Using a community-based participatory approach to create a resource center for Native Hawaiian elders.

CONTEXT Historically, Native Hawaiian elders have been recognized as the major sources of wisdom and transmitters of knowledge and training to younger generations. Yet, concerns exist today for these elders who experience shorter life expectancies, poorer health and greater disability than elders in other ethnic groups in Hawai;i. OBJECTIVE We describe Hā Kūpuna: National Resource Center for Native Hawaiian Elders, established at the University of Hawaii to address disparate health and improve the access and delivery of services to these elders. METHOD Hā Kūpuna is described in accordance with the principles of community-based participatory (CBP) research with its unique emphasis on culturally competent practice. RESULTS Application of the CBP approach is illustrated in the following steps: community engagement; development of an infrastructure; implementation and dissemination of research and technical assistance projects; and evaluation. DISCUSSION The CBP approach is highly relevant for Native Hawaiians because of its alignment with cultural values, the mobilization of the community and the emphasis on reducing health inequities through social change. In adhering to a CBP approach to improve the health of elders, Hā Kūpuna seeks to perpetuate the culture through the transmission of hā (breath) from older to younger generations.