HMSA

When keiki are placed in foster care, the state tries to keep them together but often they end up living with different families. Losing contact with one another can be traumatic during an already difficult time. That’s why Family Programs Hawaii created Project Visitation: to give children a safe space to create family memories they otherwise wouldn’t have. Learn more: https://islandscene.com/building-a-bond-connecting-separated-siblings-in-foster-care

📸 Photo credit: Chiyomi Chow/Project Visitation

When you’re flying from Hawaii to the Mainland, you’re traveling more than 2,500 nautical miles. There’s nothing but sky, ocean, and the plane. Pilots may be used to carrying passengers over the Pacific, but it wasn’t always this way. Read "A Flight Into History" on pg. 30 of Island Scene or online at https://islandscene.com/a-flight-into-history to learn about Hawaii’s rich aviation history and how the Islands played a crucial role in developing commercial and military air travel.

📸 Photo credit: Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division

In Hawaii, most of us have probably learned to handle safety concerns that come with hot weather, swimming in the ocean, or hiking in the mountains. “Handling” may mean completely avoiding situations you know are beyond your ability or experience. It’s important for everyone in your group to understand the challenges certain activities present and how well they can handle it based on their needs and limits. Read “Keep Everyone Safe on Summer Outings” at https://islandscene.com/keep-everyone-safe-on-summer-outings to learn more and find helpful resources.

keep everyone safe on summer outings In Hawaii, most of us have probably learned to handle safety concerns that come with hot weather, swimming in the ocean, or hiking in the mountains. “Handling” may mean completely avoiding situations you know are beyond your ability or experience. It’s important for everyone in your group to u...

One-time professional surfer Megan Abubo has led a life that she hopes will be an inspiration to others. Read about her career journey that led her from surfing to movies to empowering today’s young wahine. Read "Surfing Through Life" on page 22 in the summer issue of Island Scene magazine or online at https://islandscene.com/surfing-through-life.

A new local nonprofit is on a mission to boost Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander representation in Hawaii’s film and TV industry. We chatted with the founders of International Cultural Arts Network about what they hope to achieve and to learn about the opportunities they’re creating for local Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander actors. Read "Elevating Hawaii's Acting Industry" on pg. 18 in Island Scene or online at https://islandscene.com/lights-camera-action-elevating-hawaii-s-acting-industry.

📸 Photo credit: International Cultural Arts Network

lights, camera, action: elevating hawaii's acting industry A new local nonprofit is on a mission to boost Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander representation in Hawaii’s film and TV industry. We chatted with the founders of International Cultural Arts Network about what they hope to achieve and to learn about the opportunities they’re creating for local...

HMSA is proud to be a sponsor of today’s Back to School Health Fair at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului from 12-4 p.m. We hope to see you there!

We’ve rounded up the most popular islandscene.com activities so you and your family can have the best summer ever! 🌞 See your favorites at https://islandscene.com/fun-in-the-sun.

Whether you have a $20 or $200 rice cooker, you can make one-pot meals and even desserts in about the same amount of time it takes to cook a pot of rice. Here are a few recipes that are sure to delight and awe: https://islandscene.com/rice-cooker-recipes

Actor Stephen Hill had just two days to settle into Hawaii before starting work on Magnum P.I. While his co-workers on the show quickly became his ohana here, they were just the first members of his growing community in Honolulu. We sat down with Hill to chat about his role on Magnum and how he's made Hawaii his home. Read "How Actor Stephen Hill is Living Aloha" in Island Scene or online at https://islandscene.com/how-actor-stephen-hill-is-living-aloha.

📸 Photo credit: Rae Huo

Meet Kuuipo Kumukahi, Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner and president of the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society. Kumukahi discusses ways to restore Hawaiian music for both visitors and locals – not just as a source of entertainment, but also to pass down the stories and traditions of Hawaii that’s told in mele. Read "mana in music" on page 10 in Island Scene or online at https://islandscene.com/mana-in-music.

📸 Photo credit: Brad Goda

In Hawaii, we’re lucky to enjoy year-round picnic weather. Here are a few hacks and snacks to help you plan a stress-free and fun outdoor adventure: https://islandscene.com/picnic-hacks-and-snacks

Interested in learning hula but not sure where to start? Kumu Hula Nālani Keale's auana (modern hula) class at the Queen Emma Summer Palace offers an ideal opportunity to experience the physical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of this cherished Hawaiian dance. Learn more about this class for adults and kupuna and the historical setting where the class takes place. Read "hula at the royal palace" on page 34 in Island Scene or online at https://islandscene.com/hula-at-the-royal-palace.

No longer qualifying for QUEST (Medicaid) shouldn’t be stressful. Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at https://www.healthcare.gov or call 1 (800) 318-2596 toll-free to find out what your options are for staying well and staying covered.

The summer issue of HMSA's award-winning magazine, Island Scene, is now available! In the area on Kauai’s south shore where Hawaii’s first commercial sugar plantation began operations in 1835, a 10-day celebration is held each summer. Read how residents of Koloa and Poipu – many of whom are descendants of sugar plantation workers – gather for the Koloa Plantation Days festival in Island Scene magazine or online at https://islandscene.com/celebrating-the-roots-of-ko.

📸 Photo credit: Koloa Plantation Days

Spending an evening under the stars is one of the best parts about summer! Here are some easy recipes and fun activities that glow in the dark! See our ideas: https://islandscene.com/glow-in-the-dark-fun-for-the-4th-of-july

QUEST (Medicaid) members in Hawaii will receive a pink letter inside a pink envelope from the Hawaii Department of Human Services. This pink letter will provide members with instructions on eligibility renewals. If you or your family are QUEST members, please be on the lookout for this pink letter to help everyone stay well and stay covered.

Meet the Kaimana class of 2024! HMSA honored nine high schools and 15 graduates at the 2024 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon on June 9. Hear from two of the scholarship recipients, learn more about the winning schools, and see highlights from the event! https://islandscene.com/kaimana-2024-a-celebration-of-achievement

Happy National Postal Worker Day! 💌 Mahalo to Hawaii’s postal workers for being HMSA members! We talked to Team HMSA’s Kehau Giles and Angie Mizushima about the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s new Postal Service Health Benefits Program. Visit https://islandscene.com/special-delivery-how-to-celebrate-postal-worker-day for some fun ways to show your appreciation on this special day and throughout the year.

Coach. Surgeon. CEO. 🏀🩺 Dr. Mark Mugiishi is a man of many talents, including as the winningest coach in Hawaii high school boys basketball history for 'Iolani School. In an interview with The Daily Coach, Dr. Mugiishi shares lessons learned in basketball, the operating room, and as a health care leader at HMSA. Get an inside look at Dr. Mugiishi’s coaching playbook and core values: https://www.thedaily.coach/p/mark-mugiishi-hawaii-hmsa.

Med-QUEST will be reaching out to members via text messages and phone calls to help them Stay Well and Stay Covered. Text messages will be sent from 45421 and automated phone calls will originate from (808) 556-5748. These numbers are only used for outbound communications and no calls will be accepted.

If you have questions, please contact the Med-QUEST service center at 1 (800) 316-8005 toll-free. Please be aware of scams from other numbers. Med-QUEST will never ask for confidential member financial information over the phone.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of diabetes, when to see a doctor, and what foods to avoid to decrease your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. https://islandscene.com/understanding-diabetes

All HMSA Centers and offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Our HMSA Centers and offices will be open on Friday, July 5. HMSA Centers in Honolulu and Lihue will reopen at 8 a.m., and HMSA Centers in Hilo, Kahului, and Pearl City will reopen at 9 a.m.

Questions about your health plan? Visit the HMSA Help Center at https://hmsa.com/help-center/ or log into My Account to find answers to your questions about health plan claims, membership card requests, benefits, premiums, eligibility, enrollment, and other topics. Or you can submit a request for assistance from a representative using the Ask HMSA form.

Being able to speak more than one language bridges the communication gap and emphasizes the human connection with people from different backgrounds. But did you know that being bilingual can also improve your health? We'll take a closer look at the brain boosting effects of learning a language. Read the article: https://islandscene.com/brain-boosting-effects-of-bilingualism

Feeling saucy? Here are three recipes you can try this summer for a crowd at a backyard BBQ or a more intimate quiet night at home: https://islandscene.com/feeling-saucy-three-summer-sauces