Michele recently embarked on a new chapter as an Administrative Operations Specialist with Papa Ola Lōkahi, starting in August 2023. Before this role, she dedicated over 26 years to Kaiser Permanente. Her work with Papa Ola Lōkahi has been a remarkable journey, allowing her to connect more deeply with her Native Hawaiian heritage and inspiring her to explore the culture further. Born and raised in O'ahu, Michele has strong ties to Kaua'i and loves her memories with her ‘ohana. She’s been married for 30 years and has two kids: a daughter in her senior year at Dartmouth and a son in his senior year at Kamehameha Schools. Their milestones keep her busy, and she’s excited for their graduations next year. She's passionate about photography and videography, particularly enjoying the magic of capturing candid moments. Recently, Michele has also discovered a new love for lei making, which began with the foliage her husband grows in their backyard. The real joy, however, comes from the priceless memories created with her ‘ohana during this fulfilling and therapeutic practice.

ʻŌiwi Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 8–14, 2025. This week is dedicated to celebrating and supporting hānai waiū, breastfeeding. It is a time to honor the joys and challenges that come with hānai waiū, and to uplift the experiences of our ʻohana who choose to and/or can hānai waiū to their keiki.

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program - POL screens, interviews, counsels, mentors, places into the workforce and monitors throughout. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) accepts our recommendations, usually, and awards the scholars. HRSA pays the tuitions directly to their respective schools, and to the students directly pays the monthly living stipends and other related school expenses.

Today, Papa Ola Lōkahi's CEO Dr. Sheri Ann Daniels appeared as a minority witness for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs'  (SCIA) Oversight Hearing related to Federal Programs serving Native Americans across the Operating Divisions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We thank Chair Murkowski and Vice Chair Schatz for their leadership and the entire committee for shining a light on how HHS programs must be maintained for the betterment of native communities across the country and especially for Native Hawaiians.

Kuaiwi Makua was born and raised in Waiʻanae and Pauoa, Oʻahu. She is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus on Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Kuaiwi serves as the Population Health Specialist for Environmental Health, Nutrition, and Oral Health at Papa Ola Lōkahi. Outside of work, she continues her studies in Lāʻau Lapaʻau through Hālau Lapaʻau ʻO Waitātā under the tutelage of Keoki Baclayon. In her free time, Kuaiwi enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and planning her next big adventure.

May is Asthma Awareness Month. You are invited to use our culturally tailored web-based asthma tool for Native Hawaiians. A gift will be provided for your effort.