`Olelo mua

Seat three is the first of two “powerhouses”, keeps the same rhythm set by seat one, and maintains a deep focus on the infrastructure and policy to keep the canoe moving. Despite changing conditions, this seat propels the canoe to the next level of recognition. Seat three and four share the same heart and passion to negotiate and secure needed health services, education, and programs for the community.

Summary

Papa Ola Lökahi (POL) actively engages with känaka maoli, the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, community health centers, Native Hawaiian organizations, federal and state agencies and the community-at-large to enhance health services for Native Hawaiians and their families. POL engages in and encourages the consultation process with federal and state agencies on policy, program and budget issues, paying particular attention to the United States’ responsibilities to the indigenous people of Hawai`i and the resources necessary to affect such policy. We provide technical assistance to build community capacity to address the myriad issues of health and health coverage. With a finger on the pulse of public health policy, we advocate for processes that enable communities to determine and develop their own health care systems. POL Health Services participates in:

• The Hawaii Federal Health Care Partnership
• The Hawai`i Uninsured Project
• Federal DHS Tribal/State Federal Human Service Working Groups
• Native Hawaiian community Health and Wellness `Aha
• Conferences, workshops and briefings on health policy.