Our team spent a week on Kauaʻi doing what we love most. Listening, learning, and connecting with the community. Throughout the week we traveled across the island, visiting different regions and gathering with residents and local organizations to talk story about digital access, telehealth, and the everyday barriers people face when trying to connect to care.
What we heard was powerful! Many residents shared that they were navigating healthcare with limited internet access, shared devices within households, or uncertainty about how to use telehealth platforms and patient portals. Others simply did not know what digital resources were available to them.
These conversations helped us better understand the digital barriers people experience across the island. More importantly, they helped us identify opportunities to support the community in meaningful ways.
During the week, we connected with more than 200 residents, offering hands-on support such as setting up patient portals, downloading health apps, troubleshooting devices, answering insurance questions, and providing digital literacy coaching. Many community members also requested follow-up support so they can continue building confidence using technology to access care.
But the most meaningful outcome was not just the services provided. It was the relationships formed.
During our visits we met incredible local leaders who are already caring for their communities every day. One of those connections was with Donna and the team at Laulima Nā ʻOhana, a community organization dedicated to strengthening families and supporting the well-being of Kauaʻi residents.
Partnerships like this help create sustainable pathways for digital access by working alongside trusted organizations that understand the needs of their communities.
As Hawaiʻi continues building a stronger telehealth and digital access network, these relationships will play an important role in helping residents connect to the tools and resources they need.
Our week on Kauaʻi reminded us of something simple but important. Meaningful change starts with listening.
And sometimes the most impactful work begins with a conversation.