UHA is Honored to Support Project Vision’s Launch of Maui HieHie Mobile Hygiene Trailer

New Service Now Available to Support Maui Community

Kahului, Maui – April 16, 2025 – Project Vision Hawai‘i proudly celebrated the launch of its newest HieHie mobile hygiene trailer today at the Lahaina Resource and Recovery Center, located at 150 Hana Hwy. The blessing ceremony, held at 12:00 PM, marked the official introduction of this vital resource to Maui, bringing free showers and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“As a physician-founded and homegrown company, wellness and access to care are at the heart of what we do at UHA Health Insurance,” explains Howard Lee, president and CEO. “As such, Project Vision shares our founders’ vision of a healthier Hawai‘i, and we are honored to continue our support of the island’s recovery by helping bring the HieHie Mobile Hygiene Trailer to the most vulnerable on Maui. The lives of countless individuals and families will be improved because of the needed services that this invaluable outreach program will bring to their communities.”

The event drew community members, local leaders, and partners who joined in a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Pastor Greg Dela Cruz of Living Way Church to honor the trailer’s purpose: restoring dignity and hope. Attendees toured the state-of-the-art mobile unit, which features private showers, restrooms, laundry, and hygiene supplies, and learned about its role in Maui’s ongoing homeless outreach efforts. With the ceremony complete, the HieHie trailer is now operational and ready to serve the community.

“We’re overwhelmed by the support we received today,” said Darrah Kauhane, Executive Director of Project Vision Hawai‘i. “This trailer is a testament to what we can achieve together. It’s already making a difference by providing a clean, safe space for people to refresh and rebuild their confidence.”

The HieHie program—named for the Hawaiian word meaning “dignity”—extends Project Vision Hawai‘i’s mission to meet people where they are. The Maui trailer will operate regularly across Maui County, offering not only showers and laundry services, but also connections to wound care, case management, and other resources through partnerships with local organizations. This launch builds on the success of Project Vision’s hygiene units on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i, where thousands of showers have been provided since 2018.

The realization of this project was made possible through generous donations from Scott Steffens and Family, UHA Health Insurance, Matson, and collaborative efforts, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting Maui’s most vulnerable. Project Vision Hawai‘i extends its gratitude to all who contributed and participated in today’s milestone event.

For those interested in supporting the HieHie program through donations or volunteering, or for more information on its schedule and services, email [email protected] or call (808) 201-3937.

About Project Vision Hawai‘i
Project Vision Hawai‘i is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare and essential services for underserved communities across Hawai‘i. Through initiatives like the HieHie mobile hygiene program, the organization delivers practical solutions with compassion and respect.

About UHA Health Insurance
UHA Health Insurance – through the largest physician network in Hawai‘i – provides medical, drug and vision plans to nearly 4,300 Hawai‘i employer groups and over 60,000 members. It is the only homegrown health plan founded by physicians themselves: University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine educators. UHA continues to be physician-led with an aim to influence healthcare in Hawai‘i for the better, while granting its members access to high quality care; it was the first in the state to offer health plans focused on wellness and prevention of disease. By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of patients and medical providers, UHA received accreditation in Health Utilization Management through URAC, the independent non-profit that promotes healthcare quality. For information, visit uhahealth.com or follow @uhahealth on X (Twitter).

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