Fall 2024 Update from Our CEO

Aloha,

Earlier this month, HIPHI spent a day in Hilo for its first board and staff retreat since 2020! The morning began at Waiuli, also known as Richardson’s Beach Park, where we were hosted by Hui Hoʻoleimaluō. We contributed to their restoration efforts by moving rocks on land and clearing the weeds obstructing the fresh water springs of Honokea Loko, a local fish pond that was once the main food source for the community of Keaukaha. 

To close the day, we gathered at the Arc of Hilo to reflect, brainstorm, and chart HIPHI’s direction for the coming years. It was a great opportunity for our board members and staff to come together, connect, and deepen our shared commitment to our mission all while grounding ourselves in the beauty of our surroundings – mahalo to Josh Levinson for guiding us through the day! 

Spending time together has been especially important as our team has grown and evolved so much in just a few years. Since last quarter, we’ve welcomed six new staff members, as well as a new board member! Justin Puckett, Hawai‘i market leader at Humana, joined our board last month, and offers a wealth of knowledge in healthcare finance and administration. We also bid aloha to our board member, Keshia Adolpho, for her service to HIPHI. Earlier this year, Keshia relocated to the mainland to embark on a new chapter. We are sad to see her leave our state and the HIPHI board and wish her the best. Keshia served on our board for three years, and we’re so grateful for her passion and commitment to public health. 

Fall and winter are usually our busy season for events! Please register for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting (October 24) and save the date for the Hawai‘i Food System Summit 2024: ZERO Hunger in Hawai‘i (December 9-10). We hope to see you there!

As we enter the last quarter of the year, all eyes are on the Presidential election. If you have not registered to vote, it’s not too late! You can register online at the state’s Office of Elections website. For more information about Hawai‘i’s candidates, please read the article on HIPHI’s candidate survey and responses.

As always, we appreciate your dedication, partnership, and commitment to public health.

With Aloha,

Jessica Yamauchi
Chief Executive Officer