University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Associate Professor Mapuana Antonio of the received two national awards from the (APHA) for her impact on Native Hawaiian health and climate justice.

Antonio’s leadership reflects her commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge into public health education, research and practice. She mentors students in ethical Indigenous research and ensures her work connects ʻ�徱�Բ� (land) and culture to Native Hawaiian health, fully integrating Indigenous perspectives into the field.

“Receiving these awards from APHA is truly an honor and reflects the collective work of our students and communities,” said Antonio, who serves as associate chair in the . “Indigenous knowledge continues to guide solutions for health, wellbeing, and climate justice, and I’m inspired by our students who carry this work forward intentionally with cultural grounding and with a deep sense of responsibility to our communities.”

Honoring ancestral knowledge, health equity

As the Queen Liliʻuokalani Endowed Professor in Native Hawaiian Culture, Antonio earned the APHA’s Emerging Leaders Award from the (ICTHP) section for her dedication to health equity.

“She exemplifies the heart of Native Hawaiian Indigenous health,” nominators said. “Her commitment to health equity has made a lasting impact with, for, and by Native Hawaiian communities and Indigenous peoples worldwide, and her work embodies the holistic approach that is at the core of ICTHP, by honoring ancestral knowledge with contemporary scientific research to restore health, resilience and wellbeing.”

Antonio also received the Student Champions for Climate Justice Award for guiding a multidisciplinary student team, including Melissa Kahili-Heede, Caleb Rivera, Camille McComas, Kiʻilaweau Aweau and Mākoa Miura, in organizing the Climate Justice Through Indigenous Knowledge Symposium in October 2025. The event served as a platform for scholars to address environmental sustainability through traditional practices.

Graduate students in the (DPHS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� enrolled in are helping tackle some of Hawaiʻi’s most pressing health challenges, including issues related to maternal health, cultural responsiveness in data collection and fall prevention. Their community-engaged research was recently highlighted at the department’s annual Hōʻike (exhibit) in December.

Modeled after a professional academic conference, the Hōʻike, now in its 10th year, highlights student projects developed through partnerships with community organizations. Students work in teams to translate health promotion theory into practice—building relationships, conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative data and sharing findings grounded in community perspectives.

Guided by faculty Jane Chung-Do and David Stupplebeen, students collaborate directly with local partners to address pressing public health priorities.

“Student projects like these help connect students with the community, provide meaningful contributions to the work of community-based organizations, and help perpetuate the vision and mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences,” said Stupplebeen.

Partnerships that make an impact

The community partners of the Fall 2025 semester included ,, , and . Student projects examined a wide range of topics from factors related to delayed prenatal care among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women to coalition engagement in fall prevention efforts and expanding training pathways for Native Hawaiian healthcare practitioners.

For many students, the Hōʻike marked their first formal research presentation, strengthening skills in collaboration, analysis and professional dissemination.

“Having the opportunity to work so closely with a community of practice allowed me to uplift their values during this project, all while reflecting on my own position as a researcher,” said Shanda Shamela Delos Reyes, a graduate student in the course. “The hōʻike itself was a practice of reciprocation, allowing us to share the community’s data back to them.”

“This invaluable learning opportunity is made possible by the dedication of our community partners. We are deeply grateful for their tireless service to Hawaiʻi and for welcoming our students into their vital work,” said Chung-Do.

“The students approached the project with diligence and professionalism, and delivered valuable data that will guide us in designing and implementing effective interventions for our members and the broader community,” said Lucie Tam, clinical coordinator, Quality & Performance Improvement, Quality Management at HMSA. “We look forward to partnering again on future initiatives!”

The Hōʻike reflects DPHS’ continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement and advancing health equity statewide.

Challenging the traditional approach to pregnancy care which focuses solely on mothers’ behaviors, new research from the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and international partners highlights the significant and often underrecognized role of fathers’ health and well-being in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The study was recently published in .

“The more we look, the more we find important contributions from fathers, including many factors traditionally believed to be solely the responsibility of the pregnant person, such as weight status, substance use or being an older parent,” said Jonathan Huang, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the in the . “In some cases, paternal contributions are even larger than their maternal counterparts and several are related intergenerationally to the fathers’ own upbringing.”

A framework for preconception health

This transdisciplinary review uses evidence from biological, behavioral and social sciences to create a framework for men’s role in preconception health. The findings show that a man’s early life experiences—including stress, physical and mental health, environment and education—influence his health during reproductive years. These factors can, in turn, affect his partner’s health and health behaviors (such as prenatal care) before and during pregnancy, as well as having direct biological effects on the developing infant.

The research addresses ethical concerns, noting that placing all responsibility for a child’s future health on the birthing parent reinforces gender biases. Furthermore, the researchers emphasize that racism and colonialism have disrupted family and community roles for many Black and brown men, creating barriers to addressing their health needs. This disruption underscores the need for culturally grounded approaches, which are particularly effective for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men.

“Policies and programs are needed to strengthen family and community bonds while centering the health and well-being of ����Ա� [men] within their cultural roles. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men are less likely to engage in Western-based health interventions than their female counterparts, but are more responsive to culturally grounded approaches,” said Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, co-author and chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health in the .

Improving the health of Hawaiian ����Ա�

Kaholokula stated that the traditional concept of Hale Mua—a cultural space for men—offers a blueprint for improving the health of Hawaiian ����Ա� by creating safe spaces for mentorship, life instruction, emotional regulation and the transmission of cultural values, which reinforces their kuleana (responsibility) to family and community.

The researchers emphasize that policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers and men themselves all have a role in improving preconception health. Investing in the wellbeing of boys and young men is key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations.

Huang added, “Raising awareness about the importance of men’s health does not diminish the critical importance of women and pregnant persons’ well-being. Rather it serves as a collective call-in to ensure that men and partners are equipped to be supportive partners, allies and caretakers before, during, and long after pregnancy.”

The research team includes collaborators from the continental U.S., the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore. A companion study highlights the work of the international Core Indicators for Preconception Health and Equity (iCIPHE) Alliance in improving how preconception health is measured and monitored.

A University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� study confirms that outrigger canoe paddling is far more than a state team sport. It’s a way of life that supports physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual health for paddlers in Hawaiʻi.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: High canoe-paddling rates among NHPI could help health outcomes

The study, published in , examines paddling through a public health perspective. It was led by Simone Schmid, a former postdoctoral fellow and current adjunct assistant professor in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health’s (DPHS), as well as the director of strategy, impact and research at AccesSurf Hawaiʻi in collaboration with other DPHS authors, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and AccesSurf Hawaiʻi.

While previous ����Vlog�ٷ� research documented paddling’s physical benefits and participation patterns among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, this study uniquely centers paddlers’ voices to explore the cultural, spiritual and community meaning that sustains long-term participation.

Centering paddlers’ voices

“As a paddler myself, having benefited from this physical and cultural activity and community in more ways than I can express, we did this work to capture what is already known in the community,” Schmid said. “It is just one piece in the puzzle of overall efforts and goals to support past, current and future paddlers. And one step in my journey of getting canoe club membership covered by health insurance.”

The research team analyzed open-ended survey responses from 362 paddlers statewide who answered: “What does outrigger canoe paddling mean to you?” Almost half (47%) identified as Native Hawaiian; 65% were female. Responses revealed multiple layers of meaning, from physical health, stress relief and teamwork to family traditions, pride, connection to the ocean and ʻāina, cultural heritage and spirituality. Researchers adapted a social-ecological model to include a spiritual perspective.

Many paddlers reflected on ancestry and traditions. Ann Yoshida, paddler and community author with AccesSurf Hawaiʻi said, “Paddling across the world representing Hawaiʻi and the U.S., I felt connected to my island home and culture because my ancestors knew through navigation that the water was our highway to connect with the world. I knew if I was in water, I was home and I never felt alone. This power pushed me to live my extraordinary life.”

Cultural ties drive long-term participation

The study found cultural ties, rather than health goals alone, might motivate long-term participation. Paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose. Findings have been shared with canoe clubs and public health partners to explore how paddling can support chronic disease prevention and community-based activity programs.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Measuring outrigger canoe paddling intensity

The study also received international recognition, with Schmid and co-authors named finalists for the , ranking among the top five Early Career Research papers of 2025.

“We are very proud to see the global dissemination of this important work from Hawaiʻi around strengths-based public health promotion, relevant to our communities,” said Tetine Sentell, DPHS professor and study co-author. Other DPHS authors include Carrie Soo Hoo, Catherine Pirkle, Michael Phillips and Mika Thompson.

Kauilaonālani Tengan is inspired to encourage greater participation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities in diabetes clinical trials to ensure research better reflects the populations most affected by the disease.

Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha.
—Kauilaonālani Tengan

He is translating that goal into practice through applied research. A master of science student in epidemiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� , Tengan was part of a study team at The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) whose findings were published in in the study Exploring Diabetes Clinical Trial Participation: A Diverse Group Interview Study.

“I have a family history of cardiometabolic diseases and I remember visiting extended family who had to fly from Molokaʻi just to receive quality care here on Oʻahu,” he said. “This [experience] instilled in me a desire to learn more about health issues so prevalent in our islands and contribute to innovative solutions.”

Research findings and lessons learned

While at QHS, Tengan split his time between health equity research and clinical data management, utilizing electronic medical records to address research questions. He helped conduct interviews with 56 hospitalized patients to explore what motivates—or prevents—patients from joining diabetes clinical trials.

Although 84% expressed willingness to participate, most had never been asked. Barriers included mistrust, concerns about medication risks, and lack of understanding, while many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants cited family and community benefit as key motivators.

“Engaging face-to-face with people in a clinical setting humanized health data for me,” Tengan said. “It reminded me that these are people, not statistics. I realized that my work has a lasting impact, so it is my responsibility to do things in a pono manner.”

Tengan hopes to carry these lessons forward. “Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha,” he said. “It is vital that we do work in an ethically and culturally nuanced way because there are real world impacts in the data that we publish.”

The study was part of an Food and Drug Administration-funded project at The Queenʻs Medical Center, in collaboration with the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� , and clinical partners. also found that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants are consistently underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials.

“Kauilaonālani’s perspectives and real-life application from quantitative analyses are so important to building collective public health,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and study co-author.

Helen (Nalani) Blaisdell-Brennan, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM), has recently received multiple national honors recognizing her leadership, mentorship and commitment to mental health equity.

A JABSOM alumna, Blaisdell-Brennan was named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a designation reserved for psychiatrists who demonstrate sustained and outstanding contributions to the field. She was also recognized as an APA Mental Health Equity Champion for her work expanding access to culturally responsive care and improving outcomes for underserved populations.

“Mental health equity means that every person has a fair opportunity to achieve the highest possible level of mental well-being, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or cultural identity,” said Blaisdell-Brennan.

Blaisdell-Brennan holds leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, including president-elect of the Honolulu County Medical Society and service on the American Psychiatric Association Assembly Executive Committee, where she is president of the American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian Caucus. She has also received two national APA awards recognizing excellence in practice and mentorship.

Psychiatric care rooted in culture and community

With nearly two decades of experience, Blaisdell-Brennan emphasizes psychiatric care that considers cultural identity, community and lived experience. Her work has included advocacy for telehealth access and workforce development to support care in underserved areas.

“Cultural humility means recognizing that we don’t hold all the answers,” she said. “Our patients do. They bring the wisdom of their ʻohana, their community and their lived experience into the healing process.”

“Dr. Blaisdell-Brennan’s work continues to elevate mental health care in Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Combining clinical leadership, advocacy, and a focus on equity to advance practice in ways that are both respectful and impactful is everything we aim to do at JABSOM, and we congratulate Dr. Blaisdell-Brennan on these honors.”

Blaisdell-Brennan is the daughter of Kekuni Blaisdell, a physician who was among the founding faculty of JABSOM.

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Hawaiʻi is facing a critical shortage of neurosurgeons, leaving many patients with long waits or forced to travel off-island for care. The (JABSOM) is working to address the shortage through a mentorship program that trains the next generation of specialists while encouraging them to practice locally.

JABSOM alumnus Thomas Noh returned home to join the faculty and quickly saw how the problem would worsen as current neurosurgeons retire.

“There was an opportunity, and a need, for JABSOM to build interest in the field and get more people excited about going into neurosurgery,” he said.

The program offers hands-on surgical rotations, opportunities to contribute to research projects in Nohʻs lab and access to professional networks, with an emphasis on empowering women and students from underrepresented communities.

“One of Hawaiʻi's super powers is that we have incredibly bright, very motivated students who want to make Hawaiʻi their home,” Noh said. “If we can connect this pool of extremely qualified candidates with opportunities across neurosurgery, there’s hope that some of these students will get excited about it and want to build a career in Hawaiʻi.”

Invaluable mentorship experience

Third-year medical student Janette Bow-Keola said the mentorship has been invaluable.

“When I started med school, I had the idea that I wanted to pursue neurosurgery, but I didn’t think it was really achievable, coming from my background as an underrepresented person in medicine,” she said. “I struggled with imposter syndrome and doubting whether I was right for medicine or worthy of going into neurosurgery.”

Through the experience I’m getting at JABSOM, I’ve built confidence in myself and my training and what I can offer patients.
—Janette Bow-Keola

When Bow-Keola met Noh, he affirmed that neurosurgery was within reach and that JABSOM could help her get there. “Through the experience I’m getting at JABSOM, I’ve built confidence in myself and my training and what I can offer patients,” she said.

Bow-Keola plans to return to Hawaiʻi to address disparities in care and the declining neurosurgeon workforce.

Another success story is alumna Andie Conching—the first known Native Hawaiian woman accepted into a neurosurgery residency—who also credits mentorship at JABSOM and plans to return home to practice.

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Engaging in cultural and social activities is strongly linked to better mental health for Native Hawaiian, American Indian & Alaska Native elders, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� published in .

Researchers from the analyzed survey data from more than 19,000 older adults who participated in a national assessment sponsored by the . Conducted every three years, the survey helps inform planning, long–term care discussions & grant applications for programs that support Indigenous elders.

Traditions linked to better mental health

“We found that frequent participation in traditional cultural practices & social activities was strongly associated with better mental health,” said Miquela Ibrao, assistant professor and one of the study’s lead authors from the . “In contrast, functional limitations—such as difficulties bathing, dressing, cooking & cleaning for oneself—and caregiver burden were associated with poorer mental health.”

Among the three groups studied, Native Hawaiian elders reported the highest average mental health score.

“This may be because Native Hawaiian elders were most likely to regularly participate in cultural activities, as Hawaiʻi traditions like hula & mele are celebrated across the islands,” said Kathryn Braun, professor of public health sciences. “Also, the Native Hawaiian sample had the highest proportion of retirees.”

Ibrao said the findings highlight the value of community programs that honor cultural traditions, helping Indigenous elders stay mentally & emotionally healthy.

The research was co-authored by Jane Lee, Yan Yan Wu & Jordan Lewis of the Thompson school, along with collaborators from the Center for Rural Health at the , the & Southcentral Foundation.

The children’s storybook , which helps children understand Alzheimer’s disease, has been adapted into a . The story follows Pōmai, a young girl learning to support her Papa (grandfather) as he experiences memory loss, offering a gentle, culturally grounded way for families to start conversations about dementia. First released by the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� in 2019 and translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in 2025, the story has reached keiki and caregivers across the islands.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Dementia storybook released statewide

The animation was developed by Kalilinoe Detwiler, a ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� PhD candidate in English, with the , housed in the . It brings the storybook to life with vibrant visuals, expressive characters and narration voiced by Hā Kūpuna team members.

“We hope the book and video will open conversations between children, parents and kūpuna about dementia in a cultural and age-appropriate way,” said Detwiler, who is an , and co-principal investigator for the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Seas project. “I enjoy spending time with the characters, imagining their expressions and who they might sit beside in the setting. I also enjoy imagining visual representations to subtle changes in their emotions and understanding of dementia.”

The project began in January 2025 and included storyboarding, visual design, background art, voice recording, animation and editing.

“As we create resources for ʻōpio (youth) and caregivers, we recognize there are mediums that best suit the intergenerational households in Hawaiʻi,” added Detwiler. “Animation is one of those mediums. It opens possibilities for stories that can be challenging or heavy,”

“The purpose of Hā Kūpuna is to enhance understanding of kūpuna, celebrate their lives, and improve eldercare services,” said Shelley Muneoka, Hā Kūpuna program coordinator. “Storybooks and animation help extend this information to new audiences in a meaningful way.”

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A Native Hawaiian nurse leader at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (SONDH) has earned national recognition for her work advancing health equity. Donna-Marie Palakiko was named a 2025 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and a Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN).

“I am honored to be inducted into the 2025 Class of New Fellows for the American Academy of Nursing,” said Palakiko, associate professor and SONDH director of cultural innovation and strategy. “This recognition is shared with those who volunteered to be a part of my program of research, supported my learning & growth, and most of all, my ʻOhana. I am excited to continue the work to improve health among Indigenous communities.”

Fellowship in AAN recognizes individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on health and healthcare through research, policy, practice – and education. Palakiko was inducted in October 2025 during the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, U.S.

As a Distinguished Fellow of ADLN, she joins a national network of leaders advancing justice, equity, diversity – and inclusion in nursing.

According to ADLN, “The 2025 Fellows represent a powerful collective dedicated to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare by ensuring all voices are heard and valued.”

Research and community impact

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Nursing innovator fellowship for ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� assistant professor

Palakiko joined ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� in 2019 as the first Native Hawaiian nurse to be hired and receive tenure with promotion at SONDH. Her research addresses asthma inequities among Native Hawaiians and focuses on building a culturally responsive health workforce. For more than 25 years, Palakiko has advanced health equity for Native Hawaiians and other underserved communities. Her work focuses on culturally safe health programs, strengthening the nursing workforce, and addressing social and cultural factors that influence health.

Earlier this year, Palakiko joined the American Public Health Association (APHA) leadership team and serves on the boards of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association (NCEMNA) and the Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA).

She earned her doctorate from the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, her master’s of science from the University of California, San Francisco, and her bachelor’s of science from the University of San Francisco. She is a 2022 Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellow, a 2023 Fellow of the LEADS program, and a recipient of the UC Davis Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders & Innovators.

For Kelsea Kanoho Hosoda, receiving the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s (AISES) Blazing Flame Professional Award marks a full-circle moment in her mission to uplift Indigenous students in STEM. The national honor recognizes her decades of work expanding opportunities for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

“I’ve been a part of AISES since I was an undergraduate, and they really helped me flourish—from undergrad to graduate school and now in my professional career,” said Hosoda, director of the at the University of awaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s (JABSOM). “So this award, to me, is more than just recognition from a national organization—it also means a lot for Hawaiʻi.”

At JABSOM, Hosoda leads initiatives that improve Native Hawaiian health through education, research & community engagement, encouraging students to pursue careers in medicine and other health professions.

Bridging communities through mentorship

Hosoda’s involvement with ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s Native Hawaiian Science & Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP) inspired her to co-found the university’s first AISES student chapter with her husband, creating a bridge between local and national Indigenous STEM communities. She later helped revise AISES policies to expand eligibility for scholarships and internships to all Indigenous students.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Advancing the science of mentorships

Over the past 12 years, Hosoda has mentored more than 100 students—many now working in research and medicine. Through programs such as Kauhale Medical Scholars, she continues to guide pre-med students from Hawaiʻi’s neighbor islands and public schools.

“Being part of AISES taught me to bring my whole self to work,” Hosoda said. “That sense of balance and authenticity is something I try to pass on to my students.”

A proud ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� alumna, she earned her bachelor’s in biology and Hawaiian language, a master’s in molecular biosciences and bioengineering, and a PhD in communication and information sciences—experiences that deepened her integration of ʻIke Hawaiʻi and STEM.

Hosoda will receive the Blazing Flame Professional Award at the AISES National Conference in Minneapolis this October.

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The first comprehensive guide for conducting qualitative interviews with Native Hawaiian elders (kūpuna) has been released, offering researchers a culturally grounded framework for building trust and reciprocity. Developed by the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s in partnership with , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian advancement, the guide aims to ensure research practices reflect Hawaiian values and benefit communities.

is a 48-page resource designed for students, faculty and community researchers. It provides practical tools for engaging kūpuna in ways that honor cultural traditions, strengthen relationships and share knowledge responsibly.

“There are many past examples of extractive or harmful research practices with Indigenous people,” said Shelley Muneoka, a lead researcher on the study. “This protocol flips the script by placing cultural values, reciprocity and community well-being at the center of the research process.”

The free guide was published alongside a peer-reviewed article in and draws on more than five years of collaboration with kūpuna across Hawaiʻi.

What the guide offers

The resource reflects principles of community-based participatory research and includes:

• Historical context on harmful research practices and the rise of Hawaiian-led approaches.
• Self-reflection tools for examining privilege, positionality and potential bias.
• Recommendations on entering communities, obtaining consent, conducting interviews and offering reciprocity through makana (gifts).
• Guidance on disseminating results in ways that return knowledge to participants and communities.
• Although rooted in Native Hawaiian experiences, the authors note the guide has broader relevance for research with Indigenous and marginalized communities worldwide.

“This qualitative protocol guide is about shifting historical research dynamics to recognize that Native Hawaiian elders carry the ʻike (knowledge) and values that should guide how research happens,” said Keilyn Kawakami, the article’s first author. “The guide is an important tool for students and faculty embarking on research with kūpuna.”

Hā Kūpuna, one of three National Resource Centers for Native Elders funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is housed in the .

A first–of–its–kind fellowship in Hawaiʻi is training the next generation of culturally grounded behavioral health providers, thanks to a new collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) Department of Native Hawaiian Health and (HILT).

The program, called Mohala Liko Lehua, will host three post–doctoral psychology (PsyD) fellows and three post–master of social work (MSW) fellows, who will be trained and supervised by licensed psychologists and social workers at JABSOM. Fellows will partner with HILT to design and deliver behavioral health services on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, strengthening community capacity and promoting wellbeing.

Hands-on training rooted in Hawaiian values

Throughout the one–year fellowship, participants will receive advanced training in trauma–informed, ʻ�徱�Բ� (land)– and culture–based care rooted in Hawaiian values. Their work will be integrated into HILT’s community preserves and existing educational programs. The fellows will also receive their clinical training at Queen’s Health Systems sites on Oʻahu and Maui, as well as the Ka Malu a Waʻahila Behavioral Health program for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�. Program goals include serving at least 4,000 youth, enhancing HILT staff capacity, and measuring community impact.

Robin Miyamoto, program director at JABSOM, said the program’s name draws from the ʻō������� noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb), Mōhala i ka wai, ka maka o ka pua, suggesting that flowers thrive when the environmental conditions are good.

This reminds us of our responsibility to protect and sustain our culture and the health of our people so that future generations can thrive.
—Robin Miyamoto

“This reminds us of our responsibility to protect and sustain our culture and the health of our people so that future generations can thrive,” she explained. “This program will enhance and expand our existing training efforts and will serve as a new pipeline for behavioral health clinicians. It is grounded in a foundation of cultural humility and safety, focusing on promoting resilience rather than solely addressing disparities.”

In addition to meeting immediate behavioral health needs, the program serves as a workforce development pipeline, preparing homegrown providers who can deliver culturally fluent care across Hawaiʻi.

“Mohala Liko Lehua is informed by and designed for underrepresented communities, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations that have long faced systemic health disparities and underinvestment in behavioral health,” said ʻOlu Campbell, president and CEO of HILT. “Addressing these inequities requires solutions that are community–driven, rooted in ʻ�徱�Բ� and culture, and grounded in trust–based relationships.”

Supported by the Health Resources & Services Administration, Maui United Way, ����Vlog�ٷ�, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and other partners, JABSOM and HILT plan to continue Mohala Liko Lehua for at least four years, training a minimum of 24 fellows. Additional funding is still needed to sustain the program.

Deaths by suicide and drug overdose significantly increased in the aftermath of the August 2023 Maui wildfire, according to a new study published in the (JAMA).

Public health must be adequately prepared to respond to serious mental health consequences of wildfires and other climate-related disasters
—Alex Ortega

The study, led by Alex Ortega, dean of the , and Keawe‘aimoku Kaholokula, chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health, in the , both at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, along with Jonathan Purtle, associate professor at , is one of the first to show that wildfires can lead to immediate deaths from suicide and drug overdose.

“Nationally and globally, we have seen an increase in devastating wildfires, and these fires can have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of communities,” said Ortega. “Public health must be adequately prepared to respond to serious mental health consequences of wildfires and other climate-related disasters that are increasing in both frequency and severity.”

Death rates increased statewide

The researchers analyzed death records from all of Hawaiʻi’s counties from 2014 through 2023, focusing on suicides and drug overdoses. They compared the death rates before, during and after the wildfires.

Due to Centers for Disease Control data use agreements and to protect confidentiality of individuals who died, the study authors are not allowed to report numbers smaller than 10.

The study showed that in August 2023, suicide and overdose death rates increased by 46% statewide. However, the impact was much greater in Maui, where there was a 97% increase in suicide and overdose deaths compared to prior months. When limiting their analysis to just suicides in August 2023, they found that the suicide rate was 182% higher in Maui than other islands in the state.

“Prior research has found similar effects in the months after wildfires and other disasters. But the immediacy of the effects on suicide rates that we observed in Maui are unique and troubling,” said Purtle.

Researchers suggest that both direct exposure to the wildfires and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, may have contributed to the rise in death rates. The findings also show that residents who fled Maui for other islands could have contributed to the increase in state-wide suicide and overdose deaths.

In an earlier study led by the ����Vlog�ٷ� researchers, the team documented a 41% rise in 988 Lifeline calls after the Lahaina wildfires, exposing critical gaps in Hawaiʻi’s mental health infrastructure.

A call to action

This recent study emphasized the importance of early behavioral health intervention during disaster responses and recommends including suicide and overdose prevention in wildfire response and recovery plans.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: ����Vlog�ٷ� to study Lahaina wildfire response and impact on residents, July 15, 2024

Kaholokula noted disaster recovery must address more than just rebuilding physical infrastructure. “Plans should also focus on the psychological and emotional impacts communities face—including hopelessness, cultural disconnection and stigma,” he said. “There needs to be a plan for suicide and substance abuse prevention, and other mental health support.”

The study used the most recent death data available from the CDC. Researchers will use 2024 data when it becomes available to see if there is was an increase in suicides and/or overdoses over the course of 2024, as more time elapsed since the wildfires.

This study is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Maui LOA (Learnings to Overcome Adversities) project, a five-year effort led by ����Vlog�ٷ� researchers to understand how disasters like the Lahaina wildfires affect community, healthcare, and emergency response system resiliency. The research focuses on vulnerable populations and aims to strengthen health system resilience and improve access to care.

With Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Asian populations facing some of the highest diabetes rates in the nation, the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s has received a $2.35 million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand research, strengthen infrastructure and train the next generation of scientists. In its seventh year of funding, the center is part of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) and continues to focus on tackling this critical public health challenge.

“Diabetes and prediabetes affect nearly half of the U.S. population, and even more so in underserved communities,” said Mariana Gerschenson, professor in the at the (JABSOM), who leads the initiative as principal investigator. “Our goal is to build a sustainable, collaborative center that addresses both the biological mechanisms and health differences associated with diabetes in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: $11.7M grant renewal advances diabetes research in Hawaiʻi

Since its inception, the center has played a pivotal role in mentoring seven research leaders and seven pilot investigators. Phase 2 will significantly expand this mission through several key initiatives:

• Investigating diabetic complications: Focused research on complications that occur at higher rates in racial and ethnic minorities.
• Faculty recruitment: Bringing in four new tenure-track faculty members specializing in translational diabetes and insulin resistance research.
• Pipeline development: Supporting pilot projects to cultivate a robust pipeline of future research leaders.
• Community engagement: Strengthening community outreach through an annual symposium and enhanced digital resources.

The renewed award will support key research project leaders, including cell and molecular biology faculty Kathryn Schunke and Michael Ortega, as well as graduate students, postdocs, and the led by Chair Olivier Le Saux.

Innovative research projects

Current research projects at the Diabetic Research Center are exploring innovative solutions and deeper understandings of diabetes, including:

• Developing non-invasive sweat sensors for monitoring complications.
• Studying the genomic links between diabetes and stroke in Native Hawaiians.
• Understanding diabetic autonomic neuropathy using animal models.
• Investigating diabetic renal disease using animal models.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (SONDH) is relaunching its program. Set to welcome its first new cohort in fall 2026, the PhD program aims to prepare nurses to become researchers, educators and leaders capable of generating knowledge that improves health outcomes and strengthens the profession.

“This program is designed to grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle the complex health challenges that exist in Hawaiʻi and beyond” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of SONDH.

PhD-prepared nurses conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the global nurse shortage, they are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation and expand the evidence base that supports effective and equitable care.

“When people hear the word ‘nurse,’ most picture someone in scrubs, offering hands-on care at the bedside. While that image is accurate, it’s only one role in a much larger profession,” said Lorrie Wong, associate dean for academic affairs. “Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. PhD-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.”

“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific,” said Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research. “This program is designed to build that workforce; plus, support the development of knowledge needed to advance health promotion, shape nursing practice, and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. We hope to foster innovative research that is reflective of our local needs and strengths.”

Rooted in Hawaiʻi, aimed at global change

The relaunched program is grounded in place. Students will be encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they serve, whether improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. Students will learn how to conduct culturally relevant, community-based research, ensuring that findings are meaningful and will have a positive impact within their communities.

They’ll learn how to be a leader in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.
—Molly Altman

“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” said Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD program director. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”

Using the unique nursing perspective, faculty mentors will guide students in the development of innovative research and foster the growth of leadership skills so that graduates are able to become agents of change in academic, clinical and policy settings.

By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is committed to investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our islands.

Apply now for fall 2026

SONDH is currently accepting applications for its fall 2026 PhD cohort. Applications will become available on September 1, 2025. To attend informational sessions, visit the for upcoming dates. For more details or to apply, visit the or email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.

Two longtime University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� faculty members, Kathryn Braun and Cullen Hayashida, played key roles in the 20th anniversary conference of the (ACAP) held in Fukuoka, Japan, in March 2025. They joined a 10-member Hawaiʻi delegation, including representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and local kūpuna-serving organizations.

The conference brought together experts from more than 40 countries to share knowledge on dementia-friendly communities, digital inclusion, migration and care work, and intergenerational relationships.

Braun, professor of public health at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and current ACAP president, is the principal investigator of the federally-funded in the . She highlighted Hawaiʻi’s rapidly aging population and the value of learning from other countries’ experiences.

“Hawaiʻi is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation, but not as fast as Japan and several other Asian countries,” said Braun. “These gatherings help us adapt successful models to meet Hawaiʻi’s unique needs.”

Hayashida, graduate affiliate faculty in ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s , and , is the founding director of the Kūpuna Education Center at Kapiʻolani Community College. He described ACAP as a vital network of researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to active aging.

“Active retirees should pivot from just being youthful to becoming useful contributors,” he said.

ACAP welcomes members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in monthly webinars and international knowledge exchange. Membership is free. To join, email Kathryn Braun at kbraun@hawaii.edu.

Mapuana Antonio, a University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� associate professor in the , recently completed her Fulbright project at the University of Auckland in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Her project, Pilina and Whanaungatanga–Trans Pacific Relationality, aimed to strengthen Indigenous scholarship and foster deeper connections across the Pacific.

From February to March 2025, she co-led healing-centered activities that promoted solidarity, cultural exchange, and shared knowledge within Indigenous communities.

Antonio, head of the Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Health Program in the Department of Public Health Sciences, has taught at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� since 2018. In addition to the Fulbright award, she is a 2025 recipient of the .

“This Fulbright experience has been incredibly timely and humbling. The opportunity to embark on this project validates the importance of this work while providing intentional space and opportunities to sustain authentic relationships with Indigenous scholars across the Pacific,” said Antonio.

Centering Indigenous water, land stewardship

A key highlight of her Fulbright experience was the Water and Indigenous (WAI) Gathering, a multi-day symposium for Indigenous postgraduate students, scholars and community partners. Co-led with Ashlea Gillon from the University of Auckland and held in collaboration with Project Mōkiha, the event included keynotes, workshops and presentations centered on relationships to land, water and community resilience.

Project Mōkiha is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Interdisciplinary Research Leaders project that focuses on restoring water and prosperity back to Indigenous communities. Similar to Antonio’s Fulbright project, they work to strengthen communities by promoting the importance of cultural environmental sustainability, while also supporting the advancement of Indigenous-led solutions.

Other collaborators include Troy J.H. Andrade, professor at the , and Luʻukia Nakanelua of Hawaiʻi Land Trust.

“The WAI symposium brought together partners from across the Pacific and highlighted the deep interconnections between water, land and Indigenous communities,” said Andrade.

Antonio also contributed to Māori Studies lectures, health discussions and podcast collaborations. Site visits to Indigenous communities further enriched the experience and informed strategic discussions on expanding ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health Program, including online access for students.

“We have been grateful of Dr. Antonio’s time in Aotearoa… and look for opportunities to sustain similar gatherings, particularly for our students,” said Gillon.

Antonio looks forward to continuing this exchange—supporting Indigenous scholarship and protecting land and water for generations to come.

Spearfishing is more than a sport, it’s a way of living
—Rodrigo Barbano Weingrill

Spearfishing, a traditional practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, does more than provide food, it plays an important role in supporting community health. A new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s highlights the physical and cultural benefits of this activity, offering valuable insight into the practice and how it can be used to promote well-being across the islands.

, the study was led by Lauryn Hansen, a 2023 Master of Public Health graduate and current Grau Fellow with , and Catherine Pirkle, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The researchers explored how spearfishing supports physical activity, cultural identity, food security and a strong connection to both nature and community.

A cultural tradition in the Pacific

Spearfishing in the Pacific is more than a method of catching fish—it is a living tradition rooted in Indigenous knowledge and community values. Once commonly practiced during the Hawaiian Kingdom era, it continues today as a physically demanding and culturally significant activity that supports food security and strengthens social bonds. Passed down through generations, spearfishing remains a vital link between people, their heritage and the environment.

“Our findings highlight just how widely practiced spearfishing is among Indigenous and rural communities in Hawaiʻi,” said Hansen. “Recognizing and supporting activities that celebrate cultural identity allows for public health strategies that align with the values of our communities.”

Physical health benefits

While spearfishing offers numerous benefits, it remains largely excluded from formal health promotion efforts and public health data collection. The researchers hope to inspire more inclusive strategies that integrate traditional practices as effective tools for supporting health and wellness.

Using data from the 2019 and 2020 , the team found that about 25% of adults in Hawaiʻi (1 in 4 residents) had engaged in spearfishing at some point in their lives. Participation was especially high among men (40% vs. 10% of women), Native Hawaiians (43%), other Pacific Islanders (36%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (32%), Japanese (26.2%), and rural residents of Molokaʻi (43%) and Lānaʻi (51%). All age groups reported similar lifetime engagement. Those who had spearfished were also more likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to those who had not.

“Spearfishing is more than a sport, it’s a way of living,” said Rodrigo Barbano Weingrill, a researcher at the and avid spearfisher. “Especially in Hawaiʻi, where the keiki learn pretty young in their lives, and they take it as more than a hobby, but a way to help their families to bring food home.”

Barbano Weingrill, who has been spearfishing for 25 years, added that the sport requires strength, endurance and a healthy lifestyle, all of which promote cardiovascular health.

Bridging tradition with modern public health

The study’s findings were presented at the International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress in Paris. has also highlighted the health benefits of hula and outrigger canoe paddling. By bridging tradition and modern health strategies, the study offers a model for public health programs that are not only effective but also culturally meaningful to the communities they serve.

The project, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and ����Vlog�ٷ� faculty members Tetine Sentell and Yan Yan Wu, supports the goal of promoting culturally relevant physical activities. It is also supported by the Chin Sik & Hyun Sook Chung Endowed Chair in Public Health Studies.

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s are advancing efforts to enrich ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) with new eldercare terms, blending cultural heritage with modern healthcare concepts to ensure the language’s relevance for future generations.

Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Free Hawaiian language resources help enhance responsible kūpuna care

Their work was recently highlighted in an article published in , authored by PhD student Kepoʻo Keliʻipaʻakaua, program coordinator Shelley Muneoka, and principal investigator Kathryn Braun with the Thompson school’s . Assisted by Kumu Kapili Lyon at the , the initiative aims to preserve and strengthen Native Hawaiian perspectives on aging while ensuring accessibility for future generations.

“From our work so far, we have gained a lot of insights and learned a lot of terms and concepts that are perhaps new to us today, but were commonly understood in the past,” said Keliʻipaʻakaua. “Most importantly, we see how much more remains to be learned.”

Building on decades of efforts to revive ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Hā Kūpuna spearheaded three major language projects:

• Glossary featuring 231 Hawaiian terms related to elderhood
• Collection of 109 Hawaiian proverbs and sayings about aging
• Hawaiian-language translation of the children’s book on dementia, Pōmai and Her Papa

New words for modern medical concepts

Since ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi historically lacked specific terms for modern medical concepts such as “Alzheimer’s disease” and “geriatrician,” the research team developed new words through recommended linguistic processes. These processes include combining existing Hawaiian words or adapting words from non-Polynesian languages to Hawaiian spelling.

Some of the new eldercare-related terms include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Maʻi ʻAlekahaima
• Dementia: Kemenekia
• Geriatrician: Kauka Kilo Mākule
• Neurologist: Kauka Kilo Lolo
• Health Plan: Palapala Hoʻolālā Ola Pono

Expanding ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in public health and eldercare strengthens cultural ties to aging while preserving Hawaiian values and traditions. By creating terms that align with the Hawaiian language and worldview, researchers make eldercare discussions more accessible in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

“We are humbled to contribute to understanding elders through the wisdom of our ancestors,” said Keliʻipaʻakaua.“Through this initiative, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi continues to evolve, honoring the past while adapting to the needs of the present and future.”

The glossary, proverb collection and translated book are accessible through .