On Martin Luther King Day, physicians and staff at Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, together with community volunteers, dedicated themselves to a day of service. At its Mapunapuna Clinic, Kaiser-Permanente hosted a series of health care presentations and gave free physical examinations to clear crew members of the Polynesian Voyaging Society for a proposed around-the-world voyage on the Hokule‘a planned to begin next year.
Crew members were screened to determine whether they can safely participate in the rigors of an extended voyage at sea on the twin-hulled sailing canoe, which is just about to come out of dry dock. Using ancient principles of star navigation, since 1976 the Hokule‘a and its crew have already sailed to many distant destinations throughout the world, but it has yet to circumnavigate the globe.
In addition to physical examinations, crew members attended lectures covering management of seasickness, travel medicine, injury prevention and emotional preparedness for long periods at sea without modern comforts.
According to Bruce Blankenfeld, director of crew training and dry dock, Kaiser’s gift of service supports the revival of Hawaiian culture throughout the islands. Some of the crew members who came for health screenings are young Native Hawaiians who do not have health insurance or money to pay for medical care. Yet they are at the vanguard of a vital movement dedicated to protect, preserve and perpetuate the indigenous tradition toward the benefit of many.
Blankenfeld also spoke about the central role a voyaging canoe plays in an island community. While working as a team to build the vessel and train the crew, bodies and spirits come together to create a vision and bring it into reality. Once dry dock is completed, the Hokule‘a will go on an extended statewide sail this year, and next year begin the proposed worldwide voyage. The Hokule‘a continues to be an emissary for traditional core values and environmental sustainability. Its presence benefits all inhabitants of the islands, and its journeys connect us to peoples and the environment around the earth.
While Kaiser is a modern medical organization founded on the mainland, it has a long history of serving the people of Hawaii. Kaiser is integral both to Hawaii’s history and future not simply for health care, but also for the wellness of our island community. The medical group’s day of service was a good thing. Mahalo to Kaiser.
Ira Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.
