Janice Kalanihuia
President, Molokai General Hospital
Janice Kalanihuia has served as President of Molokai General Hospital (MGH) since January 2002, having previously served as Director of Women’s Health at MGH.
As president of the only hospital on Molokai, Ms. Kalanihuia takes the responsibility of an entire island’s health seriously. During Ms. Kalanihuia’s tenure, a critically needed outpatient chemotherapy program was added to the services offered at MGH. In addition, a $17.5 million campus redevelopment was completed on time and under budget. In 2008, after 21 years of subsidy from The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS), MGH was able to operate in a positive cash flow position without the need for a QHS subsidy. With a philosophy that is built on accountability and compassion, MGH has excelled in its Joint Commission surveys, employee engagement surveys and culture of safety surveys.
Before joining MGH in 1984, Ms. Kalanihuia worked as an office nurse with Dr. Emmett Aluli in his private practice. It was there she was able to learn much about Hawaiian culture, beliefs and protocol.
Ms. Kalanihuia has served on numerous board and commissions over the years and is currently on the Maui College/Molokai Advisory Board and the Maui County Liquor Adjudication Board. Her achievements and dedication to health care and her community have been recognized on numerous occasions. In 2001, she was presented with the Hawaii Rural Health Association award for outstanding contribution to rural health and was awarded the Hawaii Community Foundation Ho‘okele Award in 2005. In 2009, Ms. Kalanihuia was a YWCA Leader Luncheon awardee. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business honorees.
When not at MGH, Ms. Kalanihuia enjoys competitive outrigger canoe paddling and her four grandchildren.