Kealohaku`ualohaku`upoki`i (Poki’i) Balaz, DNP, EMBA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Poki’i Balaz is a double board-certified family nurse practitioner who aims to serve our kupuna, those with Alzheimer’s, other related dementias, caregivers, and underserved populations such as Native Hawaiians. Dr. Balaz received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and Executive Master of Business Administration from Shidler College of Bussiness with her focus on improving financial resources and advocacy for caregivers. Her focus includes Neurology, Brain Health, La’au Lapa’au, and Native Hawaiian Health. Currently Dr. Balaz is the Interim Executive Director at Lunalilo Home and a geriatric nurse practitioner at Kōkua Kalihi Valley in the Memory Clinic. Her professional passion stems from her personal experience as a caregiver to her father who is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s disease, honoring his request to age in place. She is active in the community as co-facilitator of the Dealing with Dementia and Savvy Caregiver program which aims to empower caregivers by providing the knowledge, skills, and outlook to have a successful journey. Dr. Balaz holds several board appointments as the Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, President of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Nominating Committee Chair of Hawai’i – ANA and President Elect of the Hawai’i Professional Nurses Association, President of Hawai’i Association of Director of Nursing Administration, The Hawai’i Pacific Gerontological Society, The Caregiver Foundation. She is a member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance and a supporter of Special Olympics as she also cares for her autistic nephew. In addition to advocating for various kupuna health initiatives, Dr. Balaz continues to collaborate and provide testimony on policy and advocacy issues. In her leisure, Dr. Balaz enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, or enjoying the view at one of our island beaches.
