On Oct. 10, Community First Hawaii hosted its 2nd annual Hawaii Island Health Care Conference, uniting over 300 attendees — including government officials, health care providers, social service professionals and community leaders — to forge a unified vision for health care on our island. This event served as a crucial platform to discuss our unique challenges and explore innovative, collaborative solutions aimed at transforming the health care landscape in Hawaii.
As residents of Hawaii Island, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our health care journey. Our system is stretched thin, grappling with limited personnel and increasing caregiver fatigue, while our diverse population faces significant health disparities. The need for accessible and timely health care has never been more urgent.
As Anna Akaka eloquently stated, “When you have one combined energy, you can do miraculous things.” These words resonated throughout the conference, inspiring attendees to come together, dismantle barriers and embrace an inclusive approach that benefits all demographics.
Throughout the conference, guest speakers addressed a range of pivotal topics, including Navigating Our Health Care Future, The AHEAD Grant, Strengthening Hawaii’s Health Care Workforce, Bridging the Health Care Gap Through Telehealth, Key Legislative Priorities for Hawaii, Reimagining the Mental Health Crisis in Hawaii County, and The Vital Role of Private Practice Providers in Rural Hawaii.
A common theme emerged regarding the significant challenges faced by rural communities, where access to healthcare is often hindered by language barriers, geographical isolation, poverty and limited transportation options. Moreover, health care professionals — especially those in specialized fields — frequently leave Hawaii for better-paying opportunities elsewhere, further straining our health care system.
To confront these pressing issues, collaboration with insurers and legislators is essential. We must work together to simplify prior authorization processes and enhance access to clinical data. Integrating mental health into family medicine is also imperative, as it recognizes the need for holistic and comprehensive care that addresses the individual in their entirety.
Throughout the conference, participants and keynote speakers emphasized the importance of establishing a unified vision and building trust among all stakeholders. Collective action and mutual trust have proven to be essential for our success.
As we look ahead to the 2025 legislative session, it is crucial that we advocate for policies that align with our shared vision. Our key priorities should include workforce development, improved access to care and incentives to encourage health care professionals to remain in Hawaii. With a focused approach, we can construct a resilient healthcare system that serves all residents equitably.
In conclusion, building a shared health care vision for Hawaii Island requires unwavering commitment, compassion, and collaboration. Together, we can cultivate a future where everyone has access to quality care, regardless of socioeconomic background. By adopting a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, we can set a powerful example for the rest of our state — a health care system shaped by the collective efforts of our entire community.
In his closing remarks, guest speaker John DeFries reminded us of the Hokule‘a’s journey, particularly when the team concluded that “the largest risk was not going.” Community First recognizes that achieving our ideal vision for health care will demand time, collaborative action and trust.
Let us build on the momentum generated from this conference and move forward together to ensure that our health care system is not only sustainable but thriving for generations to come.
Randy Kurohara is executive director of Community First Hawaii.
This editorial is brought to you by Community First Hawaii, a nonprofit organization dedicated to convening and catalyzing solutions that improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at @communityfirsthawaii.