Who We Are
History
Hui Mälama Ola Na`Öiwi began as a private, non-profit organization in Puna in 1985 when Hawaiian community leaders (mostly farmers), health professionals, technicians, and educators in collaboration with Alu Like, Inc. responded to the Puna Hui `Ohanas concern about the Native Hawaiians reluctance to seek medical care until it was too late.
With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a grassroots campaign was organized to address concerns about access to preventive and primary health care services and the many health issues facing Native Hawaiians who lived in remote areas of Hawai`i Island.
These community efforts led to research conducted by the Hawai`i State Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control and the National Cancer Institute that established the need for improved access to care and later resulted in the formation of the Native Hawaiian Health Task Force of Hawaii Island in 1988. It was designated through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, Public Law 100-579 later that same year.
Finally, in 1990, Hui Mälama opened its doors and was recognized as the Hawaiian Health entity representing the Big Islands Native Hawaiians. Census 2000 data indicates more than 40,000 Native Hawaiians reside in Hawai`i County.
Hui Mälama's basic thrust is to provide access to health services on Hawai`i Island, home to one of the largest populations of Native Hawaiians (second to Oahu with 50% pure-blooded Hawaiians). Western diseases continue to impose itself on these fragile Native Hawaiian communities where cultural and traditional healing practices are still available.
Hui Mälama is accredited by CARF, the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This Native Hawaiian Health Care System is comprised of the Main Office in Hilo and six satellite offices in Kea`au, Pahoa, Na`alehu, Captain Cook, Waimea, and Kohala.
Vision
We envision a healthy community, Native Hawaiians and their `ohana, where everyone achieves their full potential, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Mission
Our mission is to provide health services and to enhance the quality of life among our Native Hawaiian people.
Values
Hui Mälama Ola Nä `Öiwi, its Board of Directors, Administration and Staff are guided and directed by Nä Küpuna (our elders) with wisdom and skill received from our ancestors. We are Hawaiian. We embrace the following basic values.
Ke Akua Mana :
Existence of a higher power
Lökahi :
Harmony, parity and balance
`Ohana :
Family-core, intermediate, extended
Po`okela :
Excellence
Ho`omau :
Life-long learning with guarantees life for generations to come
Koho`ia :
To be chosen; a responsibility given to one to carry forward the wisdom, skill and knowledge that guarantees the continued existence of Hawaiians
Hui Mälama Ola Na`Öiwi began as a private, non-profit organization in Puna in 1985 when Hawaiian community leaders (mostly farmers), health professionals, technicians, and educators in collaboration with Alu Like, Inc. responded to the Puna Hui `Ohanas concern about the Native Hawaiians reluctance to seek medical care until it was too late.
With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a grassroots campaign was organized to address concerns about access to preventive and primary health care services and the many health issues facing Native Hawaiians who lived in remote areas of Hawai`i Island.
These community efforts led to research conducted by the Hawai`i State Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control and the National Cancer Institute that established the need for improved access to care and later resulted in the formation of the Native Hawaiian Health Task Force of Hawaii Island in 1988. It was designated through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, Public Law 100-579 later that same year.
Finally, in 1990, Hui Mälama opened its doors and was recognized as the Hawaiian Health entity representing the Big Islands Native Hawaiians. Census 2000 data indicates more than 40,000 Native Hawaiians reside in Hawai`i County.
Hui Mälama's basic thrust is to provide access to health services on Hawai`i Island, home to one of the largest populations of Native Hawaiians (second to Oahu with 50% pure-blooded Hawaiians). Western diseases continue to impose itself on these fragile Native Hawaiian communities where cultural and traditional healing practices are still available.
Hui Mälama is accredited by CARF, the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This Native Hawaiian Health Care System is comprised of the Main Office in Hilo and six satellite offices in Kea`au, Pahoa, Na`alehu, Captain Cook, Waimea, and Kohala.
Vision
We envision a healthy community, Native Hawaiians and their `ohana, where everyone achieves their full potential, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Mission
Our mission is to provide health services and to enhance the quality of life among our Native Hawaiian people.
Values
Hui Mälama Ola Nä `Öiwi, its Board of Directors, Administration and Staff are guided and directed by Nä Küpuna (our elders) with wisdom and skill received from our ancestors. We are Hawaiian. We embrace the following basic values.
Existence of a higher power
Lökahi :
Harmony, parity and balance
`Ohana :
Family-core, intermediate, extended
Po`okela :
Excellence
Ho`omau :
Life-long learning with guarantees life for generations to come
Koho`ia :
To be chosen; a responsibility given to one to carry forward the wisdom, skill and knowledge that guarantees the continued existence of Hawaiians