2025 Hawaii State of Reform Health Policy Conference

Details coming soon.

Hawaii is struggling with a cross-industry labor shortage. The health sector tops the list for unfilled vacancies. Join this panel of workforce experts as they discuss how to recruit and retain the needed healthcare staff. Learn about current initiatives to build up the workforce pipeline and hear about creative ideas for expanding the workforce beyond traditional providers.

Jenn Diesman: Senior Vice President, Government Policy & Advocacy, HMSA

Kara Gormont, RN, BSN: Director at Large, Board of Directors, Aloha Hawai’i – American Nurses Association

Moderator: Laura Reichardt, MS, APRN, AGPCNP-BC: Director, Hawaii State Center for Nursing

As the state’s aging population continues to grow, Hawaii must consider how to improve and expand its healthcare system for seniors. Join this panel of experts as they discuss what needs to be done to strengthen the state’s palliative care program. Hear panelists’ perspectives on how to improve access to and understanding of palliative and hospice care.  

Ritabelle Fernandes: Medical Director, Aloha Care

Keali’i Lopez: Hawaii State Director, AARP

Join this panel as experts discuss the health challenges and barriers to care facing native Hawaiians. Hear about efforts to integrate traditional Hawaiian practices into the health care system. Speakers will discuss how different groups are expanding their care to include culturally based approaches and how the broader health sector can improve access to care for these populations. 

Sheri-Ann Daniels: Chief Executive Officer, Papa Ola Lokahi

Jocelyn Howard: Chief Executive Officer, We Are Oceania

Michelle Ka’uhane: Chief Impact Officer, Hawaii Community Foundation

This panel will discuss efforts to decrease mortality rates and improve health services for Hawaiian mothers and children. Most of Hawaii is considered rural, and as with most rural areas, maternal and infant care outcomes are particularly challenging. Join this group of diverse stakeholders as they share their ongoing planning efforts, evaluate how data is being used to address the problem and highlight tools the state can use to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. 

Julie Kathman: Hawaii Perinatal Quality Collaborative Program Manager, Healthcare Association of Hawaii

Jennifer Lum, MD: Assistant Chief, Ob-Gyn, Kaiser Permanente

Kari Shintaku: Vice President, Population Health & Quality Improvement, Ohana Health Plan

Stacy Tsai, MD: Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Queen’s Health Systems

The impact of new technologies and the growing role of artificial intelligence is a key interest for Hawaii health policy stakeholders. These leaders will discuss the benefits and risks of AI and other new technologies. Hear from experts on how to ensure AI’s safe use, and how AI can play a role in improving health data interconnectivity in the state. 

James Lin, MD: Vice President, Information Technology, Hawaii Pacific Health

Trey Sutten: Chief Executive Officer, Siftwell

Stakeholders agree that Hawaii’s behavioral health system remains in need of reform. These experts will talk through different challenges facing behavioral health reform in the state including bolstering the behavioral health workforce, increasing access to services, and implementing peer support specialists. Department of Health recently convened a task force to address behavioral health support. Join this panel as they discuss the topics likely to be considered by the task force including expanding peer support services, access to care and growing and retaining the workforce.  

Justine Acevedo-Cross: Senior Director of Community Strategy, Hawai’i Community Foundation

Carolina Carney, MD: President, Behavioral Health & Chief Medical Officer, Magellan

Emily Moser: Program Director, Youthline

Join us for a lunchtime keynote to hear from Med-QUEST Administrator Dr. Judy Mohr Peterson about her agency’s work to improve the Medicaid program. Mohr Peterson will discuss recent changes to Hawaii Medicaid, the work ahead in 2025, and the overall landscape for Medicaid coverage in the state.

Judy Mohr Peterson, PhD: Division Administrator, Med-QUEST, State of Hawaii

Addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) that impact Hawaiians’ health has long been a priority for the state. Join this panel to hear from leaders about the state’s work to address things like transportation, housing and food insecurity. Speakers will discuss future efforts that would ensure Hawaiians’ healthcare isn’t limited by HRSNs. 

John Desfor, MPH: Policy & Data Analyst, University of Hawaii Rural Health Research & Policy Center

Moderator: Nicola Pinson: Principal, Health Management Associates

Across the country, post-COVID, the acute health care operating environment has become increasingly challenging marked by labor and supply shortages, changing patient expectations, and an evolving reimbursement system from fee to service to quality.  Join these leaders as they discuss what’s changed in Hawaii acute care operational landscape and the strategic response to these changes.

Edward Chu: President & Chief Financial Officer, HHSC

Art Gladstone: Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, Hawaii Pacific Health

Hilton Raethel: President & Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Association of Hawaii

Lehua Pate: Vice President, Revenue Cycle, The Queen’s Health Systems

Strengthening Hawaii’s public health infrastructure remains a critical priority for the state’s health sector. In this session, experts will talk through recent work to rebuild the public health system following COVID-19, as well as how the state can continue building its preparedness for challenges like monkeypox and other future public health threats. 

Sarah Kemble: State Epidemiologist, Hawaii Department of Health

Tetine Sentell, PhD: Principal Investigator, Hawai’i Public Health Workforce Catalyst Lab

Jessica Yamauchi, MA: Chief Executive Officer, Hawaii Public Health Institute

Maui and the broader Hawaii community have been working to help Lahaina recover from the wildfires that devastated the region in the summer of 2024. This unique panel will bring together leaders involved in recovery efforts for a discussion about the work that’s been done so far, as well as how the state’s health sector can play its part in mitigating the impacts of potential future environmental health threats. 

Pedro Haro: Executive Director, American Lung Association

Ruben Juarez: Professor, University of Hawaii

Alika Maunakea: Professor, University of Hawaii

Join us for a unique sit-down with some of Hawaii’s leading health policy-focused state lawmakers. These legislators will discuss the work ahead for the 2025 legislative session and their top priorities for reforming Hawaii healthcare.

Rep. Lisa Marten: Chair, Human Services Committee, Hawaii House of Representatives

Rep. Gregg Takayama: Chair, Health Committee, Hawaii House of Representatives