Federal Grant Supports Maui’s Hui No Ke Ola Pono

US Rep. Mazie Hirono. Photo courtesy US Senate.

By Maui Now Staff

Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui is among a list of six Native Hawaiian health care centers in the state that will receive a share of more than $12.3 million in federal grand funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

US Senator Mazie Hirono, who announced the funding support said the grants are essential to the continued operation of the centers.

“Native Hawaiian health care centers are a crucial thread in the fabric of our island communities. This funding will go to Papa Ola Lokahi and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems on each island, which provide vital services for Hawaii’s indigenous population,” said Hirono in a press release this afternoon.

“I will continue to advocate for this and other programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians,” she said.

According to Hirono, the funds will enable the health centers to pay for rent, salaries, overhead, and assist in providing medications for qualified patients.

The funds are being distributed through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act and will benefit: Hoʻola Lahui Hawaiʻi on Kauaʻi; Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi on Hawaiʻi Island; Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui; Ke Ola Mamo on Oʻahu; Nā Puʻuwai on Molokaʻi; and Papa Ola Lokahi on Oʻahu.

Together, Hirono said, the health care providers have served as many as 126,000 Native Hawaiians.