Much Needed Medicine: A Qualitative Study of Hawai'i Resident Views During COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The precarious financial status of the majority of Hawai'i residents coupled with the state's heavy reliance on tourism suggests that residents are particularly vulnerable to increased economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily shut down the tourism industry and continues to erect barriers for resuming operations. Understanding how Hawai'i residents prioritize access to health care, food economics, care of 'āina, and culturally informed community in light of the current and future economic situation can inform policy actions that will support public health. To that end, this paper analyzes (1) Hawai'i residents' views on health, specifically food security and healthcare, and their priorities for the future of these areas;(2) the differences between Native Hawaiian and non-Native Hawaiian views and priorities;and (3) the differences in views and priorities between families with higher and lower levels of economic stability. The authors close with policy recommendations that can be seen as medicine, or ways to heal Hawai'i, as the state shifts towards a more equitable and sustainable future. ©Copyright 2021 by University Health Partners of Hawai‘i (UHP Hawai‘i).