioff’s legacy may ultimately depend on whether his promises of community benefit can outweigh fears of cultural loss.

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