Awards and Scholarship Gala
This year’s HAH Awards and Scholarship Gala will be held on October 25 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Reception will start at 5 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm, and the program at 8 pm. The reception includes silent auction, wine wall, and a photo booth where you can take photos for free.
Attire: Semi-formal or business dress. The dinner will be a buffet that should meet all dietary needs.
The theme of the event is “Hawai`i Healthcare Walk of Fame”
If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Jamie Velasco at jvelasco@hah.org.
2025 Hawaii Healthcare Heroes
Jami Fukui, MD
Medical Oncologist, Breast Cancer and Clinical Trials, Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children;
Chief of Clinical Breast Oncology, Ka ʻUmeke Lama, and Associate Professor and Researcher, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center; and
Associate Professor and Researcher, University Health Partners of Hawaiʻi
Watch the video here
Parwathi “Uma” Paniker, MD
Dermatologist (Retired)
Kaiser Permanente Kona Medical Office
Watch the video here
Linda L. Wong, MD
General Surgeon, Transplant Surgeon
The Queen's Medical Center
Professor, Translational and Clinical Research, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
Professor, Associate Chairman, Department of Surgery, University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine
Watch the video here
2025 Peer Awardees
Advocacy
Lisa Dau, RN, MBA, BSN
Injury Prevention Coordinator
Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Distinguished Service
Cindy Garcia
Lead Intake Coordinator
Hospice Maui
Executive
Michael Duick, MD
Executive Director
Board Certified, Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Mālama Ola Health Services
Leadership
Lisa Muranaka
Director of Pediatric Operations
Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Medical Group
Physician of the Year
Denis Mee-Lee, MD
Behavioral Health Services Founder, Director and Medical Director
Adventist Health Castle
Professional with Heart
Anna Liza Casabay, RN
Registered Nurse
Maui Health
Kula Hospital
Public Health
Richard Lester Coloma
Community Health Worker
Kalele Care Services/Hale Makua Health Services
Rose Ann Poyzer Caregiver
Michael Mizuno
Physical Therapy Assistant
Bayada Home Health
President’s Award
Senator Ronald Kouchi
Hawaiʻi State Senate
Legislator of the Year
Rep. Gregg Takayama
Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives
Legislator of the Year
Sen. Henry Aquino
Hawaiʻi State Senate
Achievement in Advocacy
Rep. Scot Matayoshi
Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives
Achievement in Advocacy
Judy Mohr Peterson, PhD
Med-QUEST Administrator
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Human Services
Scholarship Recipients
Associate’s Degree
Mary Jane Baldevieso
Maui Memorial Medical Center
Associate’s Degree
Kiara Bell
Ohana Care Maui
Baccalaureate Degree
Ashley Yamashita
The Queen’s Medical Center - Manamana
Baccalaureate Degree
Avaree Tactacan
Kaiser Permanente
Master’s Degree
Maria Sanado
Hale Makua Health Services
Doctorate Degree
Misty Kahale
Fresenius Medical Care North America
Sponsorships
Sponsorships for the 2025 Awards and Scholarship Gala are now available.
The sponsorships support the annual Gala, which recognizes people doing extraordinary work in healthcare benefiting Hawaii’s people, from physicians and nurses in direct clinical care, to administrators and public officials working to improve access to care. Among the award recipients each year are five Hawaii Healthcare Heroes nominated directly by the public.
Click here to view the benefit grid and sponsorship form.
Mahalo 2025 Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Ruby Sponsors
Emerald Sponsors
Pearl Sponsors
Heroes Sponsors iHeart Radio Spots
Donate to the HHERF Silent Auction and Support Healthcare Scholarships
Our annual HAH Awards & Scholarship Gala celebrates the dedication and achievements of our local healthcare workers across the islands, while raising funds for scholarships that will empower future healthcare professionals to advance their skills and bolster Hawai`i’s healthcare workforce.
By donating an item or service to our Silent Auction, you will directly support scholarships to help current and future healthcare workers in various disciplines such as nursing, medicine, physical therapy and more. These scholarships play a crucial role in enabling local individuals to pursue advanced education, training and certification, thereby enhancing their capabilities in delivering high-quality patient care.
Popular auction items include gift certificates, vacation packages, dining experiences, exclusive tours, unique local products, wines and spirits. However, we welcome any contribution that reflects your generosity and commitment to supporting our healthcare community.
The deadline for donations is Oct. 3. Click here for the silent auction form. If you have questions, contact Sharie Higashionna-Ibarra at sibarra@hah.org.
Mahalo for donation!