A first–of–its–kind fellowship in Hawaiʻi is training the next generation of culturally grounded behavioral health providers, thanks to a new collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) Department of Native Hawaiian Health and Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT).
The program, called Mohala Liko Lehua, will host three post–doctoral psychology (PsyD) fellows and three post–master of social work (MSW) fellows, who will be trained and supervised by licensed psychologists and social workers at JABSOM. Fellows will partner with HILT to design and deliver behavioral health services on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, strengthening community capacity and promoting wellbeing.
Hands-on training rooted in Hawaiian values
Throughout the one–year fellowship, participants will receive advanced training in trauma–informed, ʻāina (land)– and culture–based care rooted in Hawaiian values. Their work will be integrated into HILT’s community preserves and existing educational programs. The fellows will also receive their clinical training at Queen’s Health Systems sites on Oʻahu and Maui, as well as the Ka Malu a Waʻahila Behavioral Health program for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students at UH Mānoa. Program goals include serving at least 4,000 youth, enhancing HILT staff capacity, and measuring community impact.
Robin Miyamoto, program director at JABSOM, said the program’s name draws from the ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb), Mōhala i ka wai, ka maka o ka pua, suggesting that flowers thrive when the environmental conditions are good.
This reminds us of our responsibility to protect and sustain our culture and the health of our people so that future generations can thrive.
—Robin Miyamoto
“This reminds us of our responsibility to protect and sustain our culture and the health of our people so that future generations can thrive,” she explained. “This program will enhance and expand our existing training efforts and will serve as a new pipeline for behavioral health clinicians. It is grounded in a foundation of cultural humility and safety, focusing on promoting resilience rather than solely addressing disparities.”
In addition to meeting immediate behavioral health needs, the program serves as a workforce development pipeline, preparing homegrown providers who can deliver culturally fluent care across Hawaiʻi.
“Mohala Liko Lehua is informed by and designed for underrepresented communities, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations that have long faced systemic health disparities and underinvestment in behavioral health,” said ʻOlu Campbell, president and CEO of HILT. “Addressing these inequities requires solutions that are community–driven, rooted in ʻāina and culture, and grounded in trust–based relationships.”
Supported by the Health Resources & Services Administration, Maui United Way, UH, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and other partners, JABSOM and HILT plan to continue Mohala Liko Lehua for at least four years, training a minimum of 24 fellows. Additional funding is still needed to sustain the program.
