‘Olelo mua

In the Hawaiian health wa‘a, canoe, Seat #2 maintains balance and  rhythm set by seat #1, scanning the environment, observing the conditions, evaluating, and calling for changes.  As in the canoe, strategic calls for change can benefit the entire community. It supports competent and credible health education and services, just decisions affecting research, program performance evaluation, and leads to smart policy. This voice provides clarity, opportunity, participation, support, and seeks answers to crucial health challenges in the community.

Summary

Through its Research, Education and Training (RET) Department, POL provides an infrastructure for health research, education, and training programs that addresses the disproportionate burden of chronic diseases among Native Hawaiians.

Our research infrastructure includes:

• A clearinghouse for research and training opportunities, resources, and publications regarding Native Hawaiian health;
• Stipends and internships for Nā Liko Noelo, “budding Hawaiian researchers” in cancer prevention and control;
• Training and mentorship in cancer epidemiology, research design and methods, proposal development and implementation, evaluation, and publications;
• Advocacy and technical assistance to operationalize community-based participatory research methods; and
• Administration of the federally registered Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems – Institutional Review Board.