Sorry, you do not have access to this organization.

Return to Home

The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study

 

The Study

The Maui Wildfire Exposure Cohort Study, or MauiWES, represents the most comprehensive study to understand and mitigate the health and social impacts of the Maui wildfires like never done before in Hawaii. This collaborative research project aims to monitor health and well-being to foster resilience during the recovery process.

Engaging a wide array of partners led by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization and the John A. Burns School of Medicine with numerous community and health organizations, this study addresses a critical gap in knowledge about the effects of environmental hazards and socioeconomic challenges on the health of those affected by the wildfires. The focus lies on collecting data and biospecimens from over 1000 residents impacted by the wildfires, providing vital insights into the short- and long-term health outcomes such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and the broader social implications.

Our Mission

The mission of the Maui Wildfire Exposure Cohort Study extends beyond immediate analysis. It endeavors to establish a resilient health model, integrating biomarker and socioeconomic data to forecast individual-level risks and inform preventative strategies. This comprehensive approach aims not only to address the current crisis but also to create a blueprint for future disaster response, prioritizing health and well-being in the wake of natural disasters.

Research Team

We are a group of community scientists at the University of Hawai’i led by Dr. Ruben Juarez (UHERO/Economics), Dr. Alika Maunakea (John A. Burns School of Medicine), and other researchers at the College of Social Sciences & UHERO, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, and UH Cancer Center.

Our mission is to enable prevention using community-based multidisciplinary research by establishing a resilient health model, integrating biomarker and socioeconomic data to forecast individual-level risks and inform preventative strategies. Our team has led over a dozen community-based research cohorts to enable prevention in tens of thousands of Hawaii residents, including the Pacific Alliance Against COVID-19, the Hawaii Social Epigenomics of Early Diabetes Cohort, and the UHERO Rapid Health Study.

This project is sponsored by the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund. We are looking for more partners.

Principal Investigators

Ruben Juarez, PhD

HMSA Endowed Professor Economics and UHERO

University of Hawaii

Alika Maunakea, PhD

Professor
John A. Burns School of Medicine

University of Hawaii

Co-Investigators

Dr. Carl Bonham

Executive Director

UHERO

 

Dr. John P. Barile

Professor and Director

Social Sciences Research Institute

Dr. Lynne Wilkens

Professor

UH Cancer Center

 

Dr. Lani Park

Associate Researcher

UH Cancer Center

Dr. Daniela Bond-Smith

Data Scientist

UHERO

Dr. Kevin Cassel

Associate Researcher

UH Cancer Center

Nikima Glatt, APRN-RX

Medical Director,

Maui Medic Healers Hui

Dr. Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen

Chair, Hawaii Hispanic/ Latino Health Community Advisory Board

Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin

Scroll to Top