Papa Ola Lōkahi is focusing on increasing positive health outcomes for our kānaka māhū.  

The Hawaiian ʻohana as well as our lāhui had roles for each person. Whether kane, wahine, or māhū, each person had a kuleana in the Hawaiian ʻohana. Māhū have long held an important traditional role as caretakers–of  other ʻohana members, of cultural and historical knowledge, and as respected contributors to the lāhui. However, since Western-Colonial contact, we’ve seen a decrease in health outcomes for our māhū (aka LGBTQ) community.

Papa Ola Lōkahi includes our māhū ʻohana in our commitment to the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and all our families. We are identifying the health disparities and through programs, public policy and partnerships, we are developing strategies to address:

  • Increased risk for depression, anxiety and mental health challenges.  
  • Increased risk for substance use/misuse.  
  • Increased societal stigma around care (e.g. HIV, MPOX, etc.)  
  • Limited, and sometimes prohibited access to gender-affirming care.  

In 2023 alone, roughly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced within state legislatures across the United States, including 6 bills introduced in Hawaiʻi that would limit access to inclusive curriculum to criminalizing vital gender-affirming care that our trans and māhū ʻohana members need. 

 Training Opportunities  

  • LGBTQxMāhū in Hawaiʻi 

 Partner & Community Resources 

Program Staff

  • Nāpua Casson-Fisher

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Director, Community Initiatives

  • Camille McComas

    Program Specialist - Substance Use & Mental Health

  • Falahola Kanongataa

    Program Specialist, ’Ohana CoE

  • Cathy Ferreira

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Administrative Support

  • Lilinoe Kauahikaua

    she/her/ʻo ia

    Program Coordinator - Substance Use & Mental Health

  • Kawehi Moderow

    Population Health Specialist - Chronic Conditions

  • Kuaiwi Laka Kahiwakapu Pili I Haupapanui Makua

    Population Health Specialist - Environmental Health, Nutrition & Oral Health

  • Kia‘i Lee

    Native Hawaiian Traditional Healing Coordinator

  • Ikaika Regidor

    ʻoia/they/he

    Education & Training Coordinator

Contact

Ikaika Regidor

manao@papaolalokahi.org
(808) 597-6550