Kokua Mau

Kōkua Mau Meeting January 2026
2026-01-29 15:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Honolulu)
Join us for the first Kōkua Mau meeting of 2026. We will be giving an update on the reintroduction of the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act.

We are very pleased to be joined by Jennifer Moore Ballentine who has been studying this law for several years and is a national expert on the topic. She will give an overview of the bill and areas of concern to help guide our local discussions.

Jennifer Moore Ballentine is CEO of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (CCCC). She is an educator, consultant, and advocate with more than 25 years’ experience and expertise in palliative care and hospice, adult education, healthcare ethics and policy. She is the former Executive Director of the California State University Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care and previously held leadership roles for Life Quality Institute, The Denver Hospice, and the Colorado Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. She currently serves, with Jeannette, on the national POLST Board of Directors. CCCC is a sister organization to Kōkua Mau and we have partnered with them for years.

Kōkua Mau members who are interested can submit testimony about the bill so please come and learn more and how you can help. Hearings will begin soon so now is the time to ask questions and compose your testimony.

Thur Jan 29|3-5 PM

Register in advance for this zoom meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Here is a link to the legislation

Bill numbers: HB 2257 and SB 3077

If you are thinking you have heard this before, you are right. Last year, we had a similar issue that this important and complex topic was introduced without education on the bill and no opportunity to provide feedback. Here is a summary of the issues we had last year. https://kokuamau.org/for-members/legislative-agenda-in-hawaii/

On December 30, we learned that the bill will be re-introduced, again with no chance for education or input. It does not appear that the bill is substantively different from last year so our questions remain. And new questions will arise.

Please attend to learn where we are with the bill and how you can help. This is a very important bill for all of us who care for those with serious illness.

Hawai’i Pacific Health is offering free online Advance Care Planning classes
2026-02-11 17:00 - 18:30
Register and attend with your family and friends to learn the importance of advance care planning.

KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE:

Why it is important to have early conversations on your wishes with your loved ones.

How to complete an advance directive, understanding the role of a health care power of attorney and choosing wisely.

Reviewing the difference between an advance directive and Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) document.

Sharing the information with your loved ones and medical providers.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, classes are only available via Zoom virtual classroom. Register with your email address and you will receive a Zoom link. Space is limited.

VIRTUAL TRAINING DATES:

Online classes are available on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 12:30-2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m.

Register today for this free event: HawaiiPacificHealth.org/ACP-Registration. If you have further questions, email Michelle Cantillo, RN, Advance Care Planning Coordinator at Michelle.Cantillo(at)HawaiiPacificHealth.org or call 808-535-7874 and leave a message.

Download the flyer

Palliative Pupus Feb 2026
2026-02-18 17:15 - 18:30
Please join us this month on Zoom only.

Please join us to hear how palliative care providers navigated a complex case involving cultural, ethical, and legal considerations regarding treatment considered possibly medically ineffective.

Wed Feb 18, 20255:15 -6:30 PM HST

Here is the zoom registration link for Palliative Pupus

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting

Palliative Pupus is a unique opportunity to hear about a palliative care case. It is good for palliative care practitioners to learn and increase skills. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn about what palliative care really is and what our amazing colleagues actually do. Cases usually involve a range of practitioners including doctor, nurse, chaplain and social workers and cover physical, emotion and spiritual issues.

Advance Care Planning Advance Directives and Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Facilitator Training
2026-02-24 08:00 - 16:00
This training is offered for nurses, physicians, social workers, and other clinicians and focuses on communication skills to improve ACP discussions. The class will review key elements and processes related to ACP, advance directives and POLST development.

Tue February 24, 20268:00-16:00

Course Objectives:

Apply advance care planning resources to promote advance care planning discussions.

Engage the multidisciplinary team to patient centered discussion addressing advance care planning.

Promote patients’ knowledge of advance directives, including healthcare Power of Attorney designation.

Implement correct documentation of Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR), full and limited treatment, me-limited trials and Comfort Care.

Promote correct process of ACP documents, access and utilization in your organization.

Identify end-of-life options including Hawai‘i’ requirements on Medical Aid in Dying, Our Care, Our Choice Act.

Other dates: Wed May 20, Wed June 17, Wed September 9

Registration: HPH employees: Manager’s approval is required prior to registering AND register online through HPH Learning Center (HLC). Type in catalog: Advance Care Planning or POLST; Select course: HPH – Advance Care Planning, Advance Directives and Facilitator Certification

Non HPH participants: Register online: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/health-wellness/continuing-education/.

Any questions contact Michelle Cantillo, RN, HPH ACP Coordinator via email michelle.cantillo@hawaiipacifichealth.org.

Download the flyer for CE information

Kōkua Mau Meeting Feb 2026
2026-02-26 15:00 - 17:00
Save the date for our February Kōkua Mau meeting. It is an educated guess that the meeting will focus on the reintroduction of the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act (UHCDA) and HB 2257. Please join us for updates and feedback on this evolving process. Please visit our dedicated webpage for details.

Thur Feb 263-5 PM

Register in advance for this zoom meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Background:

At the first Kōkua Mau meeting of 2026 we had an EXCELLENT, THOUGHTFUL update on the reintroduction of the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act (UHCDA). “The good, the bad, and the uncertain in Hawaii’s proposed Uniform Health Care Decisions Act“.

We welcomed Jennifer Moore Ballentine who has been studying this law for several years and is a national expert on the topic. She gave an overview of the bill and areas of concern to help guide our local discussions. Her presentation on the history of the UHCDA, changes over time and proposed changes to our current Hawaii legislation, emphasized why any changes to the law require thoughtful consideration and discussion in our community. Thousands of doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, elder law attorneys, and other health professionals are impacted by these changes as well as the people who complete them! As the title of her talk says there are positive and negative aspects of the proposed changes as well as those that are uncertain.

Watch the recording on our YouTube channel

Advance Care Planning Class HPH
2026-03-03 12:00 - 16:00
This class is offered for physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, clinical psychologists and other clinicians. It promotes ACP introductions and will review key elements and processes related to ACP, Advance Directives and POLST in the clinic.

Course Objectives:

Apply ACP resources to promote advance care planning discussions.

Promote patients’ knowledge of advance directives including healthcare power of attorney designation.

Identify the differences between an Advance Directive and Provider Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) and implement correct documentation of these documents.

Implement and standardize ACP processes.

Identify the Hawai‘i requirements of Medical Aid in Dying, Our Care, Our Choice Act.

Engage the multi-disciplinary team patient-centered discussion addressing advance care planning.

First Insurance Center (FIC)Honolulu, HI

Wednesday, 3/4/2026, 1200 – 1600, FIC 630 • Tuesday, 8/11/2026, 1230 – 1630, FIC 970 • Wednesday, 5/20/2026, 1200 – 1600, FIC 970 • Thursday, 11/5/2026 0800 – 1200, FIC 630

Registration:

HPH Employees: Manager’s Approval is required prior to registering AND register online through the HPH Learning Center (HLC). Type in the Catalog: ACP; Select Course: HPH – Advance Care Planning (ACP) Class.

Non HPH participants: Register online: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/health-wellness/continuing-education/or contact Michelle Cantillo, RN, HPH ACP Coordinator via email michelle.cantillo@hawaiipacifichealth.org. Any questions, call Michelle Cantillo at 808-535-7874.

Download the flyer for CE information

Save the Date: Kōkua Mau Meeting March 2026
2026-03-26 15:00 - 17:00
We will also be hearing updates from our community as there is lots going on!! Please let Jeannette know if you have something to share.

Thur March 263-5 PM

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register in advance for this zoom meeting:

Hawai’i Pacific Health is offering free online Advance Care Planning classes April 2026
2026-04-07 12:30 - 14:00
Register and attend with your family and friends to learn the importance of advance care planning.

KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE:

Why it is important to have early conversations on your wishes with your loved ones.

How to complete an advance directive, understanding the role of a health care power of attorney and choosing wisely.

Reviewing the difference between an advance directive and Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) document.

Sharing the information with your loved ones and medical providers.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, classes are only available via Zoom virtual classroom. Register with your email address and you will receive a Zoom link. Space is limited.

VIRTUAL TRAINING DATES:

Online classes are available on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 12:30-2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m.

Register today for this free event: HawaiiPacificHealth.org/ACP-Registration. If you have further questions, email Michelle Cantillo, RN, Advance Care Planning Coordinator at Michelle.Cantillo(at)HawaiiPacificHealth.org or call 808-535-7874 and leave a message.

Download the flyer

Palliative Pupus April 2026
2026-04-15 17:15 - 18:30
Palliative Pupus is a unique opportunity to hear about a palliative care case. It is good for palliative care practitioners to learn and increase skills. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn about what palliative care really is and what our amazing colleagues actually do. Cases usually involve a range of practitioners including doctor, nurse, chaplain and social workers and cover physical, emotion and spiritual issues.

Wed April 15 – in person & zoom5:15 -6:30 PM HSTQueen’s Conference Center & zoom

Register for the zoom part of meeting of Palliative Pupus

For the dates we meet in person (and zoom) we meet at the Queen’s Conference Center (QCC). We hope you will join us to see colleagues in person and eat real pupus. Please bring something to share!!

Validated parking for the Miller St. Parking lot (Miller only) at the QCC front desk. For those who cannot attend in person, please join us on zoom. Please see our website for QCC and parking information.

Kōkua Mau Meeting April 2026
2026-04-30 15:00 - 17:00
Please join us for updates from the community and let Jeannette know if you have information to share.

Thur April 30 (April has 5 Thursdays)3-5 PM

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register in advance for this zoom meeting:

Advance Care Planning for professionals Class HPH
2026-05-20 12:00 - 16:00
This class is offered for physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, clinical psychologists and other clinicians. It promotes ACP introductions and will review key elements and processes related to ACP, Advance Directives and POLST in the clinic.

Course Objectives:

Apply ACP resources to promote advance care planning discussions.

Promote patients’ knowledge of advance directives including healthcare power of attorney designation.

Identify the differences between an Advance Directive and Provider Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) and implement correct documentation of these documents.

Implement and standardize ACP processes.

Identify the Hawai‘i requirements of Medical Aid in Dying, Our Care, Our Choice Act.

Engage the multi-disciplinary team patient-centered discussion addressing advance care planning.

First Insurance Center (FIC)Honolulu, HI

Other dates:

Wednesday, 5/20/2026, 1200 – 1600 FIC 970 Tuesday, 8/11/2026, 1230 – 1630, FIC 970Thursday, 11/5/2026 0800 – 1200, FIC 630

Registration:

HPH Employees: Manager’s Approval is required prior to registering AND register online through the HPH Learning Center (HLC). Type in the Catalog: ACP; Select Course: HPH – Advance Care Planning (ACP) Class.

Non HPH participants: Register online: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/health-wellness/continuing-education/ or contact Michelle Cantillo, RN, HPH ACP Coordinator via email michelle.cantillo@hawaiipacifichealth.org. Any questions, call Michelle Cantillo at 808-535-7874.

Download the flyer for CE information
