The close of the 2018 Hawaiʻi legislative session wrapped up many bills that sought to impact the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and communities throughout Hawai‘i.  Some were successful, some were not.

The need for a unified voice for our lāhui is greater now than ever as we face growing challenges of houselessness, substance use and addiction, rising number of suicides and other behavioral health needs, access to ‘āina to grow our traditional foods, and the on-going efforts to protect, preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian traditional practices.

With the political primary election season in full swing, Papa Ola Lōkahi is committed to uphold our mandate be a voice for change, support and growth, and to create and promote venues for our communities to participate and learn. Take an active role in finding your voice for Native Hawaiians.

E Ola!

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As we enter the season of Makahiki, executive director Sheri-Ann Daniels reminds us that this is the time to pause, reflect, and assess.

Modern-day Hawaiians are inundated with many life stressors that impact their capacity to understand or engage in practices that fill our naʻau to grow as kanaka.

Previously, I ended with challenging our lāhui to know where and how they stand. It is grabbing hold of the kuleana we have as Native Hawaiians. It is the opportunity we either take or walk away from because of where that will leave you as a kanaka. These choices may be hard to make or even to understand, but such actions will ripple and impact--positively and/or negatively--on your life, that of your ʻohana and even of the lāhui.

We must remember that kuleana extends beyond what we see ahead.  It comes from way past. Paving the path forward for not only our keiki, but generations ahead, is at task.  And health is part of that journey.  As kānaka we must hold fast to this visionary thinking, as without a healthy lāhui, we have nothing.

E Ola Mau,

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Lono-i-ka-Makahiki!

The start of the makahiki season is the perfect opportunity for reflecting upon and renewing gratitude for the many blessings provided in our lives. Looking at the many positive experiences, along with the lessons learned through challenges, have all allowed for growth personally and professionally.

For myself, I am aware of, and give appreciation to, those who have laid the foundation before me, from nā aumakua to kuʻu kūpuna. It is from the values and beliefs that I am able to learn and holomua in all that I do. My ʻohana also bring support and insight for me, but it's my keiki that motivate me to be a better kanaka in the choices that I make and the intent of my actions.

I encourage you to aloha all those who inspire you to be a better kanaka!

Here is my mahalo to Kaleikoa, ʻĀpiki, Ohaikawiliula, and Ilisapeti for letting me kōkua our lāhui.

E ola mau,

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Meet Us Mondays.  Executive director Sheri Daniels celebrates a member of the POL ‘ohana each Monday.

Who has not called Papa Ola Lōkahi and heard the dulcet voice belonging to Gayle Ku‘ulei Bonham?

Gayle has been interested in “things Hawaiian” since the fourth grade.  When she joined Papa Ola Lōkahi as the executive assistant, she knew she would learn a lot.  She learned about the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program all while typing letters, greeting visitors, making travel arrangements, attending conferences, coordinating meetings and trying to keep track of the executive director. 

She has enjoyed attending meetings and conferences across the continental US, participating in the “Out of Many, One” project, attending the Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Gatherings in Alberta, Canada (2006) and in Honolulu (2010), preparing for the annual healers gatherings at Lapakahi, and working on the sailing vessel Hōkūle‘a.

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