WAIMEA — Dr. Gerard Akaka is a true native son.
WAIMEA — Dr. Gerard Akaka is a true native son.
Last spring, when he heard the CEO of Queens Hospital discuss the need for more primary care physicians in North Hawaii — and pinpointed care for Native Hawaiians in particular — he felt for his people and knew he had to help.
And that’s exactly what he’s doing.
An Oahu resident, Dr. Akaka now travels to the Big Island one week each month to work at the North Hawaii Wellness and Primary Care Clinic in the Hale Ola Pono building in Waimea. He’s not just a temporary addition; he plans to continue coming for as long as he’s needed.
Through his work, Dr. Akaka has three goals: to increase the number of Hawaiians who have primary care providers, to connect with the community, and to connect the community with North Hawaii Community Hospital.
“My hope is that in the future, all Hawaiians will have primary care providers,” he said.
As a physician who specializes in internal medicine, Dr. Akaka knows only too well the health risks facing Native Hawaiians. According to the American Academy of Neurology, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders may be at a higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age — up to 10 years younger. They also have a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension and cigarette smoking, the major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
“If people knew they had high blood pressure and were monitoring and treating it, or if they had access to health care with medication and education, maybe we wouldn’t be having strokes 10 years younger,” Dr. Akaka said.
Currently, he is seeing patients the third week of every month. Soon, Dr. Akaka will also be meeting people outside the clinic at community outreach events that will offer medical screenings, such as blood pressure checks, and a chance to talk story about health.
“Through outreach, people will be able to ask questions and get clarification about their specific health care needs,” he said. “We will also talk about cancer screenings and discuss whether or not someone has diabetes so they can get the medical care, medications and dietary education they need.”
Dr. Akaka is part of a group of individuals who provide a teamwork approach to health care at the clinic. Patients with complex medical issues will obviously see a primary care physician and may even be referred to a specialist if necessary, but for a routine follow-up or checkup, Dr. Akaka said, “A nurse practitioner with patient history could probably do it better than me.”
In January 2014, North Hawaii Community Hospital became part of The Queen’s Health Systems. As the hospital’s affiliation with Queen’s progresses, services are being ramped up and staff in many different departments are working hard to get things stabilized and make sure people are comfortable with their surroundings.
“We want the community to feel comfortable that we’re here and we’re trustworthy,” Dr. Akaka said.
His teammates in the wellness clinic include Primary Care Physician Dr. John Kurap, Family Practice Obstetrician Dr. Natalie Kehau Ah-Yin Kong, Family Nurse Practitioner Lokenani Kealoha Souza and Dr. Jennifer De Costa, a behavioral specialist.
Dr. Akaka currently serves as vice president of Medical Affairs for The Queen’s Medical Center. He joined Queen’s in 2002 as medical director of The Queen’s Emma Clinics and previously served as medical director of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, earned a bachelor of science degree from UH-Manoa and his MD from John A. Burns School of Medicine, where he completed his intern and residency programs.
Dr. Akaka is one of five children born to Hawaii’s recently retired U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka and his wife Millie, who live on Oahu. His father was the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry. His brother, Danny “Kaniela” Akaka Jr., is a familiar face on the Big Island as director of cultural affairs at Mauna Lani Resort and a respected kahu often called upon to conduct traditional Hawaiian blessings around the island with his wife, Anna.
Reflecting on his own career, Sen. Akaka said all he ever wanted to do was help people. With what they’re doing now on the Big Island, it’s heartwarming to see his legacy carried on through the work of his sons.
Info: 887-2273
The North Hawaii Wellness and Primary Care Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. All major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, are accepted.