Promoting nutrition education, research, and policy related to food access, food sovereignty, and food systems

E OLA MAU : Our Foundation

Our work is rooted in the enduring legacy of E Ola Mau, the guidepost for Native Hawaiian health advocacy and program development for decades. Beginning with the 1985 E Ola Mau Report, which identified key health disparities and cultural priorities, and continuing through the most recent 2023 update, our mission remains clear: to uplift the health and well-being of our communities through culturally grounded and holistic approaches. 

One of the most critical aspects of our work has been nutrition, recognizing its profound impact on the overall health of Native Hawaiians. The original E Ola Mau study highlighted diet-related health disparities, such as increased rates of diabetes and heart disease, underscoring the urgent need to restore traditional food systems, improve access to nourishing foods, and integrate ancestral wisdom into modern health strategies. Our ongoing efforts build on this foundation, emphasizing food sovereignty, community-based education, and sustainable nutrition practices to promote lifelong well-being. 

The 2023 E Ola Mau Update reaffirms our commitment to these principles, incorporating contemporary research and community-driven solutions to further address nutritional health, chronic disease prevention, and overall wellness. By weaving together the ʻike of our kūpuna with innovative health strategies, we continue to advocate for policies and programs that support a thriving, resilient lāhui. 

Our foundation is strong. E ola mau—may life endure. 

This page is still in development

Nui Ka ʻAi, Piha Ka Naʻau is a nutrition education initiative guided by the recommendations of the E Ola Mau report, which emphasizes the importance of reclaiming traditional Hawaiian foods to improve Native Hawaiian health. Our work focuses on increasing access to and knowledge of staple foods such as ʻulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro), and ʻuala (sweet potato), which are deeply rooted in our cultural and physical well-being. 

In alignment with E Ola Mau, we develop public health educational materials—including recipe cards and food system resource guides—to strengthen food sovereignty, encourage sustainable food production, and educate others on both modern and traditional food preparation practices. By reconnecting our communities to these foundational foods, we strive to address diet-related health disparities, promote food security, and foster a holistic approach to well-being that integrates cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. 

Food System Resources

HAWAI‘I FOOD POLICY

NATIONAL FOOD/HEALTH POLICY

HAWAIIAN HEALTH DATA

TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN DIETS (THDs)/NUTRITION

 HAWAI‘I FOOD SYSTEMS

OTHER NATIVE/INDIGENOUS DIETS

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY – PLACE-BASED FOOD

FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY/G.M.O.

SCHOOL LUNCH & FARM-TO-SCHOOL

MALA/FARMING

Podcasts

Papa Ola Lōkahi has developed a repository dedicated to highlighting the available nutrition and volunteer efforts occurring throughout the pae ʻāina. In this spreadsheet you will be able to find: 

  • Farmers markets and CSAs
  • Food Access & Assistance
  • Restaurants & Catering
  • Community Food Access
  • ‘Āina-based Food Producers

Program Staff

  • Nāpua Casson-Fisher

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Director, Community Initiatives

  • Camille McComas

    Program Specialist - Substance Use & Mental Health

  • Falahola Kanongataa

    Program Specialist, ’Ohana CoE

  • Cathy Ferreira

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Administrative Support

  • Lilinoe Kauahikaua

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Program Coordinator - Substance Use & Mental Health

  • Kawehi Moderow

    Population Health Specialist - Chronic Conditions

  • Kuaiwi Laka Kahiwakapu Pili I Haupapanui Makua

    Population Health Specialist - Environmental Health, Nutrition & Oral Health

  • Kia‘i Lee

    Native Hawaiian Traditional Healing Coordinator

  • Ikaika Regidor

    ʻoia/they/he

    Education & Training Coordinator

Contact

Kuaiwi Laka Makua

808-597-6550