Kahoomiki

Posted by Kahoomiki on December 2nd, 2008


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Organizational Background

Kahoʻomiki was organized as Governor’s Council under the John Waihee administration more than 20 years ago, but transitioned to Hawai‘i’s Council on Physical Activity when Governor Ben Cayetano was elected to office. After serving a number of years as a statewide clearing house for physical activity advocates, Kahoʻomiki reorganized and incorporated as a 501c3 non profit in 2003 with the purpose of supporting and funding the activities of a proposed Governor’s Council under Governor Linda Lingle and continuing their service as a community coalition of public and private partners interested in the promotion of physical activity.  The primary roles and functions of Kaho’omiki include the following:

Kahoʻomiki has been affiliated with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and was a member of the National Association of Governor’s Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports, now known as the National Association for Health and Fitness.  Both organizations exist to improve the quality of life for individuals in the United States through the promotion of physical fitness, sports, and healthy lifestyles, and support and foster the organization of Governor’s and State Councils on physical fitness and sports in every state and U.S. territory.  Currently, 37 states have active councils that promote physical fitness for persons of all ages and abilities.

A New Kahoʻomiki

In 2004, Kahoʻomiki attempted to renew a working relationship with the State Department of Health that would allow the organizations to collectively address physical inactivity in Hawaiʻi, combat the obesity epidemic, and develop and coordinate statewide efforts to improve the health of our communities. This proposal by the Kaho‘omiki Board of Directors was modeled after similar successes achieved in other states, including Colorado, Arizona, and California. Similar to Hawaiʻi, those Councils are community-driven through public-private partnerships with a centralized nonprofit serving in a fiduciary role.

In May 2005, Kahoʻomiki signed a letter of agreement with the Dept. of Health agreeing to terms that would achieve this goal, position Kahoʻomiki in their ongoing role as the clearinghouse for physical activity advocates and initiatives in the state, and allow the organizations to collaborate and partner on achieving the objectives of the state’s new physical activity and nutrition strategic plan.

At this time, Kahoʻomiki was contacted by HMSA to consider adopting the Fun 5 program, an after school physical and nutrition program for elementary aged children developed by HMSA and the University of Hawaiʻi.  The transition of the Fun 5 program from HMSA to Kahoʻomiki provided an appropriate, meaningful, and timely opportunity to reaffirm their mission by hosting a bona fide, evidence-based physical activity initiative in which the core components have already been established and funded.  Fun 5 validates the need for Kahoʻomiki and allows the organization to reposition itself with an established program that requires a high level of commitment, ongoing support, funding, analysis, and quality improvement. With a new foundation and renewed spirit, Kahoʻomiki will have the experience and success to be able to move forward on other proposed public-private partnerships and initiatives that contribute to their mission and sustain the organization.

Vision Statement

A physically active and healthy community – from keiki to kupuna – engaged in active recreation, sports, fitness and play.

Mission Statement

To actively support and encourage lifelong physical activity that enhances the quality of life of Hawaiʻi residents.

Organizational Values

• A physically active lifestyle is critical to lifelong health and happiness.
• People of all ages, abilities and socioeconomic status must have opportunities to participate in a variety active recreation and sports and enjoy the long term benefits of a physically active lifestyle.
• Collaboration with the public and private sector, including government and businesses, is necessary to achieve lifelong, lifestyle changes.
• Physical activity, active recreation, fitness and sports contribute to not just individual health, but the social and economic well-being of Hawaii’s schools, communities and industries.