Tomoso Resigns as Director of Hui No Ke Ola Pono

John Tomoso, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The executive director of the private, not for profit community health group, Hui No Ke Ola Pono, has resigned.

John Hau‘oli Tomoso, who served as the executive director for the past five years leaves the organization, effective today.  The reason for his departure was not disclosed in an agency media advisory.

The Board of Directors made the announced today saying that “under Tomoso’s leadership the Hui has become fiscally accountable and has successfully implemented required federal mandates.”

Dr. Lui Hokoana, the Board President for the group issued a statement saying, “John leaves the Hui in strong fiscal shape.”  Hokoana went on to say, “He leaves the Hui better off than it was before his service, we are thankful for his work that has touched many people in Maui nei. We wish him well on his future endeavors.”

The Board plans to conduct recruitment for a new Executive Director immediately.

In the interim, Joey Gonsalves, who has been at the Hui for 19 years, will serve as the interim executive director.   Gonsalves has served as both the Senior Health Care worker and Administrative Assistant for the group.

“The Board is confident that he has the necessary skills to maintain the current level of service at the Hui,” said Hui officials in a media statement.

Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc. provides community-based health enhancement, disease prevention and serves as a health care center.  The programs are focused on nutrition, health management and health care referrals for the community of Maui, working within a standard of conduct which reflects Hawaiian values.

Hui No Ke Ola Pono is one of five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems created under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act of 1988 and reauthorized under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act of 1992.

Hui No Ke Ola Pono provides services to the Native Hawaiian Community on Maui through its Wailuku and Hana offices. The majority funding source is a federal grant from Health Resources and Services Administration.