Hawaii Pacific Health

03/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Hawai‘i Healthcare Heroes! 🌺

Last month, the Hawai‘i State Senate and House of Representatives recognized the 2025 Hawai‘i Healthcare Heroes with a ceremony at the State Capitol 🏛️. Presented by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, the honor recognizes five extraordinary health care professionals who exemplify the highest standards of care across our state.

We’re proud to share that two Hawai‘i Pacific Health providers were among this year’s honorees:

Kyle Ohisa, PA‑C, a Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Group physician assistant with the neurology team at Pali Momi Medical Center.

Dr. Jami Fukui, a breast medical oncologist with Hawai‘i Health Partners at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children and an associate professor at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.

Mahalo to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and our state leaders 🤝 for recognizing the dedication, compassion and impact our health care professionals bring to communities throughout Hawai‘i. And mahalo, Kyle and Dr. Fukui 🌈, for the exceptional care you provide our patients and families every day.

03/30/2026

We loved seeing our physicians featured by MidWeek in honor of Doctors’ Day. Mahalo to the doctors across Hawaii Pacific Health for the care, skill and heart you bring to our community. 💙👩‍⚕️

National Doctors’ Day is March 30, but the physicians at work compassionately each day to deliver the finest care for their patients. Read more in our March 25 cover story.

03/27/2026

Between work, family and busy schedules, convenience foods can be easy to rely on. Many of them are ultra-processed.

During National Nutrition Month, Brooke Adachi, RD, a registered dietitian with Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s 360˚ Weight Management Center at Pali Momi Medical Center, encourages a realistic approach to healthier eating.

“Start slowly. Don’t make huge changes at once,” Adachi said. Even small steps can support better health over time.

03/12/2026

We’re excited to announce two well‑deserved leadership promotions at Hawai‘i Pacific Health.

👏 Mathew Loughlin is now chief risk officer at Hawai‘i Pacific Health. With more than 20 years of service at Pali Momi Medical Center and HPH, Mathew has held progressive leadership roles in nursing and hospital operations before transitioning into patient relations and system risk management.

👏 Nhelda Aguda has been promoted to vice president of hospital operations at Pali Momi. She brings 25 years of nursing experience, strong operational leadership and a commitment to supporting Hawai‘i’s future health care workforce through her work with Waipahu High School’s Academy of Health & Sciences.

Help us congratulate Mathew and Nhelda on their new roles!

02/28/2026

💗 From newborns just hours old to adults living with congenital heart conditions, Dr. Hiroo Kinami has dedicated his career to giving patients a healthier future. After training in Japan and the United States, he brings world‑class expertise in complex congenital heart repairs and specialized surgical care to families here at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

At Hawai‘i’s only Pediatric Heart Center, Dr. Kinami cares for patients across every stage of life, creating individualized treatment plans that focus on long‑term health and quality of life.

His favorite part of the job is hearing from families years later and seeing children grow, celebrate milestones and live full lives.

02/28/2026

🌺 Calling all future medical assistants!

The application deadline for the 2026–2027 Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Assistant Program has been extended.

The new deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026, at noon.

This yearlong program gives you:

✨ Hands-on clinical training
✨ Paid, on-the-job experience
✨ Tuition assistance
✨ A pathway to full-time employment with HPH

Don’t miss your chance to start a meaningful career in health care.

Learn more about the Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Assistant Program which offers national certification for high school seniors.

02/17/2026

❤️ This Heart Month, we’re sharing a story of survival that reminds us why every second matters and why every link in the chain of survival is so important.

Wendy Yamada is a mom, a hiking partner, a golf buddy and the heart of her family.

When she suddenly collapsed after a workout, her family rushed to her side, terrified they might lose her. Thanks to quick action, early CPR, AED use and the coordinated care between Hilo Benioff Medical Center and Straub Benioff Medical Center, Wendy fought her way back.

Today, she is home, active and making memories with the people she loves most. ❤️

02/17/2026

“During a cardiac arrest, every second counts.”

Hawai‘i Pacific Health has received a generous grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand access to lifesaving CPR equipment across our system. The funding supports the purchase of advanced tools designed to help deliver consistent, high‑quality CPR during cardiac emergencies.

These devices equip our health care teams with reliable chest compressions – particularly during patient transport or when prolonged CPR is needed – allowing caregivers to focus on other critical, lifesaving interventions when time matters most. 💙

02/14/2026

🌺 Calling all future medical assistants!

Hawai‘i Pacific Health is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Medical Assistant Program, a hands-on training opportunity for O‘ahu public high school seniors interested in a meaningful career in health care.

This immersive program blends classroom learning with real clinical experience, giving students the skills and confidence to support care teams and deliver outstanding patient care.

Program highlights include:
🔹 No prior medical experience required
🔹 No tuition costs
🔹 Classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training
🔹 Preparation for the national certification exam
🔹 Priority consideration for employment at an HPH facility after program completion and national certification

If you’re a current O‘ahu public high school junior and ready to start your journey in health care, apply today.

📅 Application deadline: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 3 p.m.

02/12/2026

🚨 Applications Open — and Closing Soon!

High school juniors, seniors and college students: Here’s your chance to explore a future in health care with the Hawai‘i Pacific Health 2026 Health Careers Summer Internship Program.

This paid, six‑week internship offers hands‑on experience, real‑world learning and exposure to a variety of health care professions across our medical centers on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. Programs run June 15–July 23 on Kaua‘i and June 15–July 24 on O‘ahu.

You'll have opportunities at:
• Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children
• Pali Momi Medical Center
• Straub Benioff Medical Center
• Wilcox Medical Center
• Kaua‘i Medical Clinic

⏰ Deadline approaching fast: Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.

Apply now at HawaiiPacificHealth.org/SummerInternship or call 808-535-7571 to learn more.

At Hawaii Pacific Health, our mission is to create a healthier Hawaii. We believe that working together, we can make the greatest impact on individuals, families and our communities.

02/12/2026

❤️ On National Wear Red Day, our Hawai‘i Pacific Health teams turned their workplaces into a sea of red to support women’s heart health and shine a light on the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease.

Mahalo to our HPH Medical Group Primary Care Management team, the Heart Centers staff at Straub Benioff Medical Center and Pali Momi Medical Center, and the dedicated team at the Waipahu High School Academic Health Center for proudly joining this nationwide movement.

By wearing red, these teams help raise awareness about prevention, early detection and the importance of protecting heart health for our communities across Hawai‘i. Their support shows how even small actions can make a powerful difference. ❤️

Learn more about heart health resources at HawaiiPacificHealth.org/HeartCenters.

01/29/2026

We’re proud to recognize Marites “Marie” Nakama of the Contact Center as our Most Valuable Team Player and Service Excellence Honoree for Q4 2025.

Marie is known for always being there when her team needs her. As a team leader, she supports her colleagues in countless ways — from quality control and scheduling to keeping everyone updated with new information, all while continuing to take triage calls with positivity and grace.

Her coworkers describe her as someone who helps the team stay grounded, stay informed and even laugh through the hectic moments of the job. Her dedication, reliability and uplifting attitude make a meaningful impact across Hawai‘i Pacific Health and the people we serve.

Mahalo, Marie, for all you do to support your team and strengthen Hawai‘i Pacific Health. 💙🌺