As climate change intensifies extreme weather and environmental conditions across the country, about 65% of U.S. adults are concerned that climate change will negatively affect their personal health, according to a new study published in .

The study, a collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 and the , analyzed responses from 6,888 adults who participated in the Health Information National Trends Survey.

The study’s co-authors include Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson school, and Jim Stimpson, a professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

How Americans view climate risks

Researchers found that trust in science, political views and personal environmental experiences shape how people perceive the health risks of climate change.

“This study shows that concern about the health impacts of climate change is driven less by who people are and more by how they think and what they experience,” said Ortega. “Trust in science, political perspectives and lived experiences like extreme weather shape whether people recognize climate change as a health threat, which in turn influences public support for environmental and health policies.”

How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone.
—Jim Stimpson

Individuals who reported higher trust in science were more likely to express concern about climate-related health impacts than those with lower levels of trust.

Political views also influenced responses. Compared to respondents who identified as politically liberal, moderates and conservatives were less likely to report concern about climate change harming their health.

Personal environmental experiences further shaped perceptions. Respondents who experienced extreme weather in their neighborhoods were more likely to express concern. Similarly, those worried about outdoor air quality were more likely to perceive climate-related health risks.

The findings suggest public health messaging should focus on building trust in science, reaching people across political perspectives and connecting climate change to local conditions people can directly experience. Researchers said that approach could help public health agencies and policymakers keep communities informed and engaged as climate policies evolve.

“How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone,” said Stimpson. “When messages don’t build trust or feel personally relevant, people are less likely to recognize these risks or support policies that protect public health.”

Erica-Skyler Malie Salvador Holokai once described herself as a “bento box” to avoid explaining her mixed ethnic background. Now, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa commencement speaker for the afternoon ceremony on May 16 is transforming that childhood shorthand into a message about culture, connection and belonging for the graduating class of 2026.

Born and raised on Maui, Holokai said she often struggled to answer questions about her identity. With Native Hawaiian, Japanese, German, Korean and Filipino ancestry, she recalled feeling disconnected from her cultural background as a child. A high school project asking students to represent themselves culturally led her to compare herself to a local-style bento box filled with different sections and influences.

In her commencement speech, Holokai uses the metaphor to reflect Hawaiʻi鈥檚 plantation-era history, when immigrant workers from different cultures forged connections despite divisions in language, wages, and living conditions. She will tell graduates that the “bento box” represents unity and resilience found in diversity.

Holokai is looking to reflect on the success and achievement that has come to fruition for those who have worked so hard over their college career, while acknowledging all of the unseen efforts that go into this accomplishment. She wants to “take a second to actually celebrate that,” while embracing the fullness of layered identity.

Her belief is that in “paying homage to your little bento box or your community,” you honor the communities, places and ethnicities that make you, you. As a community advocate, she emphasizes that in remembering all that you are, from whichever corner you come from, you represent and build off of those places. She said, “the people who are your mental support or emotional support鈥hese connections are what’s going to take us farther in life.”

Holokai, who is earning her bachelors of social work (BSW) from the , said public speaking once made her uncomfortable. While attending Baldwin High School, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone by announcing daily student bulletins. She then was inspired to audition for commencement speaker after watching her friend Cooper Salomon deliver the fall 2025 commencement address.

Aside from academics, Holokai worked at Student Housing Services as a resident assistant (RA) and served as the treasurer for the Bachelor of Social Work Organization. This coming fall, Holokai will continue her work as an RA as she furthers her studies in the advanced standing master of social work program, specializing in child and family services or gerontology.

Looking ahead, Holokai plans to return home to Maui, where she hopes to open a private practice alongside her mother and give back to the local community. She hopes to continue the work she has been committed to in serving disadvantaged communities, as she has with her BSW internship through Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu.

“糖心视频 Mānoa has been a place of opportunity, learning, culture and community for me,” Holokai said. “I think for a lot of students, it鈥檚 a place where we can really grow into ourselves and connect with people who understand where we come from. I鈥檝e seen students become more confident in who they are here, and I feel like I鈥檝e experienced that too. 糖心视频 Mānoa also creates so many opportunities for students, whether that鈥檚 internships, connections or just putting ourselves out there in new ways.”

Amalia Pangelinan will graduate in May 2026 with her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , but in her final month of the program, Super Typhoon Sinlaku shifted her focus from academic preparation to disaster response in her home community of Saipan.

As the storm caused widespread damage across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), disrupting power, communication, transportation and access to services, Pangelinan balanced completing her culminating internship with immediate community needs unfolding around her.

The first Saipan-based student in the Thompson School Department of Social Work驶s distance education MSW pathway, Pangelinan had been completing her field placement at the Commonwealth Healthcare Center when the typhoon struck on April 14. In its aftermath, she adapted her internship to support disaster relief efforts with World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in emergency response settings worldwide. She supported food distribution efforts for residents across Saipan and nearby islands during the recovery efforts.

As social workers, we are taught to meet communities where they are.
—Amalia Pangelinan

“As social workers, we are taught to meet communities where they are,” Pangelinan said. “This experience reminded me that social work is not only about providing services—it is about showing up for your community when people need one another most.”

“Amalia鈥檚 ability to continue moving forward academically while simultaneously supporting disaster relief efforts in her own community reflects the resilience, leadership, and relational accountability that are foundational to social work practice across the Pacific,” said Theresa Kreif, director of the Pacific Partnerships and Workforce Development Initiatives. “Our students are often balancing family, community, work and cultural responsibilities while pursuing higher education. In moments of crisis, they do not step away from community鈥攖hey step further into service.”

• Meet more amazing 糖心视频 graduates

Critical need for locally rooted professionals

Pangelinan鈥檚 experience highlights the importance of locally rooted behavioral health and social service professionals across the Pacific region. Through the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 online MSW pathway, students in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands—including Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands—can pursue graduate education while remaining embedded in their home communities.

That local presence is especially critical during disasters, when outside support may be delayed and culturally grounded responses are essential.

Despite the disruption, Pangelinan completed her degree requirements while continuing to serve her community, preparing to join the social work workforce grounded in place, culture and service.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) children remain significantly overrepresented in the U.S. child welfare system. A study from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 highlights how kinship care—placement with relatives—and culturally responsive placements can improve stability.

Published in , the study analyzed 2020 Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System data to examine placement stability and factors contributing to successful outcomes.

“Looking at kinship care specifically for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander children is critical because their experiences are often hidden within aggregated data, which glosses over both disparities and strengths within these communities,” said Meripa Godinet, lead author of the study and associate dean of the Thompson School. “By focusing on NHPI children, we can better understand how cultural values, extended family networks, and community ties uniquely support stability in foster care, and ensure that child welfare policies reflect and strengthen these culturally grounded systems of care.”

Key findings

NHPI children placed in kinship care were nearly twice as likely to experience stable placements compared to those in other foster care settings. Those placed with NHPI foster parents were also 1.5 times more likely to have stable placements.

“Research indicates that when children are placed in kinship care they are more likely to have improved well-being outcomes, to maintain sibling relationships, and stay connected to their cultures,” said Francie Julien-Chinn, co-author of the study and associate professor in the .

The findings underscore the need for culturally responsive child welfare policies that strengthen kinship care and prioritize culturally matched placements to reduce disparities and improve stability for NHPI children.

At the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, students are leading efforts to address period poverty—the inability to afford menstrual products and limited access to menstrual education and care—recognized as both a public health and equity issue in Hawaiʻi.

A found 43% of 糖心视频 students who menstruate have experienced period poverty, about three times the national average. Those affected are more likely to face food insecurity, severe depression and academic disruption.

Student-led drives expand campus support

Graduate student Jenny Brown and undergraduate student Lovely Molina, both from a College of Engineering , organized “Flow Forward” period product drives in October 2025 and February 2026, collecting 2,679 pads and tampons for the campus . They also hosted kit-making events to support distribution and awareness.

“These efforts aim to institutionalize this as a permanent budget priority, providing equitable and sustainable access to basic hygiene is a strategic investment in student success and retention—and what’s needed now is senior leadership to champion it to the finish line,” said Brown.

Overlapping needs

The Food Vault was chosen because period poverty often overlaps with food and housing insecurity, allowing one access point to meet multiple needs. Brown and Molina also coordinate with student groups, alumni, nonprofits and faculty advisors Yuka Polovina of the Department of Public Health Sciences and Teresa Bill of Womenʻs Center/SEED program.

“I’m so proud of our students who demonstrate this level of passion and initiative to address this critical public health issue,” said Polovina. “And at the same time, it concerns me that they shoulder this burden as students.”

In 2023, the State Senate passed Senate Resolution 23 urging the 糖心视频 System to provide free menstrual products across campuses. Implementation remains limited due to infrastructure and funding challenges.

“Implementing an ‘unfunded resolution’ is challenging on a campus with more than 300 Women’s and All Gender restrooms, controlled by three different entities,” said Bill. “Selecting new locations will take into account ‘high traffic’ areas as well as product ‘deserts,’ but this is a long-term project.”

While systemwide efforts continue, students remain the primary drivers of immediate support through donation drives, nonprofit partnerships like , and advocacy.

“Providing period products for students should not be another student’s responsibility,” said Molina. “We started this drive without high expectations of getting many donations and seeing my peers raise this much product blows my mind.”

“Aloha from Puʻunui!” “Joining from Alaska.” “Tagio tumas, Wantok!”

These greetings reflected the global reach of a recent interdisciplinary webinar hosted in part by the (DPHS) at the , bringing together more than 115 participants to explore how sport and culture support health across Pacific communities.

The virtual event, “Activating Ties Across the Tides,” connected professionals and students in public health, social work and community programs from places including Papua New Guinea, Guam and the continental U.S.

Culturally grounded approaches

The discussion centered on culturally grounded sport and movement programs, with presenters sharing research, youth initiatives and lived experiences from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Chuukese communities in Guam. Speakers included athletes, educators and public health practitioners working across the region.

The event was co-hosted by the Public Health Resonance Project, in collaboration with the Thompson School , the and the . DPHS graduate students in the spring 2026 course also helped to host the event, strengthening knowledge and leadership skills.

“It is great to see how communities are using sports/functional movement to support their communities to be healthier or find healthier ways to interact and to live,” said one participant.

“Integrating culture and physical activity is an innovative way to create intersections between culture and health and a great way to strengthen communities socially and in health and wellbeing, thank you all for sharing what you do!” said another participant.

Organizers announced a related call for papers through the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health & Social Welfare, with , to further expand scholarship in this area.

“Having worked collaboratively across the Pacific for more than 20 years to engage Pacific communities through social work and interdisciplinary public health initiatives at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, it was incredibly meaningful to see this interdisciplinary scholarly forum highlight efforts that center community and individual well-being through sport,” said Theresa Kreif, faculty director of .

amplifies the unique attributes and deep connections across regionally and culturally relevant physical activities for health promotion. This was the second collaborative webinar supported by the Chin Sik & Hyun Sook Chung Endowed Chair in Public Health Studies and Tetine Sentell, Professor in DPHS, in collaboration with local and international experts and partners.

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University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz has been named the 2026 recipient of the . Nelson-Hurwitz was honored at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon in March in Arlington, Virginia.

A faculty member in the at the , she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to undergraduate public health education, including innovation in teaching, leadership in program development and student engagement.

“It’s wonderful to see the work being done by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 undergraduate program and students highlighted in this way and a tremendous honor to have been nominated by my students and peers,” Nelson-Hurwitz said.

Expanding access, supporting success

An 糖心视频 alumna and first-generation college graduate, Nelson-Hurwitz is deeply rooted in her community. She has focused her career on expanding access to higher education and supporting student success by building inclusive pathways into public health, and increasing diversity in the field. She co-developed and co-led the Community Health Scholars program, which engages diverse high school students in immersive research and practice experiences.

For more than a decade, she served as chair of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 , overseeing curriculum development, course sequencing and program assessment. She also helped create a public health minor, expanding access for students across disciplines.

Students praised Nelson-Hurwitz for her supportive teaching, mentorship and dedication to preparing future public health professionals. She is known for going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom.

“Winning this national award from the ASPPH highlights Denise Nelson-Hurwitz驶s extraordinary ability to inspire students and her tireless work in ensuring our curriculum remains both innovative and impactful,” said Jane Chung-Do, department chair. “We are honored to have such a dedicated leader on our faculty.”

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 population ages, an award-winning public health graduate student is working to improve policies that help k奴puna (older adults) live safely and independently.

Kevin Peralta, a master of public health student in the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , recently received the at the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society 2025 conference. The award recognizes emerging leaders in aging research and highlights Peralta’s work on aging in place and fall prevention.

At the conference, Peralta delivered an oral presentation on fall risk factors, related health outcomes and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among adults 65 and older in Hawaiʻi, yet prevention remains underprioritized across legislation, insurance coverage and social services. Peralta鈥檚 work aims to inform stronger policy solutions.

“Too often, I observed older adults experiencing declines in mental health after losing their ability to live independently and with dignity,” Peralta said. “Many families rely on home modifications to keep their loved ones safe, but these preventive measures are often financially out of reach for low-income households. Institutionalization should be a last resort. More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.”

Turning research into action

During his practicum with Thrive for Life, Peralta helped develop lobbying strategies supporting the reintroduction of a Caregiver Tax Credit bill in 2026, which would give families tax relief to help cover costs of caring for older relatives at home. He also explored ways to expedite permits for home modifications and helped plan statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rallies in July 2025.

More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.
—Kevin Peralta

“Aging is something we will all experience,” Peralta said. “Supporting positive changes in current health policies, implementing aging-related health interventions, and providing financial stability for the aging population, would improve the quality of life for all persons through every phase of life.”

Expected to graduate in May 2026, Peralta plans to continue advancing policy solutions that support aging with dignity in Hawaiʻi.

“Kevin is making a difference in the community by integrating his academic research with community needs and policy action in his MPH degree,” said Tetine Sentell, a professor in public health and his advisor. “We are very proud of him and happy to see these important collaborations thriving.”

Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation鈥檚 top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 (JABSOM) also placed in the nation鈥檚 top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and 糖心视频 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked 糖心视频 Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and Hawaiʻi can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these 糖心视频 News stories on previous years鈥� rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the 糖心视频 law school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation鈥檚 top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation鈥檚 best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master鈥檚 and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in Hawaiʻi to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation鈥檚 top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation鈥檚 top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

糖心视频 Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

糖心视频 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 are using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to better understand what improves outcomes for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders.

A recent study published in analyzed more than 7.9 million publicly available treatment records across the U.S. to identify patterns in services, recovery and outcomes. The research was led by Treena Becker, an assistant researcher with the , and Alberto Gonzalez-Martinez, a 糖心视频 computer scientist.

“We believe our research findings can help states and local organizations better understand how to support people in substance use disorder treatment and their long-term recovery journey at a time when drug overdose deaths continue to be a major public health concern across the U.S.,” Becker said.

Top predictors of positive treatment outcomes

“We developed and used an ensemble machine learning model called Random Forest Model with the aim to predict the 10 most important features that increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes,” Becker said.

The analysis found the most important factor associated with positive outcomes was how long an individual remains in treatment, regardless of setting. According to Becker, longer engagement significantly increases the likelihood of reducing or stopping substance use.

Other key factors included treatment accessibility, depending on clinical need, treatment type at entry and at discharge, housing status, participation in self-help groups, employment status and referral source.

Mapping disparities in treatment services

AI/ML tools also allowed researchers to map and visualize the data, revealing patterns difficult to detect using traditional methods. Using the Machine Learning Random Forest Model, the team found that states with the highest overdose death rates tend to have fewer clinically appropriate treatment services available.

“It would have been virtually impossible to analyze so many treatment records without AI/ML assistance,” Becker said.

Based on the findings, Becker recommends that state governments prioritize behavioral health services and work collaboratively to expand access to longer-duration, clinically appropriate treatment programs. Increasing availability—especially in states with limited treatment infrastructure—could significantly improve recovery outcomes nationwide.

Becker, who recently received a pilot project award from (Center for Pacific Innovations, Knowledge and Opportunities), plans to build on the research by examining local data on addiction treatment and recovery among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

A new (NASEM) is urging clinicians to prioritize ongoing symptom evaluation and continuity of care for individuals potentially exposed to jet fuel contaminated drinking water on Oʻahu in 2021.

The report examined health risks tied to leaks of JP-5 fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility that affected the water supply serving Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and nearby communities. As many as 93,000 people may have been exposed to the jet fuel through drinking water, inhalation of vapors or skin contact.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (JABSOM) Dean Emeritus Jerris R. Hedges, JABSOM Chair and Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, JABSOM graduate and clinical faculty member Marcus Kawika Iwane, and JABSOM graduate and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu Professor Ricardo Custodio served on the 16-member multi-disciplinary National Academies “committee on the clinical follow-up and care for those impacted by the JP-5 releases at Red Hill,” which authored this report. 糖心视频 Mānoa Professor of Public Health Sciences Catherine Pirkle and Assistant Professor Aurora Kagawa-Viviani served on the multi-disciplinary peer-review team.

Key NASEM report findings

Researchers found limited evidence linking exposure to short-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and mental health symptoms. However, data remains insufficient to determine specific long-term health effects, and no validated medical tests exist to confirm past exposure or the extent of exposure. As a result, the report recommends clinicians carefully document patient histories and symptoms while ensuring ongoing, patient-centered care.

The report also calls for expanded research and improved environmental monitoring to better understand exposure levels and potential health outcomes. Recommendations include developing biomarkers to detect jet fuel exposure, standardizing water testing methods and conducting long-term studies of exposed populations.

“This report highlights the importance of a registry to collect long-term health information to fill the gaps in truly understanding how JP-5 exposure may impact the community over time,” Kaholokula said. “The more people who enroll in the , the more impactful the research and information becomes.”

“Continued enrollment in the Red Hill Registry and similar programs is critical for future studies and research,” Hedges said. “Such registries will provide important additional knowledge related to the exposure, especially regarding potential long-term effects on women and children.”

The report further highlights the need for improved coordination among federal, state and local agencies to ensure drinking water safety and rebuild public trust following the contamination incident.

“The release of this report reminds families that even though we are removed in time from the May 2021 and November 2021 fuel spills, the voices of the individuals and families who lived through the water crisis are still being heard,” said Rosana “Sanie” Weldon, director of the Red Hill Registry. “By enrolling in the Red Hill Registry, whether you had symptoms or not, you help researchers establish accurate baseline data, detect even small health differences which may present years from now, and ensure that findings truly reflect the whole community.”

Importance of Red Hill Registry

The Red Hill Registry aims to track health outcomes and provide resources and education for those who experienced jet fuel in their drinking water from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Based in the at 糖心视频, the registry has dozens of partners supporting the registry from across the 糖心视频 System with technology infrastructure, data security, questionnaire integrity, clinical guidance, water science and more.

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Graduate students in the (DPHS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 enrolled in are helping tackle some of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most pressing health challenges, including issues related to maternal health, cultural responsiveness in data collection and fall prevention. Their community-engaged research was recently highlighted at the department鈥檚 annual Hōʻike (exhibit) in December.

Modeled after a professional academic conference, the Hōʻike, now in its 10th year, highlights student projects developed through partnerships with community organizations. Students work in teams to translate health promotion theory into practice鈥攂uilding relationships, conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative data and sharing findings grounded in community perspectives.

Guided by faculty Jane Chung-Do and David Stupplebeen, students collaborate directly with local partners to address pressing public health priorities.

“Student projects like these help connect students with the community, provide meaningful contributions to the work of community-based organizations, and help perpetuate the vision and mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences,” said Stupplebeen.

Partnerships that make an impact

The community partners of the Fall 2025 semester included ,, , and . Student projects examined a wide range of topics from factors related to delayed prenatal care among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women to coalition engagement in fall prevention efforts and expanding training pathways for Native Hawaiian healthcare practitioners.

For many students, the Hōʻike marked their first formal research presentation, strengthening skills in collaboration, analysis and professional dissemination.

“Having the opportunity to work so closely with a community of practice allowed me to uplift their values during this project, all while reflecting on my own position as a researcher,” said Shanda Shamela Delos Reyes, a graduate student in the course. “The hōʻike itself was a practice of reciprocation, allowing us to share the community’s data back to them.”

“This invaluable learning opportunity is made possible by the dedication of our community partners. We are deeply grateful for their tireless service to Hawaiʻi and for welcoming our students into their vital work,” said Chung-Do.

“The students approached the project with diligence and professionalism, and delivered valuable data that will guide us in designing and implementing effective interventions for our members and the broader community,” said Lucie Tam, clinical coordinator, Quality & Performance Improvement, Quality Management at HMSA. “We look forward to partnering again on future initiatives!”

The Hōʻike reflects DPHS鈥� continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement and advancing health equity statewide.

Challenging the traditional approach to pregnancy care which focuses solely on mothers’ behaviors, new research from the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and international partners highlights the significant and often underrecognized role of fathers’ health and well-being in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The study was recently published in .

“The more we look, the more we find important contributions from fathers, including many factors traditionally believed to be solely the responsibility of the pregnant person, such as weight status, substance use or being an older parent,” said Jonathan Huang, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the in the . “In some cases, paternal contributions are even larger than their maternal counterparts and several are related intergenerationally to the fathers’ own upbringing.”

A framework for preconception health

This transdisciplinary review uses evidence from biological, behavioral and social sciences to create a framework for men’s role in preconception health. The findings show that a man’s early life experiences—including stress, physical and mental health, environment and education—influence his health during reproductive years. These factors can, in turn, affect his partner’s health and health behaviors (such as prenatal care) before and during pregnancy, as well as having direct biological effects on the developing infant.

The research addresses ethical concerns, noting that placing all responsibility for a child’s future health on the birthing parent reinforces gender biases. Furthermore, the researchers emphasize that racism and colonialism have disrupted family and community roles for many Black and brown men, creating barriers to addressing their health needs. This disruption underscores the need for culturally grounded approaches, which are particularly effective for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men.

“Policies and programs are needed to strengthen family and community bonds while centering the health and well-being of 办腻苍别 [men] within their cultural roles. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men are less likely to engage in Western-based health interventions than their female counterparts, but are more responsive to culturally grounded approaches,” said Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, co-author and chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health in the .

Improving the health of Hawaiian 办腻苍别

Kaholokula stated that the traditional concept of Hale Mua—a cultural space for men—offers a blueprint for improving the health of Hawaiian 办腻苍别 by creating safe spaces for mentorship, life instruction, emotional regulation and the transmission of cultural values, which reinforces their kuleana (responsibility) to family and community.

The researchers emphasize that policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers and men themselves all have a role in improving preconception health. Investing in the wellbeing of boys and young men is key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations.

Huang added, “Raising awareness about the importance of men’s health does not diminish the critical importance of women and pregnant persons’ well-being. Rather it serves as a collective call-in to ensure that men and partners are equipped to be supportive partners, allies and caretakers before, during, and long after pregnancy.”

The research team includes collaborators from the continental U.S., the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore. A companion study highlights the work of the international Core Indicators for Preconception Health and Equity (iCIPHE) Alliance in improving how preconception health is measured and monitored.

A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 study confirms that outrigger canoe paddling is far more than a state team sport. It’s a way of life that supports physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual health for paddlers in Hawaiʻi.

Related 糖心视频 News story: High canoe-paddling rates among NHPI could help health outcomes

The study, published in , examines paddling through a public health perspective. It was led by Simone Schmid, a former postdoctoral fellow and current adjunct assistant professor in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health’s (DPHS), as well as the director of strategy, impact and research at AccesSurf Hawaiʻi in collaboration with other DPHS authors, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and AccesSurf Hawaiʻi.

While previous 糖心视频 research documented paddling’s physical benefits and participation patterns among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, this study uniquely centers paddlers’ voices to explore the cultural, spiritual and community meaning that sustains long-term participation.

Centering paddlers’ voices

“As a paddler myself, having benefited from this physical and cultural activity and community in more ways than I can express, we did this work to capture what is already known in the community,” Schmid said. “It is just one piece in the puzzle of overall efforts and goals to support past, current and future paddlers. And one step in my journey of getting canoe club membership covered by health insurance.”

The research team analyzed open-ended survey responses from 362 paddlers statewide who answered: “What does outrigger canoe paddling mean to you?” Almost half (47%) identified as Native Hawaiian; 65% were female. Responses revealed multiple layers of meaning, from physical health, stress relief and teamwork to family traditions, pride, connection to the ocean and ʻāina, cultural heritage and spirituality. Researchers adapted a social-ecological model to include a spiritual perspective.

Many paddlers reflected on ancestry and traditions. Ann Yoshida, paddler and community author with AccesSurf Hawaiʻi said, “Paddling across the world representing Hawaiʻi and the U.S., I felt connected to my island home and culture because my ancestors knew through navigation that the water was our highway to connect with the world. I knew if I was in water, I was home and I never felt alone. This power pushed me to live my extraordinary life.”

Cultural ties drive long-term participation

The study found cultural ties, rather than health goals alone, might motivate long-term participation. Paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose. Findings have been shared with canoe clubs and public health partners to explore how paddling can support chronic disease prevention and community-based activity programs.

Related 糖心视频 News story: Measuring outrigger canoe paddling intensity

The study also received international recognition, with Schmid and co-authors named finalists for the , ranking among the top five Early Career Research papers of 2025.

“We are very proud to see the global dissemination of this important work from Hawaiʻi around strengths-based public health promotion, relevant to our communities,” said Tetine Sentell, DPHS professor and study co-author. Other DPHS authors include Carrie Soo Hoo, Catherine Pirkle, Michael Phillips and Mika Thompson.

With Hawaiʻi facing a critical shortage of public health professionals, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 is strengthening the public health workforce pathway—starting in high school classrooms.

Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives.
—Yuka Polovina

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (DOE) offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Services pathway that includes a focus in public health, but only five schools statewide currently offer it. Limited awareness of public health careers among students—and limited familiarity with foundational public health concepts among teachers—have slowed expansion.

To help address this gap and increase the number of schools offering the pathway, Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the (DPHS) at the Thompson school, developed “” (PH101-CTE). The workshop builds awareness of public health careers and equips educators with foundational concepts and classroom strategies, showing how public health principles can be integrated into lessons, activities and assessments.

“When I meet students who are interested in health fields, more often than not they say it鈥檚 because they want to help their communities,” said Polovina, who also serves as a workshop instructor. “It then surprises me when they say they want to become a nurse or doctor. Few know that public health is another powerful way to make an impact, and once students learn about it, they get excited.”

Real-world learning in action

The first PH 101 training, held in October 2025, brought together Windward District teachers in health services and agriculture pathways. Organized by Windward District CTE Resource Teacher Trisha Kim, the workshop highlighted connections between sustainability, food systems and public health.

“This is the best form of teacher professional development,” said Kim. “We are grateful for our partnership and the positive impact for our Windward District students.”

The day included a session at Kailua High School, facilitated by Polovina, and a site visit to the . The visit was led by Jane Chung-Do, acting chair of DPHS, along with Ilima Ho-Lastimoa and Ted Radovich from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR). Participants learned about the , offering a hands-on and place-based example of public health in practice.

“Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives––from the clean air we breathe to the simple fact that we don鈥檛 have to boil water before drinking it,” said Polovina. “They immediately see how their students will connect to it too.”

The PH 101 training is open to DOE CTE teachers statewide, with another session tentatively planned for this spring. Teachers interested in participating can request a workshop by emailing hiphwork@hawaii.edu.

This initiative builds on efforts from the and is supported through collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health鈥檚 Public Health Infrastructure Grant.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (COA) researcher is gaining national recognition for advancing data-driven tools that improve the lives of k奴puna.

Jinyoung Jenny Lee has been accepted into the competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) program: .

Funded by the NIH through the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the program trains researchers and clinicians to use AI/ML in healthcare, strengthens infrastructure in communities and healthcare systems, and supports multidisciplinary projects that improve health outcomes. FHIR sets standards for the secure exchange of electronic health data.

“Given AI‘s current and future impact on our population’s health, I’m excited to have been selected for this multidisciplinary cohort to learn about accelerating and sustaining the adoption of AI in healthcare and research settings,” Lee said.

Translating data into tools for communities

Lee earned her PhD in public health from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and has consistently integrated technological innovation into her work at COA. Her research focuses on program evaluation and data analytics, with an emphasis on making complex data accessible and actionable for communities.

I hope to empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology.
—Jinyoung Jenny Lee

Among her projects is the creation of the interactive, user-friendly web page , which provides detailed demographic information about 贬补飞补颈驶颈’s aging population. She has also designed intuitive dashboards using data she collected and analyzed through her evaluation work with community organizations.

“Through my participation in the AIM-AHEAD training program, I hope not only to increase my knowledge and awareness of AI/ML but also to help empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology,” she said.

This research was, in part, funded by the National Institutes of Health Agreement No. 1OT2OD032581. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the NIH.

The Center on Aging is part of the .

Kauilaon膩lani Tengan is inspired to encourage greater participation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities in diabetes clinical trials to ensure research better reflects the populations most affected by the disease.

Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha.
—Kauilaon膩lani Tengan

He is translating that goal into practice through applied research. A master of science student in epidemiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , Tengan was part of a study team at The Queen鈥檚 Health Systems (QHS) whose findings were published in in the study Exploring Diabetes Clinical Trial Participation: A Diverse Group Interview Study.

“I have a family history of cardiometabolic diseases and I remember visiting extended family who had to fly from Moloka驶i just to receive quality care here on Oʻahu,” he said. “This [experience] instilled in me a desire to learn more about health issues so prevalent in our islands and contribute to innovative solutions.”

Research findings and lessons learned

While at QHS, Tengan split his time between health equity research and clinical data management, utilizing electronic medical records to address research questions. He helped conduct interviews with 56 hospitalized patients to explore what motivates—or prevents—patients from joining diabetes clinical trials.

Although 84% expressed willingness to participate, most had never been asked. Barriers included mistrust, concerns about medication risks, and lack of understanding, while many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants cited family and community benefit as key motivators.

“Engaging face-to-face with people in a clinical setting humanized health data for me,” Tengan said. “It reminded me that these are people, not statistics. I realized that my work has a lasting impact, so it is my responsibility to do things in a pono manner.”

Tengan hopes to carry these lessons forward. “Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha,” he said. “It is vital that we do work in an ethically and culturally nuanced way because there are real world impacts in the data that we publish.”

The study was part of an Food and Drug Administration-funded project at The Queen驶s Medical Center, in collaboration with the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 , and clinical partners. also found that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants are consistently underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials.

“Kauilaon膩lani鈥檚 perspectives and real-life application from quantitative analyses are so important to building collective public health,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and study co-author.

Hawaiʻi faces a significant public health workforce shortage that far exceeds the national average, leaving rural communities especially affected by limited public health resources and academic pathways into the field.

To help fill this gap, a three-course public health certificate offered by was developed and launched in fall 2020 in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 (DPHS) and the Department of Health鈥檚 Kauaʻi District Health Office (KDHO). Nearly six years later, 72 students—including high school early college participants—have completed the program, gaining foundational knowledge and credits transferable to a at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

Early college credits, pathway to a degree

The certificate introduces foundational concepts through PH201: Introduction to Public Health, PH202: Public Health in Hawaiʻi, and PH203: Introduction to Global Public Health. Kauaʻi CC students who complete the program get a head start on a four-year degree and strengthen a seamless 糖心视频 System pipeline.

The program is also offered to students at Waimea High School and Kapaāa High School through early college partnerships, allowing them to earn college credits that count toward both Kauaʻi CC and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

“It鈥檚 so awesome to see high school students grapple with college material and make those important connections to public health,” said Yuka Polovina, a DPHS faculty member who currently teaches PH201. “This certificate and partnership with Kauaʻi CC is a fantastic model for other community colleges across our state and other campuses to follow.”

This program is a wonderful showcase of the collaborative academic pathway across the university system…
—Tetine Sentell

KDHO staff serve as guest lecturers, covering topics such as epidemiology, public health emergency preparedness, public health communications and outbreak control.

“We love the opportunity for our staff to share real-world local examples and make the work of public health come alive for Kauaʻi CC students,” said Janet Berreman, KDHO officer. “We get to see their excitement as they learn about the field.”

By introducing students to the field earlier, the program aims to increase local capacity and cultivate a future public health workforce drawn from the communities it serves. The initiative also supports 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel鈥檚 efforts to strengthen connections across the 糖心视频 System.

The certificate by DPHS faculty Denise Nelson-Hurwitz, Lisa Kehl and Michelle Tagorda-Kama, with Tammie Napoleon and others at Kauaʻi CC. Yvette Amshoff, a DPHS master’s of public health graduate, taught the first cohorts and helped develop the program.

“This program is a wonderful showcase of the collaborative academic pathway across the university system, including our KDHO partners and DOE as well,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and DPHS department chair. “We are working to build more pathways like this to support public health across our islands and beyond.”

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Hawaiʻi faces a persistent shortage of social workers, with a 17% vacancy rate reported in 2024, particularly affecting rural and neighbor island communities. To address this critical need, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 is implementing innovative educational models to grow a sustainable local workforce, and shared these with 糖心视频鈥檚 Workforce Learning Community in January.

Distance education

A cornerstone of this effort is the expansion of distance education options, which evolved from a 1988 “traveling” program into sophisticated synchronous and asynchronous formats. These programs remove geographic barriers in Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Region, enabling residents of Hawaiʻi, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa to earn bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degrees while remaining in their home communities, with a master鈥檚-only option on Guam.

Department Chair Rebecca Stotzer said, “We are humbled to collaborate with our community partners to grow pathways to social work education that are responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.”

This model is delivering tangible results. The school has graduated more than 100 students on Hawaiʻi Island and has dramatically increased the number of social workers on Molokaʻi. By removing geographic and financial barriers, the school has expanded its distance education capacity from 30 students per year to over 100.

Partnering for practicums

The school further innovated by launching the in August 2024. This hub serves as a resource to raise awareness of the profession, promote degree pathways, and expand partnerships to support post-graduation workforce success. Among the school鈥檚 resources for students, they partner with over 200 community organizations for practicum placements (internships).

“Our workforce development vision focuses on growing the social work workforce where it is needed most. Through experiential learning inside and outside the classroom. We prepare students with the skills, confidence and readiness to enter the workforce,” said Wendy Lum, Workforce Development Hub director.

Student support

According to Michael DeMattos, bachelor鈥檚 in social work program chair, approximately 80% of the students working toward a bachelor驶s degree in social work enter from the 糖心视频 Community College system, highlighting a critical local talent pipeline. The average age is 30, and many are the first in their families to attend college.

To support Hawaiʻi-based students financially, the school offers targeted initiatives such as the , which provides stipends and guaranteed employment within state child welfare services upon graduation. Additionally, the helps graduates secure the supervised clinical hours required for advanced licensure.

By grounding its curriculum in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander values, the Thompson School Department of Social Work also is working to ensure the next generation of social workers is culturally responsive and deeply connected to Hawaiʻi, American Samoa and the Micronesian region.

“This work is ultimately about community-engaged practice,” said Theresa Kreif, director of . “By ensuring access to social work education across Hawaiʻi, American Samoa and Micronesia, we are cultivating a culturally grounded workforce that reflects, understands and is accountable to the communities it serves.”

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. K奴puna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand Hawaiʻi鈥檚 healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support 糖心视频鈥檚 new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“糖心视频 has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of Hawaiʻi, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five 糖心视频 units—糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , the , the , the , and the 糖心视频 Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the K奴puna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in 糖心视频鈥檚 $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said 糖心视频 Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows 糖心视频 to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities will be most immediate.”