DOH ANNOUNCES RECIPIENT OF 2026 SUZANNE RICHMOND-CRUM AWARD ON WORLD AIDS DAY

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Harm Reduction Services Branch (HRSB) is pleased to announce Peter Tuiolosega Silva as the recipient of the 2026 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award. Silva is being honored for his outstanding contributions to HIV services in Hawai'i.

The award will be presented during the annual World AIDS Day ceremony at Church of the Crossroads in Honolulu on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. The award was established in honor of Suzanne Richmond-Crum who died in 2004 after serving for more than 10 years as director of the Hawai'i Seropositivity and Medical Management Program of the DOH HRSB.

The award is presented each year to an individual in Hawai'i for outstanding contributions in providing HIV services delivered with the commitment and compassion that Richmond-Crum demonstrated throughout her work.

Silva has worked in the field of HIV services for 30 years on O'ahu and Hawaiʻi Island. He is currently the chief executive officer of Kumukahi Health + Wellness, a Hawai'i Island community organization providing services that include healthcare and support for people affected by or living with HIV. Under Silva's leadership, the agency formerly known as the Hawai'i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation, became Kumukahi Health + Wellness and expanded medical care services, including launching a sexual health clinic, in addition to expanding syringe exchange and overdose prevention services. Silva is dedicated to Hawai'i Island's HIV, LGBTQIA+, indigenous, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other marginalized communities. He advances the agency's mission by working to reduce stigma and by developing inclusive programs, safe spaces and advocating for culturally grounded approaches to health.

"Tui, as so many of us know and affectionately call him, is an inspiration, a trusted leader, and a steadfast champion for our communities," said Kunane Dreier, deputy director of programs at Hawai'i Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC). "His journey in HIV prevention, care and harm reduction is about far more than professional accomplishments. It is a lifelong commitment to service, compassion, courage and aloha. Through decades of dedicated work, Tui has helped transform the landscape of HIV care and prevention in Hawaiʻi and has touched countless lives through his unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every person."

The public is invited to attend the ceremony in person or via Zoom to observe World AIDS Day and celebrate the 23rd annual presentation of the Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award.

For more information on this and all statewide World AIDS Day events, go to: worldaidsdayhawaii.org

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