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