No Kakou, Na Kakou - For Us, By Us: Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Informing Race Data Collection Standards for Hawai'i.

This article describes recommendations for standardized race data collection developed by the Hawai'i Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander COVID-19 Response, Recovery, and Resilience Team (NHPI 3R Team). These recommendations attempt to address the expressed desires of Native Hawaiians and the diverse Pacific Islander communities in Hawai'i who seek greater visibility in data and research. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) racial category is 1 of the 5 racial categories listed in the 1997 Statistical Policy Directive #15 issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB directive sets the minimum standard for collection of race data in federal surveys, administrative forms, records, and other data collection. The NHPI 3R Team's recommendation provides a standard for detailed data collection that could improve smaller communities' ability to identify, advocate for, and address their own needs. The article also describes lessons learned through the collaborative and iterative process that was led by members and leaders of NHPI communities impacted by data driven decisions and policies. The NHPI 3R Team focused on expanding and standardizing race data collection as part of their COVID-19 response efforts, but implementation of the recommendations could produce benefits well beyond the pandemic.

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

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 'aina, 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.