Lyman Museum Gets Grant/Ohana Health Employees Donate

In September, the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation approved a very generous grant to the Lyman Museum in the amount of $100,000, which will be awarded throughout a four-year period in support of a new Island Heritage Gallery.

This grant was made to assist in the redesign and updating of the gallery, which will present a multifaceted, multicultural history of the Hawaiian Islands from settlement to the present day.

In their award letter, FHB Foundation officers Sharon Shiroma Brown and David Honma cited the historical and educational value that the Lyman Museum brings to the Hilo community and visitors.

“We are pleased to be among your supporters and send best wishes for your Island Heritage Gallery,” said the letter.

The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation is one of the top corporate contributors to charities in Hawaii, donating $4 million each year to support more than 400 nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.

The new Island Heritage Gallery is expected to open to the public during the summer of next year.

‘Ohana Health Plan’s 260 employees throughout the state, including those on the Big Island, rallied together in the spirit of giving, collecting and donating more than 5,600 pounds of food and beverages to the Hawaii Foodbank.

During their month-long food drive, ‘Ohana Health Plan employees participated in the “Amazing ‘Ohana Race” and the “10 for 10 Challenge” to encourage employees to make a difference 1 pound at a time. Of the more than 5,600 pounds collected, ‘Ohana Health Plan’s Hawaii Island employees, who make up 10 percent of the company’s total number of employees, accounted for 21 percent, or 1,190 pounds of food, of the total collected.

“Every day, we work hard to provide health care coverage and assistance to Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations, many of whom rely on the services provided by Hawaii Foodbank,” said Scott Sivik, state president of ‘Ohana Health Plan. “I am proud of our employees who continue to rise to the occasion, generously giving of their time and resources to those in need and making a difference in the communities we serve.”

‘Ohana Health Plan’s employees have participated in Hawaii Foodbank’s annual food drive for the past four years.

Hawaii Foodbank serves 287,000 people each year, gathering donated food from local businesses and communities, storing it and distributing it through charitable agencies that provide services to those in need.

‘Ohana Health Plan has more than 260 employees in Hawaii and serves approximately 49,000 members. Since 2008, ‘Ohana Health Plan has served members throughout Hawaii and has taken WellCare’s national experience and develop an ‘Ohana Health Plan care model that addresses local members’ health care and health coordination needs.

For more information, visit www.ohanahealthplan.com.