Ku Like Kakou: Utilizing a Community-led Model of Collaboration to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 brought significant challenges for Native Hawaiians (NH), Pacific Islanders (PI), and other communities of color worldwide. Rapidly increasing rates of infection and transmission of the virus in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities and incomplete or unavailable data signaled to Hawai'i's leaders that advocacy and action needed to take place to minimize the impact of COVID-19. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Response, Recovery, and Resilience team (NHPI 3R Team) emerged from an effort to lead and fill gaps in response to COVID-19. Through the swift, intentional, and collaborative work of the team and its partners, NHPI communities and the entities that serve them were better equipped to navigate the pandemic, improve health outcomes, and contribute to a reduction in the number of infections, a rise in vaccination uptake, and an increase in NH and PI representation on various levels of government agencies. As the world shifts its focus from COVID-19 to broader health topics, the NHPI 3R Team will continue to serve as a hub for the exchange of resources and a model of community-led work that can be used to tackle issues like COVID-19 and beyond.

A Report on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Health and Social Welfare of the Native Hawaiian Population in Hawai'i.

Native Hawaiians (NHs) are among the most vulnerable groups at greater risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To understand the impact of COVID-19 on the state's population, a 35-question cross-sectional survey was administered across the state of Hawai'i. NH data from the larger report are provided here. The findings indicate that the impact of COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting NH households in areas of income and housing stability, chronic disease prevalence, emotional wellness, and COVID-19 prevention. Short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations are presented as next steps to addressing the health inequities among NHs.