7 actions by locals who are keeping Maui safe: Hawaiʻi health matters
HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed every March 20. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Native/Indigenous communities and the importance of advocacy and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
In Hawai'i, the Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF) plays a pivotal role in providing vital services to the island's most vulnerable populations. The agency and its staff work tirelessly to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Linda Puppolo, Executive Director of the Maui AIDS Foundation, is at the heart of this work. She leads a team dedicated to combating health disparities and offering support to marginalized communities.
'We serve the most vulnerable people on Maui,' Puppolo said. 'We do syringe exchange, we have food pantries, we sign people up for healthcare, and we provide free STI testing.'
Her and her team's commitment to improving public health, particularly for disenfranchised populations, is unwavering.
According to the CDC's 2022 STI Surveillance Report, Hawai'i has seen concerning increases in reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and congenital syphilis.
Hawai'i ranks 21st in the U.S. for chlamydia rates, 43rd for gonorrhea, 16th for primary and secondary syphilis, and 10th for congenital syphilis.
While these infections are treatable and preventable, the rising rates highlight the need for greater awareness, education and access to testing and reliable and stable treatment options.
As Puppolo pointed out, the Maui AIDS Foundation is doing everything in its power to address these issues.
'We have a free clinic for STI testing; and we also provide condoms, dental dams and other prevention tools. But prevention isn't just about handing out supplies. It's about creating an environment where people feel safe coming forward,' she explained.
Puppolo emphasized that many of the individuals they serve would likely qualify for Medicaid, but they choose to seek services at MAF because they fear the stigma associated with traditional healthcare settings.
'A lot of people are terrified right now because they fear being exposed in a traditional healthcare setting,' she said. 'We provide a safe space where they can get the care they need without judgment.'The Maui AIDS Foundation's services go far beyond STI testing. The organization offers a broad range of support for people living with HIV. This includes medical case management, behavioral health services and housing subsidies for those affected by HIV.
'It's not just one service,' Puppolo explained. 'We have a continuum of care, providing everything from food pantries to housing subsidies for HIV-positive clients.'
However, Puppolo voiced significant concerns about the future of the foundation's work, particularly with changes in federal funding.
'We have a $2.2 million budget, and much of that comes from federal grants,' she said. 'But right now, everything is up in the air. If we lose our federal funding, we would have to lay off several staff members and potentially close down programs that are essential for the community.'
This the work they are doing that is keeping Maui County safe:
1. STI testing and treatment: MAF offers free STI testing, counseling, diagnosis and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
2. Prevention services: The foundation provides condoms, dental dams and safe sex education to help reduce the spread of STIs.
3. Harm reduction: MAF advocates for opioid overdose prevention and Narcan training.
4. Housing support: MAF provides housing subsidies for people living with HIV in Maui County. This funding helps more than 80 individuals to remain in stable housing.
5. Comprehensive care: Beyond HIV, MAF offers medical case management, behavioral health services and health insurance enrollment for those in need.
6. Food and hygiene assistance: MAF operates food pantries and provides hygiene supplies to those facing economic hardship.
7. Outreach: MAF works in prisons and other disenfranchised areas to offer support to those who might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream healthcare services.
While the foundation provides essential services, its future is uncertain. Puppolo explained that proposed federal budget cuts could impact key programs, including housing subsidies for people living with HIV.
'If they cut out all the housing, we would be in a very difficult situation,' she said. 'We could lose more than $1 million in funding, and that would be catastrophic for us.'
In addition to the foundation's concerns about defunding, Puppolo revealed that there is confusion surrounding the future of transgender services at MAF.
'We don't know if we will be forced to stop offering transgender services to maintain our 501(c)(3) status,' she said. 'Everything is uncertain right now.'
As National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day draws attention to the challenges faced by Native communities, the Maui AIDS Foundation's work stands as a model of advocacy and care for all marginalized populations.
You can click to learn more about Maui AIDS Foundation either to take advantage of their services or to join the mission via donations to help keep Maui safe.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Puppolo's final words were a call to action: 'Our work is crucial, and if we lose our funding, so many people will lose the services they rely on. We are at a crossroads right now, and we need the support of the community to continue this life-saving work.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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