This event celebrated our community leaders, advocates and employers who dedicated themselves to promoting mental wellness and improving the care of people with mental health challenges through positive and innovative programs and leadership. MHAH Mahalo Award recipients were recognized in six categories relating to mental health care, advocacy, leadership, and support. In addition to these, MHAH, along with its partner PBS Hawaiʻi, also recognized five youth from across the state with a Student Voice Award. These students, who’ve participated in PBS Hawaiʻi’s HIKI NŌ program, were recognized for their courage to share their stories.
Mental Health America of Hawai`i is the oldest mental health organization in the state and Hawaiʻi’s leading voice for mental health advocacy, working to increase access to care and reduce discrimination against people living with mental illness.
2024 Mental Health Mahalo Awardees
Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader
Tina Boteilho, LMFT
Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader
Seeds of Wellbeing
Outstanding Government Leader
Tia L.R. Hartsock
Outstanding Government Leader
Marian Tsuji
Outstanding Adult Mental Health Consumer Advocate
Brysen Poulton
Outstanding Youth Mental Health Advocate
Tianna Webster
Outstanding Family Advocate
Susan McGovern
Outstanding Employer
La Pietra – Hawaiʻi School for Girls
In addition to the Mahalo Awards, Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi, along with its partners at PBS Hawaiʻi, recognized five Student Voice Awardees. Students from across the state, who participated in PBS Hawai`i’s HIKI NŌ program, were considered for the courage to raise their voices, chronicle personal challenges and triumphs, and to share their story whole heartedly.
2024 Student Voice Awardees
Mari Iwata
Waiākea High School
“Taking a Swing”
Kamamalu Kauwe
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School
“Shadow Monster”
Eli O’Meara and Zetta Freitas
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
“The Person I Am”
Arlo Spiro and Taylor McClung
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
“A Fresh Start”
Jadynn-Kalena Young
Pearl City High School
“How Hula Changed My Life”
Entertainment provided by Wil Tafolo
Wil Tafolo is a multi-instrumentalist and singer raised on the island of Oahu. He’s been playing music professionally since 2009. He plays locally with a number of acts including Tavana, Mango Season, Herb Ohta Jr, and Kailua Moon. He also tours extensively with Shing02.