GOVERNOR LINGLE NAMES DR. CHIYOME FUKINO AS DIRECTOR OF HEALTH; DR. JANE KADOHIRO AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR
HONOLULU-Governor Linda Lingle today announced the appointment of Chiyome Leinaala Fukino, M.D. as state health director and Jane K. Kadohiro, Dr.P.H., A.P.R.N., C.D.E. as deputy health director. Fukino will serve as chief health and environmental official for the state and oversee the operations of the department. Kadohiro will have overall administrative responsibilities for the department.
"Drs. Fukino and Kadohiro have the depth of experience and knowledge in the medical field to carry out the duties of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of Hawai`i's people," said Governor Lingle. "Under their leadership, the Department of Health will move to provide greater diversity in our public health education and prevention programs, with increased emphasis on Native Hawaiians. In addition, we will work with the medical community, insurance providers and government agencies to increase the availability and affordability of health care for our citizens."
Chiyome Fukino, M.D.
Fukino, who has had a private practice in internal medicine since 1985 and
serves part time on the medical staff of Leahi Hospital, has broad
experience in working with Hawai`i's healthcare facilities. She was the
medical director of Queen's Physician Group from 1996 to 1999; a contract
consultant with Kahi Mohalu from 1988 to 1992; and a physician with Fronk
Clinic from 1982 to 1985.
Much of Fukino's professional work and research has focused on the health of Native Hawaiians. Her research projects have included AIDS Education Curriculum for Native Hawaiians and No Ka Pono O Ke Ola O Na Poku, a Native Hawaiian health curriculum for children and parents.
Through her involvement with E Ola Mau, a nonprofit organization of Native Hawaiian healthcare providers dedicated to improving the health of Native Hawaiians, Fukino has also worked on conferences that address ancient Hawaiian healing practices and their role in today's medical practice. She currently chairs the Hawaii Medical Association's Native Hawaiian Health Committee.
Fukino is a graduate of the University of Hawai`i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Brandeis University, and Kamehameha Schools.
"Governor Lingle has entrusted me with a great honor and a tremendous responsibility to oversee the health and well being of the people of Hawai`i," said Fukino. "I take great pride in my ability to bring together diverse groups from the medical community and the public and private sectors to look at new ways to address healthcare challenges of our state."
Jane K. Kadohiro, Dr.P.H., A.P.R.N, C.D.E.
Influenced by her own diabetes for the past 48 years, Kadohiro has dedicated
her life as a public health professional and nurse. She has been at the
University of Hawai`i School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene since 1991 where
she has conducted research in diabetes among youth, and has taught classes
in community health nursing, health promotion and education, and management
for health professionals.
Kadohiro was a nurse investigator for the Honolulu Heart Program and a certified diabetes educator for Queen's Medical Center. She has held a number of positions with State Department of Health, including administrator for chronic disease programs; acting chief of the Preventive Health Services Branch; home health services coordinator; founder and project coordinator for the state hypertension program and state diabetes control program; and public health nurse with the Public Health Nursing Branch.
Kadohiro earned numerous academic degrees from University of Hawai`i, and recently completed post-doctoral work in diabetes research at Yale University.
"I have a broad variety of professional and volunteer experiences that I will draw upon to serve the people of Hawai`i in this capacity," said Kadohiro. "I look forward to working with Dr. Fukino and the many dedicate personnel at DOH."
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Lenny Klompus, Senior Advisor-Communications
808-586-0034
Russell Pang, Chief of Media Relations
808-586-0034
