We are not your typical consultants.
Our mission is to inspire and empower our partners in their commitment to tackling our country’s greatest health challenges.
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to our nation’s health challenges.
Blending an evidence-based approach with our in-house technical expertise and an extensive partnership network, we elevate the reach and impact of local, state, tribal, and national health agencies and organizations.
We offer unique solutions and insights.
We provide meaningful – and measurable – solutions that advance long-term strategic interests and organizational goals. Some of our most valued services, insights, and expertise include:
Strategic planning and engagement
Change management
Technical assistance
Formative facilitation
Communications
Partnership network
Preparedness
Health Surveillance
Policy analysis and recommendations
Strategic planning and engagement Change management Technical assistance Formative facilitation Communications Partnership network Preparedness Health Surveillance Policy analysis and recommendations
We approach things differently.
We take an innovative, people-first approach to meeting our clients’ needs. Our strategic framework emphasizes organizational strengths and values, creates opportunities for deeper understanding, empowers shared commitment, and delivers tailored outcomes.
Rooted in public health principles, our evidence-based approach utilizes appreciative inquiry, formative facilitation, and community-based participatory research to develop long-lasting, impactful solutions.
We thrive on partnerships.
We bring people and organizations together who share our understanding and passion for meaningful change and our commitment to innovative public health solutions.
Our partnership network extends across public and private sector health, academia, and innovation entities. Kahuina is a trusted partner among public health surveillance and informatics thought leaders and communities.
If you are interested in learning more about our work or extensive partnership network, please reach out to us.
Featured work
“Ka Huina” is Hawaiian for “bring people together”
It embodies our commitment to work that benefits our clients and strengthens communities.
Founded by Charlie Ishikawa in 2013, Kahuina partners with organizations who share our values, our passion for change, and our vision for a better world.
We are experts.
Our team of epidemiologists, informaticians, and facilitators bring 40+ years of hands-on expertise in science, policy, business, and operations to wide-ranging issues including: Informatics and surveillance, health policy and promotion, emergency preparedness and response, information technology, chronic disease prevention, and research and evaluation.
We are passionate about improving people’s lives.
Everyone at Kahuina is committed to improving individual and community health and we have spent our careers working for public health agencies, initiatives, and educational campaigns across the United States and the world.
Kahuina Consutling, LLC is a certified, 8(a) socially and economically disadvantaged small business.
DUNS #079465831 | CAGE #76C65 | SBA #308542
Meet the Team
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Sara Chang, M.P.H.
Manager
Sara Chang brings together her skills in coordination and facilitation as a manager for Kahuina Consulting. A drive to dissect and dismantle health inequities drew Sara to public health and work around the world – from HIV/AIDS training and counseling in South Africa to health education for mothers and children in Mexico. Previously, Sara worked for the National Association of County & City Health Officials, the Boston Public Health Commission, and correctional facilities in Massachusetts and Washington, DC. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Master of Public Health in Management and Policy.
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Charlie Ishikawa, M.S.P.H.
Founder and Principal
Charles Ishikawa is Kahuina's founder, president and principal consultant. With more than 22 years of practical experiences that spans local, state and federal agencies, Charlie’s work has improved the health of our nation with integrity and compassion. He is an award-winning epidemiologist, a master facilitator, and an expert in managing change through community and stakeholder initiatives that set national public health informatics practices and policies. Kahuina Consulting is an extension of his core values. Mr. Ishikawa holds a Masters of Science in Public Health from Emory University.
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Orin Heintschel
Consultant
Orin Heintschel is a public health professional and epidemiologist, currently serving as a consultant for Kahuina Consulting, where he provides subject matter expertise, project coordination, and logistical support. Orin embarked on a career in public health driven by his desire to discover systemic solutions that ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals to thrive. Prior to joining Kahuina, Orin worked in local public health as an infectious disease epidemiologist and in quality and strategic management roles. He earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Texas A&M University.
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Marcus Rennick, M.P.H.
Director
Marcus Rennick leans on his experiences as an applied epidemiologist and informatician to ground his work in promoting practical public health strategies. Marcus’ work spans health conditions and domains from asthma to zoonotic diseases based on his past life as a local disease detective. He advanced cooperation on system interoperability between state public health executives, EHR developers, and federal health leaders as a director at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Marcus earned his Master of Public Health concentrating in epidemiology and international health from Boston University (Boston, MA) in 2008 and holds a supplemental certificate in public health informatics from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.
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Sarah Scott, M.P.H.
Senior Consultant
Sarah Scott’s background in academic research, decision analysis, and policy evaluation informs her role as a senior consultant with Kahuina. A firm belief that circumstances should not dictate access to healthcare has driven Sarah to pursue a career in international public health. Whether supporting private/public partnerships for malaria control in Uganda or developing national Hepatitis strategies across the globe, Sarah believes in the value of partnerships to make data-driven decisions. Prior to joining Kahuina, Sarah served as a Research Consultant for the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, China and as a Technical Specialist for the Centers for Disease Analysis Foundation in Colorado. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Let’s talk.
You can reach us at info@kahuina.com or by completing the form below:
“Kahuina has been incredibly supportive in helping to develop our data modernization strategy. They provided a well-thought-out process, a commitment to listening and pivoting as needed, and their own expertise in this area. The final products of this work were actionable and grounded in our context, and provide both a vision and a road map for our path forward.”
“Kahuina really provided opportunities for our staff to engage with the project and make it relevant to everyone’s needs. They have personable staff that are very easy to work with, yet they take the time to provide high quality products to fit your needs.”