Fall 2026 Update from Our CEO

This year’s severe weather events have felt relentless, with the March Kona Low storms, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lala in August, and Hurricane Lowell in September. As I write this letter, Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the islands over the next few days. HIEMA has information on how to prepare for a hurricane on their website.

There have also been many bright spots this quarter. We’re still riding off the high of our Community Health Conference, Navigating Change: Shaping the Future of Public Health, which brought together more than 400 public health professionals, students, and community partners in June. We also supported the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association Conference in August, and earlier this month, we launched the second round of the Give Back, Get Back education loan repayment program for public health professionals (the deadline to apply is September 30!).

We’ve also updated our nonpartisan Voter Guide for the general election! You can browse any race or district to see candidates’ responses side by side, compare where candidates stand on specific issues, or take the survey yourself with the “Match Me” feature to see which candidates most align with your own views. The guide also includes everything you need to make your voice heard, from key election dates to how Hawaiʻi’s vote-by-mail system works, as well as links to register, track your ballot, and find drop-off locations near you.

We’re grateful to be participating in Foodland’s Give Aloha program again this year. Throughout the month of September, visit any Foodland, Sack N Save, or Foodland Farms and give our code 79136 at checkout. Donate any amount up to $249, and Foodland will match a portion of each gift made by Maika‘i members. Mahalo for your support!

Finally, we’re excited to welcome Bethany Senn as our new Hawai‘i Youth Food Council Coordinator! We’re recruiting for several positions if you or someone you know is interested in joining the HIPHI team.

There is a lot happening across Hawaiʻi and within our organization. Through all of it, we remain grateful for the partners, supporters and community members who make this work possible. Mahalo for staying connected to HIPHI and supporting our work.

With Aloha,

Jessica Yamauchi, MA, EMBA
Chief Executive Officer