Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 4, 1 April 2022 — Kāko'o Ulu 'Oihana [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kāko'o Ulu 'Oihana

<1 OLA LOKAHI V TO THRIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY "

By Sheri Daniels In an effort to increase the support for members of the healthcare workforce that are committed to serving Native Hawaiian communities, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program added an additional funding support called Kāko'o Ulu 'Oihana. It is one-time support to establish additional health scholarship pathways and provide professional development opportunities for Native Hawaiian health professionals. With the management of two scholarships, Mauli Ola Mālamalama was created, the health workforce development center of Papa Ola Lōkahi. In the fall of 2021, the first pilot was conducted and n scholars were awarded: Regina Keala Hilo, Ualani Ho'opai, Kauluwehi Kato, Dayne Duke Kealanahele, Susiele Koga-Truong, Oelia Main, 'I'iwileo Pacarro, Cyndie Rayoan, Ha'aheo Scanlan, Kalena Spinola, and Jrae Viela. Hilo is a mother of four and pursuing her master's in archaeology/ anthropology. "I heard about the Kāko'o Ulu 'Oihana scholarship from Dr. Landon Opunui, medical director at Nā Pu'uwai and a colleague of Papa Iwikuamo'o. Struggling to financially support myself through the final semesters of graduate school, I wasn't certain I could afford tuition for Papa Iwikuamo'o but valued the 'ike, collective energy, and support." Regina said that receiving the scholarship "felt like confirmation

that the work I'm doing for our 'iwi kūpuna, as directed and supported by my kumu, mentors, colleagues, and 'ohana, is meaningful and needs to continue." Pacarro is pursuing a dual-degree in applied sciences in Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing and in Sustainable Community Food Systems. "I heard about the scholarship from one of my professors and it eame at the best timing, I was laid off a few weeks prior to Fall 2021 semester and was worried how I was going to afford everything" said 'I'iwileo. "By having one less thing to worry about, I was able to focus on getting involved with programs such as Nā Pale o Kualaka'i and the Niu Now Movement [an effort to] bring back the coconut as a food staple."

MAULI OL/ MĀLAMALAM/

Mauli Ola Mālamalama recognizes the need for innovation such as this program provides. It addresses one of the main barriers to higher education - financing it. Those who aren't eligible for the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship are encouraged to apply for Kāko'o Ulu 'Oihana. There will be two to three funding cycles per year. For upcoming informational workshops and application dates, go to www. mom.smapply.org or email kuo@ papaolalokahi.org. ■ Sheri-Ann Daniels, Ed.D., is executive director of Papa Ola Lōkahi, the Hawaiian Heakh Board that includes Office of Hawaiian Affairs among its members. Eaeh month Papa Ola Lōkahi will share precious community efforts that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Native Hawaiians and theirfamilies.