Annual Report 2019

2019 Highlights

E-cigarette Awareness Activities Statewide

The Breathe Aloha Mural Tour resulted in 10 colorful murals being painted on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Oʻahu. The community-driven murals aimed to raise awareness about the health harms of vaping, showcasing positive messages for the community, and contributing to the beautification of local school campuses. With over 50 presentations on the dangers of vaping and numerous awareness events, we caught the attention of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami who proclaimed February 2019 as #808NoVape Education Month. On March 20, 2019, approximately 80 students rallied at the State Capitol to send a message to Big Tobacco on national Kick Butts Day: Stop Targeting Us.

Legislative Successes

While bills to end the sale of flavored tobacco products and regulate e-cigarettes failed this session, Governor David Ige signed two bills to expand access to healthy food and beverages across the state. Act 138 ensures that healthier beverages like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice are default drinks offered in all restaurant children’s meals. We are just the second state in the nation to pass this after California Act 153 doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits—also known as SNAP, or food stamps—when they are used to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

Community Giving Day at Whole Foods Market Raises $25,417

Healthy Eating + Active Living (HEAL) was the beneficiary of Whole Foods Market’s 5% Community Giving Day on Thursday, April 18, at all four Hawai‘i stores. The event saw 5% of the day’s net sales donated to support local nonprofit and community-based organizations that align with the brand’s core values. Thank you to all of you who shopped at Whole Foods Market that day in support of HIPHI!

National Farm to School Month Celebrated in October

Over 120 participants enjoyed five HIPHI Perspectives Trips on O‘ahu and Maui during October 2019 in celebration of National Farm to School Month. The trips invited community members “into the field” to learn how farm to school programs are increasing student health and regenerating Hawaii’s community food systems. Events included the Molokai Eat Local Challenge, a Flatbread Pizza Fundraiser, Schools of the Future Conference, Farm Work Day, and Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference and Youth Summit.

Hosted Two Conferences

HIPHI hosted two conferences in 2019, partnering with the state Department of Health to host Pūpūkahi I Holomua: For and About Community Health Workers. Of the 150 attendees, 110 were Community Health Workers. Later in the year, HIPHI partnered with the Hawaiʻi Immunization Coalition to host the 14th Annual National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships on November 13, 14, and 15 in 2019, with over 300 attendees.

Executive Director Serves as NNPHI Chair and Receives Award

HIPHI’s Executive Director Jessica Yamauchi began her two-year term as the chair of the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) in May 2019. Jessica was also selected as one of the recipients of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s 2019 Hoʻokele Award. This award recognizes nonprofit leaders in Hawaiʻi who are making a difference in our community.

Expanded Honolulu Office Space

With the organization’s reach continuing to grow, HIPHI expanded staff and office space, leasing additional space on the 6th floor of our Honolulu office. We were lucky to have an office blessing in November led by Dr. Keawe Kaholokula.

New Programs: Underage Drinking Coalitions And Hawai‘I Oral Health Coalition

Underage Drinking Coalitions. HIPHI was fortunate to have the opportunity to provide fiscal management support to a new East Hawaiʻi underage drinking coalition and a new statewide underage drinking coalition.

Hawai‘i Oral Health Coalition. In 2019 the newly formed Hawaiʻi Oral Health Coalition solidified their commitments and developed a strong foundation for the future that is articulated through their vision, mission, values, and priorities. The Coalition also reaffirmed their desire to have HIPHI provide
leadership and fiscal management support.