The (RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ) recognized 18 employees in November for exemplary contributions to their research projects.

“RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ is extremely proud of all of these outstanding employees who support cutting-edge and innovative research being done at the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and throughout our state,” said RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Executive Director Leonard Gouveia. “The success of academic research depends on dedicated and hardworking professionals like these RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ employees who elevate and impact the projects they support.”

Researcher/Project Manager category

1st place: Ceci Rodriguez Cruz—ORE SMART Cable Project, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa (SOEST)

2nd place: Christian Tai Udovicic—Planetary Science, SOEST

Honorable mentions:

• Robert Kekaianiani Irwin—Laupaʻi Aʻe ka ʻIke Kuamoʻo,
• Johannes Achim Stoessl—General AntiParticle Spectrometer Project, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa

Project Support Staff category

1st place: Casey TeBeest, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ , WRRC American Samoa Hydrology Network

2nd place: Dylan Boeman–Sabine Lab, SOEST

Team category

1st place: Hua Zhong and Shuai Liu, Cancer Epidemiology Program,

2nd place: Peter Oshiro, Ryan Chilson, Sally Lau and Derek Kubo—Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Honorable mentions:

• Helene Meehl, Andrew Kramer, Sydney Lewandowski and Nicolo Cohen—Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration Nursery,
• Yumi Nagayoshi, Marybeth Young and Jan Stoos—Maunakea Shared Services, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ

The university service orders extramural contracts and grants to RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ, which assists with hiring personnel and procuring goods/services to support research, development, and training throughout the state. These awards highlight the vital work RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ employees perform daily to advance the university’s goal of diversifying Hawaiʻi’s economy through innovation and research.

U.S. health care workers have long experienced chronic stress, burnout and mental distress. Those issues were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. New research by the reveals that despite high levels of mental health problems affecting health care providers, they rarely seek care, raising concerns about the readiness of the healthcare workforce and the potential impacts on patient outcomes.

The report explores the associations between mental health care-seeking among U.S. health providers, COVID-19-related work stressors, and work-related barriers to care-seeking.

“From recent nurses strikes to those who rushed to aid after the New Year’s fireworks tragedy, Hawaiʻi’s health care workers bear immense burdens,” said lead author Anthony Papa, associate professor and director of in the at the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (CSS). “Prioritizing their mental health is critical to build a resilient healthcare system for our island communities.”

More than 2,600 U.S. primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who practiced more than three years were surveyed from September 2022 to May 2023 in an effort to identify ways to improve mental health care-seeking among this population.

“Among providers surveyed, 26% reported symptoms at levels meeting clinical diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder, but only 20% of these providers sought mental health care during the preceding year,” Papa said. “The study found that female providers serving for a shorter time were more likely to seek mental health services than male providers or those who have been in the industry for longer periods.”

Work-related stressors

According to the report, the top work-related stressors for these health care providers were extra stress, burnout, lack of adequate staffing, higher workload/job demands and fear of contracting COVID-19. Survey participants who refrained from seeking mental health care, cited reasons including not wanting to take time off from work (44%), followed by concerns about confidentiality (22%) and cost (20%).

Positive supervisor support

Papa pointed out, however, that the research showed supervisor support lessened the effect of COVID-19 related work stress.

“Organizational human resources practices, supervisor training on managing employee stress and public health messaging to normalize mental healthcare-seeking might help to address gaps in care-seeking and improve patient care overall,” he said.

Collaborative responsibility

In addition, health care organizations, state licensing boards, professional groups and relevant federal agencies all have a role in promoting organizational approaches that may reduce provider mental health care-seeking barriers and work stress, Papa added.

The paper was , considered the flagship journal of the CDC.

“Our study highlights the urgent need to support the mental health of Hawaiʻi‘s healthcare providers,” said co-author Jack Barile, CSS associate dean for research and director of the . “Addressing barriers like time off, cost and confidentiality are critical to building a resilient workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of our communities, especially with over 4,600 statewide vacancies according to the Hawaiʻi Health Care Association of Hawaiʻi‘s 2024 report, a rapidly aging population, and the state’s geographic isolation which magnifies these challenges.”

The research was funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resilience in the Office of the Governor, launched the 2024 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard, December 10. Surveying more than 8,000 residents statewide, the dashboard provides an in-depth look at pressing social, economic and health issues affecting Hawaiʻi’s residents.

“The release of this dashboard comes at a pivotal moment,” said Governor Josh Green. “More than a year after the devastating Maui wildfires, the recovery efforts are a stark reminder of the potential for even more weather-related disasters. This underscores the urgency of disaster preparedness, a theme echoed in the dashboard, where only 12% of respondents felt well-prepared for a community-level disaster. Building resilience in Hawaiʻi’s communities is no longer optional in our climate crisis—it is essential.”

“The dashboard reveals the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s communities in the face of serious challenges, including rising costs of living, health disparities and a shifting workplace landscape,” said Jack Barile, the lead researcher, associate dean for research and director of the in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Social Sciences. “It also highlights the unique needs and strengths of different communities, from households with lower income to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents, providing valuable insights to guide policymakers, community leaders and employers toward targeted actions that can improve well-being across the state.”

Key findings from the dashboard include:

• Economic strain and stress: The economy (73%), personal finances (73%), and housing costs (64%) rank as the most significant stressors for residents, particularly for households with incomes below $50,000. Among those surveyed, 40% considered moving out of the state in the past year due to high living costs, a rate even higher among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities (47%).
• Health disparities: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents experience notably higher levels of stress and unhealthy days compared to White and Asian residents. These disparities are compounded by challenges in accessing affordable healthcare, with 19% of all surveyed residents reporting medical debt over $500.
• Community strength and workplace support: Despite hardships, 67% of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods, and a similar percentage report that neighbors are willing to help each other. Workplaces are also viewed positively, with 83% of employees feeling respected by their employers and 78% feeling that their contributions are valued.
• Workplace priorities: The dashboard data reveals a shift in workplace expectations. Employees looking to change jobs prioritize flexible work schedules, paid family leave, and telework options, while those planning to stay with their current employer value traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions.

Policy implications and future directions

The survey findings underscore the need for strategic policy initiatives that address Hawaiʻi’s unique challenges. Governor Josh Green, recently signed an executive order declaring Hawaiʻi a trauma-informed state, an initiative that aligns closely with the survey and dashboard.

Data from the dashboard highlight several potential areas for action for policymakers, grantmakers and advocates:

• Health equity: Expanding access to affordable health care through programmatic improvements and community health clinics, focusing on culturally sensitive care for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
• Economic stability: Addressing economic stress through affordable housing, wage increases and essential benefits to reduce household financial pressures.
• Disaster preparedness: Strengthening disaster response plans and resilient infrastructure to ensure communities are prepared for emergencies.
• Workplace innovation: Encouraging Hawaiʻi employers to adopt flexible, family-friendly workplace practices that support well-being and align with employee priorities.

“Since introducing the legislation that established the nation’s first statewide Office of Wellness and Resilience in 2022 (Act 291), the state has taken strides to make Hawaiʻi a trauma-informed state,” said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. “I am proud to have continued these efforts by advocating for legislation (Act 106, SLH 2024) that resulted in the largest statewide survey on health in Hawaiʻi ever, as well as the largest dataset using the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s (NIOSH WellBQ).”

“The data in this report shows that we must continue to increase the economic opportunities for our residents, so they can remain in Hawaiʻi,” said Dela Cruz. “Diversifying our economy in the areas of creative industries, agriculture, and technology must be paired with investments in workforce development so our residents can fill the good-paying jobs here in the state.”

Empowering residents with data

The interactive dashboard allows residents to explore data specific to their communities. This tool aims to foster transparency and community engagement, providing individuals, community leaders and policymakers with the information they need to drive meaningful change.

“The 2024 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard is more than a collection of statistics—it’s a call to action,” said Barile. “By making this information publicly available, we hope to inspire collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges facing our state.”

“This dashboard highlights our Health Policy Initiative,” adds Denise Eby Konan, dean, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Social Sciences. “I’m especially excited that our faculty responded to the call of the Governor and legislature to design an applicable dashboard that can change policy and people’s lives through evidence-based research.”

For more details and to explore the interactive dashboard, visit .

The 2024 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard is a partnership between the in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ , and the Office of Wellness and Resilience in the Office of the Governor. All survey data is housed exclusively with ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹.

What do you feel is the greatest issue facing your home neighborhood? This is one of the questions in a statewide survey being conducted by University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ researchers, in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi—and they need your help!

Understanding Hawaiʻi residents’ needs and everyday challenges are necessary to develop public policies and programs that improve our quality of life. Survey results will help to identify challenges you may face where you work, live and play.

The anonymous survey is short (roughly 15 minutes to complete) and will inform critical areas, such as disaster preparedness, safety in our communities, workplace wellness and access to healthcare. All residents aged 18 and above are asked to complete the questionnaire.

Responses to the survey will lead to the development of publicly available reports that include policy and programmatic recommendations addressing everything from food and housing security to education and service needs. The deadline for completion of the survey is March 31.

“The survey gives us the opportunity to hear directly from the people of Hawaiʻi regarding what it is like to grow, work, live and age in our communities,” said Jack Barile, principal investigator, professor of psychology and director of the Social Science Research Institute at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. “The goal is to identify residents’ strengths and challenges at home and in their communities, and to utilize this information to drive the development of programs and policies that meet people’s needs throughout the state.”

Green Administration hopes data will lead to change

The project is funded by and conducted in partnership with the , housed in the Office of the Governor. According to Gov. Josh Green, findings from these efforts will help policymakers evaluate the status of vital topics affecting the quality of life and well-being, in and across the state.

Barile’s research team will create publicly available dashboards and reports to better inform legislative activity, funding needs, population-specific programming, coordination of cross-department efforts and individual and system-level outcomes.

The study has been approved by the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Institutional Review Board, and is part of a larger partnership between the , housed in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ , and the Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience.

Trauma-informed state

The surveys on health and quality of life are the first step toward helping Hawaiʻi become a trauma-informed state. Gov. Green signed Executive Order 4696, February 20, directing all state departments to collaborate with the Office of Wellness and Resilience to integrate trauma-informed care principles, such as safety, transparency and peer support, into our workplaces and services. Becoming a trauma-informed state will help mitigate the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma, and build resilience in our families, communities and state workforce.

Tia R. Hartsock, executive director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, is an alumna of the master of social work program in the . Also on the task force are: Jillian Freitas, program director at Ka Malu a Waʻahila in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s ; and Aimee Chung (ex officio member), a social work faculty member.

From aiding in recovery for patients with neurologic damage to analyzing the long-term brain effects of COVID-19, the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s is at the forefront of deepening our understanding of the brain and how it impacts our behaviors.

The lab features state-of-the-art equipment, including an 72-channel electroencephalograph that measures electrical activity in the brain; functional magnetic resonance imaging that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygenation; and transcranial direct current stimulation—low, direct current delivered via electrodes on the head to help patients with brain injuries or neuropsychiatric conditions.

The ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ lab is also one of the first in the country to use new technology called optically pumped magnetometry, which gives researchers a sharper image of brain activity, which is critical when we want to understand the brain.

“Understanding how the mind works and finding better tools to measure how our minds and our brains are not performing is critical to be able to understand them and to be able to do something about it,” said Jonas Vibell, lab director and assistant professor in the in the .

Investigating COVID-19 brain fog

Vibell’s team of approximately 10 students (undergraduate and graduate) are currently working on several projects, including one that is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. According to Vibell, many people who have contracted COVID-19 have reported experiencing brain fog. Through a nearly $40,000 grant from the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ , Vibell’s team will investigate the brain’s neuronal latencies to figure out why those who have contracted COVID-19 have reported experiencing brain fog. The researchers are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of the study. Anyone interested can .

“It’s really exciting and it really feels like we’re on the forefront of science,” said Kyra GauthierDickey, a Brain and Behavior Lab member and ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ psychology PhD student. “Had I not been in this lab, I would have no idea that these kinds of fascinating projects are being created. To be able to work on something that has a local impact, it feels good.”

Cutting-edge research

Vibell also noted that studies of the brain have greatly influenced artificial intelligence (AI), where AI programming tries to mimic brain scans of how neurons are connected in the visual cortex (primary region of the brain that receives, integrates and processes visual information relayed from the retinas).

Aside from the COVID-19 study, GauthierDickey is focused on advancing classic brain experiments, such as the Posner Task that measures attention, into virtual reality. The UH Hilo alumna said that traditional lab experiments previously used 2D stimuli. She is interested in analyzing the results of 3D stimuli on human subjects to see how the added dimension is expressed in the brain.

“Even though we’re a small lab on Oʻahu, we do have a global impact and influence,” GauthierDickey said. “I think that Hawaiʻi can continue to grow as a scientific hub that’s internationally connected. I want to encourage everyone, especially our °ì²¹³¾²¹ʻÄå¾±²Ô²¹, to explore their curiosity and interest in science.”

Community involvement

The Brain and Behavior Lab, which is located in both the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Biomedical Sciences building and Sakamaki Hall, partners with the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and the Queen’s Medical Center on research projects. Vibell’s team also regularly visits local high schools to get students involved in STEM research. And, as research projects require participants, Vibell encourages anyone from the general public to email the lab if they are interested in becoming part of a study.

“Just like computers get better every 10 years, so do brain cameras,” Vibell said. “We can see things much, much clearer than we used to and this enables us to answer some of the questions, even some of the questions that have been asked for thousands of years. Based on these new abilities to see things I think we stand before quite a revolution, and the impact that this will have in the next five to 10 years will be dramatic in many fields.”

—By Marc Arakaki

The (RC¶«¾«Ó°Òµ) has awarded 16 of its employees for their contributions and impact to research at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ.

The awards were based on the following categories:

• Initiative, leadership and resourcefulness in carrying out their achievements
• Impact of their achievements on the project, professional field and/or larger community
• Other variables such as the significance or quality of their achievements

Each individual received a certificate and cash award. Additionally, first-place awardees received $1,000 (shared equally by team members), while second-place awardees received $500 (shared equally by team members).

Team category

• First place: , (Ginger Porter, Umerang Imetengel and Alyssa Shimizu)
• Second place: , ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Information Technology Services (Michelle Choe, Sean Cleveland, Maria Dumanlang, Jennifer Geis and Jared McLean)
• Honorable Mention: , (Nisa Kelly and En Liu)

Project support staff category

• First Place: , Department of Oceanography, (SOEST)
• Second Place: , Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
• Honorable Mention: , Cassava Improvement Project,

Researcher/project manager category

• First Place: , Hawaiʻi Center for AIDS,
• Second Place: , Plant Extinction and Prevention Program, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit,
• Honorable Mention: , Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, SOEST

The awards were presented at an event on October 27, at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s Campus Center Ballroom. A selection committee comprised of Ken Hayashida, Marie Kumabe and Clyde Shiigi selected the awardees.

For more information, visit .

A new collaboration on climate change and disaster risk reduction research geared toward small island states has been formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the University of Hawaiʻi and the .

The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis hosted the signing on October 13, which was the United Nations General Assembly’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The partnership seeks creative solutions to sea-level rise and island sustainability, including disaster resilience, environmental sustainability, tourism, and health and wellness.

“Our shared experiences create an opportunity for the University of The Bahamas and the University of Hawaiʻi to work together to find creative solutions and lead the world in building small island resilience through scientific advancement,” said ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ President David Lassner. “Through our collective advancements in research and the application of science, our two universities aim to inform institutional-level transformation and to help guide evidence-based policy throughout the Caribbean, Pacific and beyond.”

Two important island states

The agreement between the universities will focus on:

• Faculty, scholar and student exchange opportunities.
• Development of joint research programs and conferences.
• Exchange of academic information, materials and publications.

“This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to explore and develop climate change mitigation strategies for two important island states,” said Denise Eby Konan, dean of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s and academic lead for the partnership.

“We envision joint virtual classes, and shared opportunities for field schools and short-term study abroad partnerships. Articulation and transfer pathways from the University of The Bahamas to ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ in key areas of study are also planned in subjects such as economics, social sciences of oceans, and other social sciences programs such as public administration and disaster management.”

Pacific Disaster Center expertise

The MOU signing was the signature event at the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Symposium held in Nassau, The Bahamas. Following the signing, the (PDC), a ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ applied research center, presented findings from its most recent risk assessment in The Bahamas and highlighted the multi-hazard early warning system known as currently in use at the National Emergency Operations Center.

“The advancement in the partnership between UB and ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ builds on the long history between our two island communities and strengthens PDC‘s commitment to evidence-based decision making. Academic partnerships such as this are necessary as we collectively work to build resilience to climate change,” said PDC’s Executive Director Ray Shirkhodai.

PDC and The Bahamas have been collaborating on disaster risk reduction capacity development for more than two decades—from joint planning and preparedness exercises, disaster responses, and national policies and procedures to the recently completed National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment, which has already garnered international recognition. In May, PDC was named the recipient of the United Nations’ Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction for making critical risk information available for operational use and enabling evidence-based decision making through the DisasterAWARE platform.

—By Lisa Shirota

The (HiPAM) was recognized by the Kauaʻi County Council for their “outstanding contributions to Kauaʻi and to the State of Hawaiʻi in addressing the formidable challenges poised by the COVID-19 pandemic.” HiPAM members included University of Hawaiʻi researchers and community professionals in epidemiology, data science, healthcare and others who adapted tools that inform decision making and planning to help improve lives and public health in Hawaiʻi.

The certificate of honor stated, “The Kauaʻi County Council extends its sincere appreciation to HiPAM and its many volunteers who tirelessly work to provide much needed information specific to HawaiÊ»i for the health and safety of our community.”

• Read more ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ News stories on HiPAM.

HiPAM members worked in a voluntary capacity using professional expertise to best help to minimize the disruptions and maximize the health and economic benefits of pending policy decisions. They developed models that assisted decision makers in understanding how different variables and indicators could potentially impact the spread of COVID-19 in a specific region of the state. The purpose of a model was to see how the variables might result in various outcomes based on certain policy frameworks.

“HiPAM members are grateful and honored for the council’s recognition of the value and importance of HiPAM. Our goal has always been to provide the most accurate information to the public and policymakers to make the best possible decisions,” said Victoria Fan, founder and chair of HiPAM, who has served as an associate professor of health policy in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Social Sciences’ .

Monique Chyba, HiPAM mathematician and professor of in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Natural Sciences, added, “HiPAM demonstrated the best of how university partnerships can be relevant to the real world and innovative during a time of crisis.”

Although HIPAM’s models are meant to serve as one of many tools for decision makers, its models have been useful to Hawaiʻi because they captured local cluster data, risk of infection from incoming travelers, and demographic make-up, all of which are specific to the islands.

¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Social Sciences’ Dean Denise Konan said, “The university is an amazing resource that, when harnessed skillfully, can provide and communicate valuable information in the service of the whole community.”

HiPAM closed in June 2022. HiPAM was supported by several sources including the Hawaiʻi Data Collaborative, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Provost’s Office, National Science Foundation, Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Hawaiʻi Department of Defense.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (HPI), which aims to improve health care in Hawaiʻi, was launched thanks to a $10 million multi-year commitment from the Med-QUEST Division of the state Department of Human Services.

Housed in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s , HPI will facilitate public impact research in health analytics under the direction of the , led by Jack Barile. HPI is a cornerstone of the university’s initiative that leverages ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ programs to improve health and health care locally and in the Pacific.

“Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region offer many unique factors that positively impact an individual’s quality of life, from cultural strengths and strong community bonds to access to nature and greenspace,” said Denise Eby Konan, College of Social Sciences dean. “At the same time, our residents experience high rates of health disparities, illness and vulnerabilities. This funding is key to addressing these emerging and chronic health issues and is the focal point of our partnership with Med-QUEST.”

Goals for HPI include:

• Fostering collaboration among ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and government agencies (e.g., the Hawaiʻi departments of health and of human services) to address emerging and chronic health issues via rapid translation of faculty research and participation in working groups.
• Advancing understanding of the causes and consequences of poor health and wellness in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region using diverse research methods.
• Evaluating existing health and social programs to identify and recommend best practices.
• Crafting innovative, research-supported policies and initiatives aimed at improving health and decreasing costs.
• Building the capacity of the state’s workforce and developing future health leaders to work directly with state departments and agencies.

“The Med-QUEST Division is excited to further our partnership with the College of Social Sciences. Working together will enable us to conduct critical research and influence health policy for the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Judy Mohr Peterson, Medicaid director and Med-QUEST administrator.

The Med-QUEST funding will also establish two in the College of Social Sciences to lead and direct HPI, adding valuable research expertise and maximizing research efforts, as well as a number of to support the initiative’s efforts.

This public impact research is an example of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

The mental health of Hawaiʻi adult residents has historically been among the best in the U.S., with the 50th state ranked among the top three states in the country by Mental Health America (No. 1 in released in late 2019, No. 2 in and No. 3 in ). However, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Hawaiʻi residents have reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression compared to previous years.

Since summer 2020, Hawaiʻi has frequently ranked in the bottom half of states for symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the (MMWR) issued in early October 2021 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The MMWR is one of the highest impact journals in the world and CDC’s flagship journal.

The report finds U.S. adults reported experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms more often from August to December 2020 as the number of new COVID-19 cases rose. Anxiety and depression symptoms decreased in the following months, at the same time that cases decreased, but remained higher than in 2019.

“It is likely that the negative impact of the pandemic on Hawaiʻi residents’ mental health, particularly compared to other states, can be partially explained by the harsh economic fallout associated with a limited tourism industry and subsequent job losses,” said Jack Barile, interim director of the in the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s and one of the MMWR study co-authors. “And because Hawaiʻi residents are often only a couple of paychecks away from being unable to cover their debts, any income loss can wreak havoc on their mental health.”

Job loss and mental health

In another recent study co-authored by Barile in the , the association between job loss and poor mental health was particularly pronounced among Americans with annual household incomes of less than $85,000 (assessed prior to job loss), and significantly less pronounced among higher annual income households (above $125,000).

“This suggests that people from lower income households are particularly vulnerable to experiencing poor mental health after job loss compared to higher income households,” said Barile. “While this finding is likely not surprising, it unfortunately reaffirms the host of challenges faced by households who are only a missed paycheck away from financial distress.”

Future research

Barile said research teams are working on several studies aimed at identifying policies that mitigate negative impacts in the work environment, particularly for individuals from lower income households.

This work is an example of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Recent developments, trends and how to address food insecurity for Hawaiʻi families with children is the subject of led by a team of researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s as part of its . According to the “Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity among Hawaiʻi’s Families” report, sustained intervention and system-level changes will be key.

Food insecure households are defined as those lacking enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ study finds that 48% of Hawaiʻi families with children are experiencing food insecurity, with 15% reporting that they did not have enough food in the past week.

These impacts have been greater for low-income families, those with less formal education, certain racial/ethnic groups, and families who live in rural areas. About 76% of families who had reported very low food security had lost employment income due to COVID-19.

¶«¾«Ó°Òµ‘s “Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity among Hawaiʻi’s Families,” analyzed by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a sample of 700-900 people in the state every two weeks; interviews with local stakeholders; and archival data from the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.

Six primary barriers to accessing services and food security were identified. They are:

• A lack of public awareness of available services.
• The stigma and embarrassment associated with needing assistance.
• The differing needs and contexts by impacted families, resulting in an ineffective one-size-fits-all approach to services.
• Transportation barriers.
• Housing insecurity.
• The lack of a coordinated statewide plan for addressing food insecurity.

The report acknowledges that local efforts have increased to address these issues through benefits programs such as or ; prepared meals programs that include free or reduced-price school meals; and emergency solutions including food banks and food distributions. However, despite this expansion of services, data suggest that many food insecure families are still in need.

“Efforts addressing food insecurity have been greatly expanded since last March, yet the need is still increasing,” said Anna Pruitt in the . “Great and effective work is being done, but it’s not enough, and that is concerning.”

The researchers’ suggested recommendations include:

• Developing more tailored approaches to food insecurity and needs. For example, families living unsheltered or in unstable housing may need access to shelf food and delivery of prepared meals; rural families may require transportation assistance or delivery services; and hard-to-reach populations and areas may benefit from mobile outreach to families in unstable housing situations.
• Addressing housing insecurity and transportation barriers. With the recognition of an overlap between food and housing insecurity, food insecurity cannot be solved without also addressing housing insecurity and homelessness. In addition to difficulties storing food, housing insecure families may struggle to secure benefits for which they qualify. In addition, since transportation was an issue for many families experiencing food insecurity, more widespread outreach and service delivery programs are required.
• Enhancing long-term, systems-level solutions and community-based approaches. Communities have existing strengths on which to build, such as community-based food systems creating regional markets that shorten the distance between consumer and farmer. For example, the program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits, could be enhanced since it benefits both SNAP recipients and local farmers affected by the pandemic.
• Considering more flexibility and adaptations in policies. Given that more people are in need than are receiving services, long-held practices should be reviewed. For example, in-person interviews have long been cited as a barrier to accessing SNAP benefits for families with childcare and transportation challenges. Policies should be evaluated based on current needs and not necessarily held to historical practice.

The full 17-page report also includes specific recommendations for policymakers and programs/service systems.

Research team members include:

• Anna Pruitt, research associate and faculty affiliate, Department of Psychology
• Wei Zhang, professor and chair,
• Yanyan Wu, associate professor,
• Omar Bird, doctoral candidate, Department of Sociology
• Brad Nakamura, co-director, ; professor, Department of Psychology
• Jack Barile, interim director, ; associate professor, Department of Psychology

“Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity among Hawaiʻi’s Families” is presented by the College of Social Sciences at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, in partnership with . It is part of the Social Sciences Effect series, which is aimed toward solving Hawaiʻi’s most urgent societal challenges through bold, collaborative action.

This work is an example of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Wearing a face covering in public is dependent upon how often people observe others wearing them, according to recent findings. Other important motivating factors are among findings of a national study undertaken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through lead author Jack Barile, interim director of the in University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

More than 1,000 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, who are representative of the U.S. population by gender, age, region, race/ethnicity and education, were surveyed.

“In this study, we examined what motivators are behind an individual’s choice to wear or not wear a face covering in public,” Barile said. “This understanding is critical to developing successful messaging strategies to encourage acceptance and use of face coverings to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.”

The study suggests that being female, perceived importance of others wanting the respondent to wear a face covering, confidence to wear a face covering and perceived importance of personal face covering use were all factors positively associated with intention to wear a face covering in public.

Exploring barriers to use of face coverings

No evidence was found that a perceived susceptibility to becoming ill and a perceived severity of COVID-19 correlated with an increase in the intent to use a face covering in public.

“The survey allowed us to explore both the barriers and facilitators to the public’s use of face coverings, as well as to identify possible pathways through which the use of face coverings while in public could be increased among the U.S. population,” Barile said. “Based on our findings, it is possible that messaging strategies that focus on susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 may not be as effective as targeting actions that influence individual intentions and social norms.”

Barile noted that, while distributions of the first vaccine to prevent COVID-19 have begun in the U.S., health officials predict that it will be months before the vaccine is readily available to all individuals who seek it.

“This makes mask wearing in public, especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain, an essential component in the continuing effort to reduce the virus’ transmission,” he said.

The in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s flagship journal. It publishes original empirical articles on behavioral medicine and the integration of biological, psychosocial and behavioral factors and principles.

While there has been an increase in the number of Americans wearing cloth face coverings in public due to COVID-19, more education is needed to encourage audiences to consistently and effectively use face coverings. Those are the findings of a national study undertaken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ faculty member. The on July 14 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which is considered the “voice of the CDC.”

Data results

On April 3, 2020, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, higher rates of cloth face covering use were observed from April to May and remained sustained.

Among the survey participants who reported leaving their homes, 61.9 percent reported using a cloth face covering in April; this percentage increased to 76.4 percent in May. Higher prevalence estimates of cloth face covering use were also reported in May compared to April for all socio-demographic groups, with the largest increases occurring among those 65 years of age or older, residing in the Midwest and White, non-Hispanic people. Overall, the highest rates of face covering use in May occurred among Black, non-Hispanic people, those ages 30–39, and those living in the Northeast.

“Wearing a cloth face covering is one of the most important behaviors we can do to protect ourselves and those around us. We were happy to observe that face covering usage has increased but additional work still needs to be done,” said Jack Barile, co-author and interim director of the in the . “I have been happy to see local leaders modeling this behavior. Social distancing and the use of cloth face coverings are critical to preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2.”

Next steps

The study said public health messages should target audiences not wearing cloth face coverings and reinforce positive attitudes, perceived norms, personal agency, and the physical and health benefit of obtaining and wearing cloth face coverings consistently and correctly.

“Research among persons who report not wearing a cloth face covering while in public is needed to understand potential barriers and to shape services or messages that would facilitate and encourage adoption of this recommendation,” said the report.

By using the Facebook social networking platform, sheltered homeless in Hawaiʻi can improve their lives in ways ranging from online job searches to strengthening their connections with family and friends.

That was the finding from a research team led by Wayne Buente, an associate professor in the in the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (CSS). The .

Study details

A survey of 148 people at two homeless shelters in Honolulu examined Facebook use vs. non-use, and found that Facebook users were:

• Younger and more likely to be female.
• More likely to have their own cell phones, have access to the internet from their cell phones and be heavier cell phone users.
• More likely to use the app for online job searches than to look for housing.
• Exhibited higher levels of bonding with close friends and loved ones, including family, which was especially critical during times of trouble.

“Our study demonstrates how the use of Facebook can lead to improving the homeless condition,” said Buente. “As a social media platform with a focus on social networks, Facebook can help homeless individuals keep in touch with close friends who can provide them with critical social support and help. In addition, using Facebook may improve human capital by helping homeless individuals to acquire a job or improve internet literacy.”

The researchers noted that Native Hawaiians represented a majority—almost one-third or 31.8 percent—of homeless shelter guests in the study, a finding confirmed by other government and nonprofit agency reports.

Researchers

Buente serves as graduate chair in the School of Communications. He has pursued research projects that examine issues relating to information systems, digital inequality, social media and health disparities. His classes look at the interplay between society and information and communication technologies.

Collaborators on the research team were Rachel Neo, a communications assistant professor at CSS; Luz Quiroga, a retired associate professor in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s and Library and Information Science Program; and Joseph Greene, a doctoral student in in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s College of Education and instructional designer at Texas Tech University Health Services Center.

Research was funded by the in CSS and supported by the Institute for Human Services.

—By Lisa Shirota

An interdisciplinary research team from the and the (NTBG) demonstrated how collaboratively-developed forest restoration in can increase community benefits and improve resilience at lower cost than standard forest restoration programs. Because conservation managers are increasingly faced with making restoration decisions constrained by multiple goals and limited budgets, the research team collaborated with conservation professionals at Limahuli to co-design research that will directly inform adaptive management.

Specifically, authors of “” in Conservation Letters asked how manager-defined ecological, hydrologic and cultural metrics of success and long-term management costs vary across different restoration strategies.

The researchers focused on the ahupuaʻa of ±áÄåʻ±ð²Ô²¹ on Kauaʻi Island, and evaluated unrestored forest and forests restored to different states—ranging from a pre-human arrival state, to a “hybrid” state that includes mixes of native and non-native species of cultural importance. Their study site was Limahuli Valley, a 400-hectare nature preserve managed by NTBG in the most biodiverse ecoregion of the Hawaiian archipelago, which is home to dozens of endangered plants and birds found nowhere else on earth. They found that restoring forest to a hybrid state provided many of the same services that a restored ‘pre-human’ state can provide, but at a much lower cost. They also found it increased two important services: cultural value and resilience to disturbance such as hurricanes.

Kimberly Burnett, specialist with the (¶«¾«Ó°ÒµERO) and lead author of the study, said, “While conservation managers cannot make realistic decisions without considering costs, these type of tradeoff analyses are rare in restoration research. Our study provides a framework to consider these costs and benefits, while providing specific management direction for Limahuli and generalizable lessons for restoration strategies around the world.”

Tamara Ticktin, co-author on the study, professor of botany and principal investigator on the National Science Foundation grant that funded the research, added, “Like any restoration strategy, hybrid forest restoration also has its limitations. Our study concluded that hybrid forests can be an excellent strategy within a landscape mosaic that also includes more expensive restoration strategies needed to preserve the most endangered species. The value of our multidisciplinary approach is that it provides a powerful tool for resource managers to take into consideration the different metrics that are important to them, and to make more informed decisions about what that landscape mosaic of restored forest could look like.”

Read more at the .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (PHIDC) is now the official hub for storing statewide health data that will ensure that all U.S. health records are upheld. Formerly known as Telecommunications and Social Informatics, the name change acknowledges the center’s new role within the in the .

TASI-PHIDC will serve as a health data repository for claims data for (SHPDA). In this capacity, the center will provide the agency with the necessary expertise and support to analyze Medicare, Medicaid and EUTF claims data in support of relevant research on critical issues affecting healthcare such as policy and costs, quality, service gaps and disparities.

“Hawaiʻi is a leader in health and healthcare, and consistently ranks high in many national health ratings. This is due in large part to the state’s progressive public health legislation that provides access to healthcare services to the larger population,” said , dean of the College of Social Sciences. “Like states across the nation, however, Hawaiʻi is faced with rising costs and other issues that negatively impact patient healthcare. The Pacific Health Informatics and Data Center focuses the efforts of Hawaiʻi’s State Health Planning and Development Agency and will help to bring fresh perspectives on these issues.”

TASI-PHIDC was designated by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to support efforts to receive and analyze claims data to improve understanding of health-care costs, increase transparency of healthcare information and, through research and analysis, develop strategies and initiatives that improve care, population health and access while lessening health disparities and costs.

Richard Taylor, an internationally renowned telecommunications and information policy expert at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , recently presented at the . Held in December of 2015 in the town of Wuzhen in China’s eastern Zhejiang province, the conference focused on global internet governance system reform.

Themed “An Interconnected World Shared and Governed by All,” the three-day event attracted more than 2,000 government officials, industry leaders and experts from 120 countries.

Taylor, one of only two American scholar presenters, spoke on U.S. policies and strategies to encourage small- and medium-sized businesses to adopt broadband information technologies.

The summit in Wuzhen was the second World Internet Conference sponsored by the and the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government. The first conference was held in 2014 and hosted individuals from more than 100 countries. The World Internet Conference is China’s first internet conference of this type and scale.

More on Taylor

Taylor is the distinguished professor in residence in the at the at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa. He works with faculty and students in Social Science Research Institute and the in securing funding and donor support and developing initiatives in the field of information and communication technology.

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Richard Taylor, an internationally renowned telecommunications and information policy expert, has been named Distinguished Professor in Residence in the in the College of Social Sciences at the . Taylor, Emeritus Palmer chair and professor of telecommunications studies and law at , will work with faculty and students in Social Science Research Institute and the in securing funding and donor support and developing initiatives in the field of information and communication technology.

“We are delighted to have someone of Richard Taylor’s caliber in the Social Science Research Institute,” said College of Social Sciences Dean Denise Konan. “He is a great resource not only for our students, but also the broader community. There is no doubt that Richard’s presence will raise the prominence and prestige of the college and the university.”

More on Taylor

Taylor, the founding co-editor-in-chief of the and the founding co-director of the Penn State Institute for Information Policy, has held many offices and received many honors. He was chairman of the Board of Governors of the (2013-2015), where he currently remains on the board. He was also a member of President Barack Obama’s Telecommunications Policy Advisory Committee.

For the last six years, he has organized and co-chaired a semi-annual series of experts’ workshops, funded by a multi-year grant from The Ford Foundation, to make scholarly research accessible to policymakers. His work has received support from Verizon, IBM, Google, AT&T, Microsoft, T-Mobile and the Social Science Research Council, among others. In 2002, he was appointed an IBM Faculty Partner for his work in the area of information metrics.

Taylor has also published widely on information communication technology activities in the Pacific Region, including Information Technology Parks of the Asia Pacific: Lessons for the Regional Digital Divide, with Meheroo Jussawalla (Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, 2003), Beyond Broadband Access: Developing Data-Based Information Policy Strategies, with Professor Amit Schejter (New York: Fordham University Press, 2013) and Information Policy in the Age of the Network Economy (in Chinese), with Zhou Hongren and Zhang Bin (Beijing: Publishing House of Electronics Industry, 2014).

—By Lisa Shirota