Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi (HLH) was founded in 1986 by Native Hawaiian leaders from Kauaʻi and Niʻihau who were deeply concerned about the poor health outcomes facing their communities. Inspired by the E Ola Mau Health Study released in 1985 and strengthened by the commitment of local health professionals, HLH emerged as a grassroots effort to improve access to care and elevate Native Hawaiian wellness. Following the passage of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act in 1988 (later named the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act in 1992), HLH was officially recognized as the Native Hawaiian Health Care System (NHHCS) serving Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
From its earliest days, HLH focused on delivering health education, community outreach, and culturally grounded services in areas such as Kekaha, Anahola, and among the Niʻihau community. Over the decades, HLH expanded its programs to include chronic disease prevention, dental services, screenings, and case management. A defining moment came after Hurricane Iniki in 1992, when HLH mobilized island-wide relief efforts, connecting thousands of Native Hawaiians with essential resources, medical supplies, and support.
As community needs grew, HLH evolved into a comprehensive health system. In 2001, it established the Kauaʻi Community Health Center (KCHC) after achieving designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), extending high-quality primary care to all residents of Kauaʻi. HLH continued building capacity with additional clinic sites, expanded behavioral health services, dental programs, pharmacy services, and fitness and wellness initiatives designed to support whole-person care.
Today, Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi stands as a testament to resilience, cultural grounding, and community vision. With a commitment to providing accessible, compassionate, and culturally competent care, HLH continues its mission to uplift the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and all who call Kauaʻi home. Rooted in the values embodied in its namesake song—care, unity, and the flourishing of future generations—HLH remains dedicated to helping the “flowers” of our community thrive.
Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi holds a special honor as the only Native Hawaiian Health Care System with its own song created to celebrate its mission. Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi was written by Ileialoha Beniamina, Dr. Hiram Young, members of the HLH board, and John and Jean Keale during a joyful moment in the organization’s early history. The song was composed in recognition of HLH being chosen to serve as the Native Hawaiian Health Care System for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, and it reflects the hopes and responsibilities placed upon the organization by the community it serves.
The song’s imagery centers on nā pua, or “the flowers,” a poetic representation of the next generation common in mele Hawaiʻi. It speaks of children who are strengthened by the light, uplifted by love, and nurtured through unity. These words express the deeper meaning behind HLH’s work, reminding us that every effort we make is ultimately for the well-being of those who will inherit this ʻāina and carry our culture forward.
Today, the song continues to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance. It embodies the values of care, compassion, and collective responsibility. For HLH, it is more than a melody—it is a reminder of our kuleana and a tribute to the resilience and beauty of our people.
Nā pua uʻi, uʻi makaʻi Ikaika i ka lā Nā lau nani, nani ke ʻike I ke aloha mau nō ʻAka hauʻoli nā kamaliʻi Ke hui like nei nō Kōkua aloha, Mālama pono Lōkahi nā puʻuwai
Ke ʻala o nā pua, ke honi ʻoe Nani ka ʻāina, ola ke aloha Na ke aloha o ke Akua E kiaʻi a alakaʻi Ho'ōmaikaʻi Ho'ōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi I ola mau nā pua
Beautiful flowers, lovely to behold Strengthened by the sun Precious are the petals, pleasant to see Radiating their loveliness Happy with laughter are the children Sharing together Helping with love, caring sincerely One in heart
The fragrance of the flowers, when kissed Embraces the land with living love May the love of God Protect and guide Praise, preserve the Hawaiian race That the children may live forever