2026 Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Conference Recap

On Friday, August 7, 2026, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and allies across Hawai‘i gathered for the state’s largest CHW event. At the beautiful Ko‘olau Ballrooms, attendees enjoyed a day filled with inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and community building. This year’s conference, themed “Waves of Change: Celebrating Community Health Workers’ Impact Across Hawaiʻi,” honored the remarkable work and resilience of the CHW workforce.

Opening Session: Honoring CHWs as Waves of Change

The day opened with the sound of the pū and land acknowledgment from Kekela “Aunty Kela” Miller, a respected Hawaiian cultural leader and kumu hula from Lā’ie, O’ahu. The 2026 CHW Awareness Month Proclamation was introduced, celebrating the achievements of CHWs statewide. Attendees reflected on this year’s theme, which recognizes CHWs as forces of positive change, as constant and interconnected as the ocean surrounding our islands. Like waves shaped by the winds, moon, and ʻāina, CHWs are grounded in community, nourishing health with intention, kuleana, and aloha. Attendees uplifted one another, honored their shared resilience, and strengthened their collective voice.

Breakout Sessions: Learning and Growing Together

The morning and afternoon breakout sessions offered something for everyone:

• Chronic Disease Conditions Track: May Kealoha led panels on diabetes, “Understanding Diabetes: Local Style!” and hypertension, “High Blood Pressure: What Can We Do?” sharing practical, culturally relevant strategies for CHWs.
• Health Equity Track: Experts from Akamai Planners Collective, Aloha State Outreach, HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Kula No Nā Poʻe Hawaiʻi, Vibrant Hawai‘i, and ʻElepaio Social Services discussed outreach, housing, and community crisis response.
• Workforce Development Track: Presenters from Kaiser Permanente, AlohaCare, and Pear Suite, Inc. offered insights on self-care and strengthening health navigation skills.
• Ally Track: Leaders from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Pear Suite, Inc., and Everyday Life Consulting explored employer support and the evolving role of CHWs.

Lunch with Keynote: The Power of One

Attendees were energized and moved by keynote speaker Tanikka Price. Her message, “The Power of One,” reminded CHWs that it takes just one caring person to change a life. She encouraged everyone to reflect on the individuals who shaped their own journeys, and to remember that, every day, CHWs are that person for someone else.

Closing Panel: Moving Forward Together

The conference concluded with a powerful panel featuring Meredith Nichols of the Hawai‘i Department of Health Human Services; Jordan Fuhrmeister of the Hawai‘i Department of Health Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division; and Chauncey Hatico of the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association. Panelists discussed the path ahead and how, united in a shared mission, we can continue strengthening community health across Hawai‘i.

Mahalo to Our Sponsors and Supporters

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Pear Suite, Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center, United HealthCare, Stupski Foundation, Everyday Life Consulting, and Devoted Health. We are also deeply grateful for the additional support and funding from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

Thank you to every CHW, ally, and supporter who made this conference a success. Together, we continue to create waves of change, nurturing the health and well-being of our communities throughout Hawai‘i.

STAY CONNECTED

• Website: hichw.org — Learn about upcoming CHW Only Meetings, committees, resources, and training opportunities.
• Follow: @HawaiiCHWA on Instagram and Facebook for the latest CHW news and community highlights.
• Join our listserv: Receive monthly newsletters, event invitations, and additional resources straight to your inbox.
• Contact: info@hichw.org