Hale Kūʻike – A Positive Approach® to Care Designated Organization

Positive Approach® to Care (PAC) is a nationally-recognized dementia care training program. Hale Kūʻike began implementing their award-winning care strategies and care techniques a decade ago.

In 2014, as part of our mission to serve as a model for dementia care in Hawaii, our very own Dorothy Colby, became Hawaii’s first PAC Certified Trainer, allowing her to train and certify other staff members, family support members, professionals and home care partners. Since that time Dorothy Colby has also become certified as a PAC Coach, Consultant and Engagement Leader. She also works as a national PAC Mentor with Teepa Snow and the PAC Team.

By sharing PAC knowledge and skills through free public workshops, Hale Kūʻike has helped bring the Hawaii community together to improve dementia care.

In 2019, Hale Kūʻike had the distinction of becoming the nation's first PAC Designated Organization. In 2023 we had the honor of hosting Teepa Snow and the PAC national team to visit Hale Ku’ike and review our status as a PAC Designated Organization. We are proud to have been promoted from the “Knowledgeable” to “Skilled” level as a PAC organization. Hale Kūʻike is the first and only organization in the country to achieve this designation level. Through our partnership with PAC, we look forward to continuing to learn and grow as an organization to help support and serve our residents living with dementia.

PAC Certified Hale Ku’ike Team:

Marcus Asahina, PAC Trainer

Dorothy Colby, PAC Trainer, Coach, Consultant, Engagement Leader, Mentor

David Fitzgerald, PAC Champion

Scott Gardiner, PAC Trainer

Rena Kua, PAC Engagement Leader

Cristina Lin, PAC Champion

Ralph Manuel, PAC Champion

Jessica Marchese, PAC Champion

Joy Micua, PAC Champion

Reeann Minatoya, PAC Champion

Beth Murphey, PAC Trainer