Pacific Health Ministry (PHM) was founded on the belief that each new day presents an opportunity to bring about positive change in the world. Established in 1986 to develop hospital ministry and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs in Hawaiʻi, PHM brings a creative perspective and innovative approach to all aspects of our organization. Operating as a non-profit, PHM prides itself on its commitment to meeting the needs of the local community.
A vital element of PHM’s mission is outreach and communication. Our monthly newsletter, Ka Lā Hiki Ola, keeps our community of friends, members and donors updated on exciting news and projects within our organization. When deciding a name for the e-newsletter, our team knew we wanted something rooted in the local community that also reflects our core values. Today, we explore the meaning behind our chosen name Ka Lā Hiki Ola, and how we apply it to our work.
Ka Lā Hiki Ola can be closely translated to “the dawning of a new day.” This interpretation offers up the idea of embracing new beginnings and making the most of our opportunities. However, it is a phrase flush with profound kaona (hidden meaning) that extends far beyond the literal translation. Further significance can be interpreted as ‘this day wherein new life is possible, and much can be realized’ and, ‘this certainty of abundant new opportunity, and its optimistic attitude of immediately accessible likelihood.’
In the words of Rosa Say, a Hawaiʻi native who applied Hawaiian traditions in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, “Ka Lā Hiki Ola encourages us to make Pono today and not as a lofty distant goal; to let go of yesterday and let go of everything irrelevant to the right now. Give yourself hope in this very moment, not just in tomorrow. Live again, and live better—start a new chapter going forward. Enjoy your present; focus on what matters, and relish the now. The experience has prepared us for this very moment in time, and it is up to us to embrace the challenges that are presented. In a sense, Ka Lā Hiki Ola is the acceptance of responsibility for the new day.”
At PHM, Ka Lā Hiki Ola reminds us to accept responsibility for each new challenge as we grow and evolve in order to cater to the needs of the local community. The dawning of a new day is a reminder that each day serves as a new opportunity to bring about change, make an impact, and fulfill our commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi.
The idea of accepting responsibility for the new day is a mission for which PHM strives. However, like the phrase Ka Lā Hiki Ola, the value we derive from the lesson extends far beyond the workplace. While it drives us to be better chaplains, caregivers, and spiritual leaders, Ka Lā Hiki Ola also reminds us to be better parents, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors. We strive to view each day, and each coming challenge, as an opportunity to make our mark and fulfill the needs of the community.
During these challenging times, we have all too often been forced to reevaluate what we hold precious in our lives. However, the message of Ka Lā Hiki Ola has never been more fitting. As each day brings about unexpected changes and challenges, we accept the responsibility to face them with our best foot forward each and every time. With this in mind, we encourage you to join us in our mission of Ka Lā Hiki Ola, to accept responsibility of the coming day, today.
As we approach this new day together, let us remember that each day is in itself an opportunity to start fresh; to view challenges optimistically; and to remember the promises we make to ourselves and to the greater community.