The late Dr . James Kakuda speaking at the opening of the cancer center in 2017 .
Fulfilling a Vision
IN HIS TWO DECADES AT HAWAI ‘ I PACIFIC HEALTH ( HPH ), DR . JAMES T . KAKUDA LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON PEOPLE . Many remember the surgical oncologist ‘ s passion for medicine and drive to connect people as a way to improve health care . The former chief medical officer and chief of staff unexpectedly passed away in 2018 .
“ James was a close friend to me and many others throughout Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health ,“ said Ray Vara , Hawai ‘ i Pacific Health president and CEO . “ Those of us who worked with James fell quickly under the influence of his infectious , positive personality and can-do attitude , clearly seeing why he was so effective and beloved by staff and patients .“
Dr . Kakuda ‘ s mission is reflected in his own words in a message for the
16 INSPIRE | 2021