Na Hoa Malama 2024
Join us for a night of remembrance and support during our annual Na Hoa Malama principal fundraiser. Held every November to coincide with National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, the event is a reminder of the important role we play in the journeys of our patients and their families, and provides an opportunity for others to get involved in our mission.
Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green will serve as honorary co-hosts of this year’s Vintage Hawaii themed event, which will be held at Washington Place on November 2. We will induct two outstanding individuals to our Hall of Heroes and recognize various community awardees, whose work has impacted thousands of lives and benefitted our community in countless ways.
All proceeds allow us to continue providing high-quality integrated care and hospice care to our community with the ultimate goal of bringing hope, reducing fear and impacting lives.
2024 Hall of Heroes Honorees
Hall of Heroes
Aaron Wilkerson
Aaron Wilkerson was a loving brother and son, who brought joy into the lives of everyone he met. At just three years old, Aaron was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare disease that attacks the nervous system. Being the only one diagnosed with this disease in the state, Aaron was a fearless warrior. He faced challenges head on, making the most of life up until the very end.
Carol Costa
Carol Costa was a dedicated public servant, who constantly demonstrated her unwavering commitment to helping the people of Hawaii. Known as the ‘mother’ of Honolulu’s beloved City Lights celebration, her legacy continues to spread cheer among thousands of residents and visitors every year. She worked with former Mayors Frank Fasi, Eileen Anderson and Jeremy Harris, before retiring in 2004, following three decades serving the City and County of Honolulu.
Community Awardees
Kaiser ALS Clinic
Healthcare Organization of the Year
Kaiser ALS Clinic treats individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurodegenerative condition that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. With patients experiencing rapidly debilitating symptoms, the clinic provides services that are crucial to maintaining their quality of life.
Staff go above and beyond to ensure their patients receive the best care by taking the time to discuss referrals, continuing to follow up after admission, and building close relationships with patients and their families. Under their care, no one has to go through their ALS journey alone.
Dr. Susan Christensen
Healthcare Professional of the Year
As a primary care provider in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care setting for Queen’s University Medical Group, Dr. Susan Christensen works alongside Navian Hawaii nurses to impact the lives of those nearing the end of their journeys.
She is an innovator, who is always seeking better ways to serve her patients. A graduate of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Dr. Christensen is a seasoned family physician serving assisted living and long-term care residents. Additionally, she supports future generations of doctors as an assistant professor of Geriatric Medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Liz Watanabe
Community Supporter of the Year
Since 2018, Elizabeth “Liz” Watanabe has been a strong supporter of Navian Hawaii through her generous contributions of time, effort and funds. As a local restaurateur, she has donated meals to pediatric patients and their families and named Navian Hawaii the beneficiary of numerous fundraisers at her various businesses.
Liz is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife and mother, who inspires others with her dedication, compassion and love for the community.
Barry & Virginia Weinman
Philanthropists of the Year
Barry and Virginia Weinman are true titans of generosity and spirit, who have touched countless lives through their unwavering commitment to the advancement of medicine and education.
As co-founders of the Weinman Foundation, they have provided full medical school scholarships for 36 aspiring physicians; established the Weinman Dean’s Chair at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; and hosted the Weinman Symposium for 14 years, bringing together international experts in science and medicine to tackle the challenges of cancer research.
After Virginia’s passing in July 2023, Barry made a generous donation to complete the construction of Navian Hawaii’s Kailua Home to create a space where one’s final days could be worry-free, allowing them to pass with dignity and in comfort. He died peacefully nine months after his beloved wife.
Na Hoa Malama Sponsors
Koa: $15,000
Lehua: $10,000
Kukui: $5,000
