Hina Mauka expands
to meet new challenges 

This summer, State legislators, City Council members, and government representatives joined staff and Hina Mauka alumni for the dedication of the new Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Annex at the Kaneohe treatment center.

The additional 2,600 square feet of space was sorely needed. Hina Mauka’s proven success and the growing need for inpatient treatment has created a large waiting list. Thanks to grants and donations totaling $2.5 million, they will be able to expand services and add staff. But the annex also signifies how treatment is changing.

“This building is a symbol of change,” said Hina Mauka CEO Alan Johnson. Programs are “evolving,” he said, because of better understanding of addictions as a disease, which may entail psychiatric problems that need to be addressed. New drugs are also being tested that could reduce cravings. Equally important, he said, is the concept that recovery should include both an individual life plan and family reunification plan as well.

Hina Mauka recently hired a new family counselor to help clients repair relationships with loved ones, who are critical to their ongoing sobriety once they leave the treatment center.

Director of Adult Services Bill Mousser picked up on the theme of change too. He observed that clients are “way different than 10 years ago.” By that, he meant the types of drugs they do, and the nature of the addicts themselves. Bill said more specialized and individualized services are needed today, and the new annex will help provide the right environment. “We’re going to make good use of this building,” he promised.