Straub Benioff Medical Center

05/20/2026

💚 🌺 Every year, we honor nurses who go above and beyond – not just in their clinical work, but in the way they lead, adapt, and elevate the care we deliver.

This year’s Nurse of the Year awardees were nominated by colleagues who shared inspiring stories of integrity, compassion, and leadership.

Today, we’re proud to feature our first honoree: Michelle Simmons, RN, recipient of the Nurse of the Year award for Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice.

Here's what colleagues had to say about Michelle:

“Michelle has done an outstanding job leading our robotic surgery program. Through her exceptional leadership, she has reduced turnover times, streamlined operations, and significantly increased robotic surgery capacity. Her efforts have positioned Straub Benioff as a leader in robotic surgery while expanding patient access to minimally invasive treatment options. The Straub Benioff robotic surgery program stands as a model of excellence, and this success is due in large part to Michelle’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient care.”

We're proud to honor you, Michelle, for the expertise, dedication, and leadership you demonstrate every single day. 🩺 💚

05/14/2026

May is all about celebrating our incredible Straub Benioff team during Nurses Week and Hospital Week. 💙

We shared our appreciation the Straub Benioff way: coming together, enjoying great food, and saying a heartfelt mahalo to the people who care for our community every day.

From raffles and musubi drop-offs to ice cream sundaes, boba tea, and chili bowls, there was something for every craving. 🍣🍩 🍨

One of the highlights was our Nurse of the Year and Employee of the Year Award luncheon, where we honored team members whose dedication, compassion, and excellence truly set them apart. We are so grateful for this amazing team and their commitment to always go above and beyond for our patients and community.

Nurses of the Year

• Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice: Michelle Simmons, RN – OR Charge
• Professional Advancement: Kira Lyn Marzan, RN – Float Pool
• Community Stewardship: Natasha Onomoto, RN – Patient Navigator
• Patient-Centered Care: Maelynne Arellano, RN – Resource Team
• Exemplary Nurse Mentor: Shelyce Ichimura, RN – Critical Care Inter Unit
• Outstanding Nurse Leader: Darlene Jarquio, RN III – Critical Care Inter Unit
• Emerging New Nurse: Michelle Bumanglag, RN – Allergy

Employees of the Year

• Clinical Excellence: Kirstie Aceret – Neuro Progressive Care Unit
• Professional Advancement: Victoria Chun – Family Medicine
• Community Stewardship: Mei Hua Daniel – Internal Medicine
• Excellence in Patient-Centered Care and Patient Experience: Fiapule Atimua – Administration
• Outstanding Leader: Nora Onaga – CAT Scanner
• Exemplary Mentor: Edilinda Oschner – Cardiac Cath Lab

We are grateful for this exceptional team and their commitment to always go above and beyond for our patients and our community. 🫶

05/12/2026

National Nurses Week is a time to honor the incredible impact nurses make across Hawai‘i. 💙

We’re proud to spotlight Leonard Fontanilla, RN, of Straub Benioff Medical Center, whose compassion, skill, and dedication reflect the best of nursing.

Mahalo nui loa to Leonard and all of our Straub Benioff nurses!

04/27/2026

This spring, your blood donation can help save lives across Hawaiʻi. 🩸🌸

From emergency care and surgeries to cancer treatments, donated blood plays a critical role in patient care every day. Just one donation can help up to three patients in need.

Join Straub Benioff Medical Center and the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi for a community blood drive at the First Insurance Center and be part of something that truly makes a difference.

📅 Friday, May 1
🕖 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 First Insurance Center, 9th Floor, Suite 980 – Hibiscus Conference Room

Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule your appointment in advance at bbh.org. Mahalo for showing up for our community and helping ensure lifesaving care is always available.

04/02/2026

Sharing a few moments from a Doctors’ Day luncheon we hosted Monday, March 30, at Straub Benioff Medical Center. 📸💙

During National Doctors’ Day and Physicians Week, we want to say mahalo to our physicians for the care and compassion they bring to our patients and their families every day 🌺 Your commitment is inspiring and helps us create a healthier Hawai‘i.

03/31/2026

Our physicians show up every day with expertise, compassion, and aloha. For our patients, our families and our community. 🌺🩺

This Doctors' Day, say mahalo to the doctor who has made a difference in your life. Make a tribute gift to Straub Benioff Medical Center and your physician will receive your personal message of gratitude and a ribbon lei in their honor. 💙

Make your gift today: http://bit.ly/4bMC5hi

03/27/2026

A classroom lesson turned into a life lesson. 💙

As a teacher, he spent his days encouraging students to listen, learn and take action. But it was a routine colonoscopy that ended up teaching him one of the most important lessons of all: catch it early.

Scott Brown's story is a powerful reminder that colon cancer often has no warning signs — and that screening can save your life.

If you’re 45 or older, or have risk factors, talk with your doctor about getting screened. One appointment could make all the difference. 💪

Read more about Scott's story:

After a routine colonoscopy at Straub Benioff, educator Scott Brown’s early-stage colon cancer is caught, showing how timely screening can save lives in Hawaii today.

03/14/2026

Update as of 8 a.m., Saturday, March 14: Due to weather-related power outages, our Kailua and Hawaiʻi Kai clinic locations are closed today. Thank you for your understanding.

03/14/2026

Due to weather-related power outages, Kahala Clinic & Urgent Care is closed today, Friday, March 13.

Thank you for your understanding.

03/14/2026

Due to weather-related power outages, Kapolei and Mililani Clinic & Urgent Care locations are closed today, Friday, March 13.

Thank you for your understanding.

03/06/2026

Straub Benioff Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Healthgrades with the 2026 Surgical Care Excellence Award, placing us among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for surgical care.

In addition, we’ve earned multiple 2026 Five Star Ratings for outstanding specialty care in the areas of cardiac care, orthopedics, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal care and outpatient care.

Straub Benioff is a 2026 Five-Star Recipient for:
• Treatment of Heart Attack
• Hip Fracture Treatment for 13 years in a row (2014–2026)
• Pacemaker Procedures
• Cranial Neurosurgery
• Colorectal Surgeries
• Treatment of Bowel Obstruction for three years in a row (2024–2026)
• Outpatient Rotator Cuff Repair

These recognitions reflect our team’s commitment to high quality care and clinical excellence. Mahalo to our incredible physicians, nurses and staff who work every day to provide exceptional specialty care for our patients and community.