Kako'o Lāʻau Lapaʻau

Mission Statement:  Waimānalo Health Center is rooted in Native Hawaiian values and devoted to improving the health and wellness of all people, regardless of ability to pay, by providing comprehensive primary and preventive health care services of the highest quality. WHC Values:  Aloha, Mālama I Ka Pono, Mālama I Ka ʻOhana, Mālama I Ka ʻĀina 

POSITION SUMMARY: The kākoʻo lāʻau lapaʻau is responsible for assisting the Director of Cultural Health with the implementation of the Kapapahuliau Native Hawaiian Climate Resilience Program from 10/01/2024-010/31/2027. The purpose of this project is to perpetuate the planting and growth of appropriate native plants, food as medicine, with the community to address the impact of climate change on health and wellness. This purpose will be demonstrated at WHC, then spread to the elementary schools and their families through a series of special event activities, and to the larger community, through classes and educational sessions conducted by Cultural Health staff. (Refer to the Kapapahuliau Project Narrative)

The kākoʻo lāʻau lapaʻau will be responsible for the care of Māla Ho‘ōla and assist the Director of Cultural Health with patient and staff education, lāʻau lapaʻau community classes and training program, WHC special events and Farmersʻ Market. Participates and collaborates with community partners.

Our healing practices connect to five key characteristics that are deeply associated with ALOHA. These foundational themes contribute to your growth and understanding as a Hawaiian Health Practitioner.

Kaunānā

Perception: Paying attention with the mind, body, and spirit.

Mākaukau

Readiness: Foresight that comes from spiritual discipline.

Haʻahaʻa

Humility: The bridling of the ego.

Hoʻomaikaʻi Akahai

Respect: Foundational in healing and essential in Hawaiian healing traditions.

Ahonui

Patience: Accepting that everything will have its time, we cannot measure or have expectations of patient’s process. Hawaiian healing is holistic in nature, a process and commitment that involves self, ‘ohana, ʻāina and Akua. It is the individual’s responsibility to take an active role in their healing.