HONOLULU, September 29, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announced new members for its 2025-26 Hawaiʻi board of directors.
Dr. Michael Tanoue, M.D., Queen’s Heart Institute, and Brandt Farias, Central Pacific Bank executive vice president and chief marketing officer will continue as board president and board chair respectively.
“I’m honored to continue serving as board president, especially at a time when cardiovascular health remains a critical issue. I’m committed to supporting the Heart Association’s evidence-based programs and research that improve outcomes and save lives”, said Dr. Michael Tanoue. “Together, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and care as we advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
New board members include: Mia Okinaga, Kamehameha Schools; and Dr. Huidy Shu, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health.
Returning board members include: Dr. Zia Khan, Queen’s Heart Institute; Jason Fujita, HPM Building Supply; Dr. Debleena Dutt, Kaiser Permanente; Ben Morgan, HMSA; Nalani Say, Young Brothers; and Jason Thune, Hawaiian Telcom.
“Continuing as board chair is a privilege, especially as we deepen our engagement with Hawaiʻi’s business community. Their partnership is vital to advancing our mission and expanding our impact,” said Brandt Farias. “I’m excited to strengthen these connections and champion initiatives that promote heart health across our islands.”
The American Heart Association Hawaiʻi serves all communities across the Hawaiian Islands. Through their collective reach, these volunteers will lead the organization in pursuit of its mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
For more information about the American Heart Association Hawaiʻi, visit www.heart.org/hawaii.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, IG or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Megan Davidson: 701-741-9188; megan.davidson@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org
