Public Announcement

Dear Valued Partners,

After fifteen remarkable years with the Hawaii Primary Care Association (HPCA), I have made the decision to retire as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2025.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside the HPCA team and board, and all of you, our valued partners. Together we have navigated challenges, celebrated breakthroughs, and built a movement that I am immensely proud to have been part of. The resilience, creativity, and dedication I’ve witnessed every day have made this journey deeply rewarding, and I am forever grateful for your trust and support.

Following a thoughtful and thorough succession process led by our Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce that Emily Chung will succeed me as Chief Executive Officer, effective January, 2026.

Emily brings exceptional leadership experience, a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission and values. Most recently, she served as the Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Cruz. I have every confidence that she is the ideal leader to guide the HPCA and Hawaii’s Federally Qualified Health Centers into the next chapter of their incredible journey.

As I prepare to step back, my heart is full of gratitude and optimism. HPCA is stronger, more capable, and better positioned for the future than ever before—thanks to all of you. I am confident that under Emily’s leadership, it will reach even greater heights.

Thank you once again for an extraordinary run. I look forward to cheering all of you on from the sidelines.

With deepest appreciation,

Robert Hirokwa

Chief Executive Officer

Doing what's right for Hawai‘i

our mission

The Hawai‘i Primary Care Association improves the health of communities in need by advocating for, expanding access to, and sustaining high quality health care through our statewide network of Community Health Centers. We believe in nurturing vibrant and healthy communities that work together, and are committed to the partnerships, innovation, and teamwork that will transform our health care system and improve the lives of all Hawai‘i’s people.

For over thirty years, the Hawai‘i Primary Care Association has been working on behalf of vulnerable populations throughout our state, and helping to establish access to primary health care services for everyone. HPCA has developed strong, productive partnerships with providers, health care organizations, lawmakers, policy officials, and public advocates to improve quality and access for over 150,000 people.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Hawai‘i’s Community Health Centers operate from fifteen health centers across all major islands, and provide quality, comprehensive health care services to more than 150,000 people statewide. If you’ve recently become uninsured, we can help provide the care you need.

health care for all

We remain committed to the cause of health care access for all and believe a strong primary care infrastructure, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations, is essential for our island communities. We are focused on issues related to developing and sustaining that infrastructure, and preparing Community Health Centers for the future.