Papa Ola Lōkahi: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Papa Ola Lōkahi, established in 1988, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians, the organization adopts a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. This methodology aims to achieve optimal health outcomes for Native Hawaiian communities.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To improve the health status and well-being of Native Hawaiians and others by advocating for, initiating, and maintaining culturally appropriate strategic actions aimed at enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Native Hawaiians and their families, empowering them to determine their own destinies.

Vision: A thriving Native community composed of healthy individuals and families informed about their rich heritage and culture, living in a state of lōkahi (unity), and making informed choices and responsible decisions in a safe island society that is pono (in proper order).

Primary Area of Focus

Papa Ola Lōkahi focuses on various health initiatives, including chronic conditions, nutrition, substance use recovery, and traditional healing practices. The organization also emphasizes community engagement and collaboration to address the unique healthcare needs of Native Hawaiian communities.

Industry Significance

As the Native Hawaiian Health Board, Papa Ola Lōkahi plays a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing health programs and services tailored to Native Hawaiians. The organization serves as a clearinghouse for data, research, and funding opportunities, collaborating with various community partners to promote Native Hawaiian health.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Advocate for and implement culturally appropriate health strategies.

Enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Native Hawaiians.

Empower Native Hawaiian families to make informed health decisions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Chronic disease management.

Nutritional education and support.

Substance use recovery programs.

Promotion of traditional Hawaiian healing practices.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technological platforms are not detailed in the available sources, Papa Ola Lōkahi has engaged in digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of cloud-based services such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for application hosting and computing services.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The organization primarily targets Native Hawaiian communities across Hawaiʻi, focusing on improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities within these populations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Papa Ola Lōkahi has secured funding from various sources, including federal grants, private foundations, and community donations. In 2023, the organization reported total revenues of $7,841,621 and expenses of $7,645,054.

Recent Funding Rounds

In June 2021, the organization received $2,554,935 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support health education, promotion, disease prevention, and primary care services for Native Hawaiians.

Notable Investors

Funding sources include federal agencies, private foundations, and community donors. Specific investors are not detailed in the available sources.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to support health programs, research initiatives, workforce development, and community engagement activities aimed at improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.

Pipeline Development

Specific details regarding pipeline candidates, stages of clinical trials, or product development are not available in the provided sources.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the organization has engaged in digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of cloud-based services such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for application hosting and computing services.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs culturally appropriate health strategies, integrating traditional Hawaiian healing practices with modern healthcare approaches to address the unique needs of Native Hawaiian communities.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed in the available sources.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Sheri-Ann Daniels, EdD, CSAC: Chief Executive Officer since 2016. Dr. Daniels holds degrees in counseling psychology and has over 25 years of experience in social services across Hawaiʻi. She has been recognized as a 2025 Most Admired Leader by Pacific Business News.

‘Alohi Bikle: Director, Health System Coordination.

Kanoa Ng: Executive Director, Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi.

Landon Opunui, ND: Co-Executive Director, Nā Pu‘uwai.

David Peters: Chief Executive Officer, Ho'ōla Lāhui Hawai'i.

Mālia Purdy, PhD: Executive Director, Hui No Ke Ola Pono.

Shari Tasaka: Co-Executive Director, Nā Pu‘uwai.

Melissa Kahili-Heede: Director of Data, Research & Evaluation.

Kaitlynn Felipe: Community Research & Engagement Specialist.

Kilohana Haitsuka: Research Program Coordinator.

Mahinalani Cavalieri: Data & Research Coordinator.

Donna-Marie Palakiko, PhD: Director of Workforce Development.

Chez Neilson: Program Coordinator.

Lisa Ka‘ano‘i: Lead Program Coordinator.

Aubrey Mariano: Program Specialist, Engagement & Data.

Kailene Nihipali Sanchez: Policy Coordinator.

Keʻōpūlaulani Reelitz: Director, Policy.

Christina Young: Policy Assistant.

Kim Ku‘ulei Birnie: Director, Communication & Community Engagement.

Keawe Parker: Communication Specialist.

Momi Tolentino: Communication & Community Engagement Coordinator.

Leadership Changes

Specific details regarding recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership are not available in the provided sources.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for Native Hawaiian health services is characterized by a focus on culturally appropriate healthcare, addressing health disparities, and promoting traditional healing practices. Organizations like Papa Ola Lōkahi play a crucial role in coordinating and implementing health programs tailored to Native Hawaiian communities.

Competitor Analysis

Specific competitors are not detailed in the available sources.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Papa Ola Lōkahi collaborates with various community organizations, health systems, and governmental agencies to promote Native Hawaiian health. Notable partnerships include:

Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems: Ke Ola Mamo – O’ahu, Ho’ōla Lāhui Hawai’i – Kaua’i, Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, Hui No Ke Ola Pono – Maui, and Nā Pu‘uwai – Moloka’i.