Starting from the fundamental principal that Native Hawaiians need to assume responsibility for Native Hawaiian health and wellness, that it is therefore vital that Native Hawaiians be leaders in the decision making processes which will affect their health and wellness, Papa Ola Lokahi coordinated a Statewide summit on Native Hawaiian Health and Wellness in March of 1998. Prior to this summit, beginning in December 1997, eight island wide Aha were held on Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai. At each Aha, community members were able to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences regarding Native Hawaiian health and wellness and to suggest what are the strengths, problems, solutions, challenges and health priorities in their communities and make recommendations for immediate and future actions.

The general themes of the summit were: Think Community, Provide a Sense of Cultural Identity, Acknowledge Hawaiian Cultural Values, Strengthen the Family, Maintain a Holistic Approach to Wellness, Acknowledge Spiritual Roots, Include an Educational Component in all Programs, Consider how Hawaiians Learn, Continue Capacity Building Efforts, Provide Role Definition and Role Models, Create More Puuhonua.

See "Ka Uhane Lokahi - 1998 Native Hawaiian Health and Wellness Summit and Island Aha Issues, Trends and General Recommendations" for a full Report prepared by Papa Ola Lokahi, 1998.

Continental Native Hawaiian Health and Wellness Southern California Aha scheduled for June of 2002. For more information contact:

Continental Native Hawaiian Health and Wellness Northern California Aha and Alaska Aha Scheduled for Fall 2002.

Hawaiian Island Aha scheduled for 2002/3 with Island-wide summit scheduled for 2003. Please continue to check here for Aha and Summit updates.