WAILUKU — Maui Memorial Medical Center recently celebrated its newly renovated and newly named cafeteria, Cafe Laulima, with employees and providers.

Cafe Laulima was the winning name idea submitted by MMMC OB Nurse Laura Schick and voted on by employees and providers in June, when the first phase of renovations were completed.

In Laura’s winning submission, she shared, “Laulima means ‘many hands working together in cooperation,’ which is what we do at MMMC to deliver the best patient experience and care. Gatherings around food are always a way to celebrate, even if those gatherings are on hold for now. Our new cafeteria can be a place we gather to eat and celebrate the many hands that work together at the hospital and in our community.”

The remodeled food service area features new healthy food and menu options, including a panini and pizza bar, hot service area that includes daily vegetarian and soup options, and grab-and-go items like pre-packed and individually wrapped sandwiches, salads, chia seed pudding cups and other single serving snacks and desserts.

It also includes a built-in service area designed to be used for a salad bar, by employee request, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The redesigned dining room area features professional photography by the hospital’s very own talented employees, Cook Scott Idemoto and Histology Technician Jase Kalawaia.

“I was blown away by their photos and just the pure talent of these two employees,” said Maui Health Chief Operating Officer Wade Ebersole. “I think it is really special that we get to feature our employees’ photography in Cafe Laulima, as it truly represents the gathering and celebration of each of the unique individuals and talents that contribute to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our community.”

Scott shared that while he does enjoy photography, his passion is really in culinary arts, where he has more than 26 years of experience, including at Haliimaile General Store, Gannon’s Restaurant, Manana Garage, Pacific’O, and the Grand Wailea.

Jase has worked for Clinical Labs Hawaii for about 16 years and works in the Pathology Department at Maui Memorial Medical Center as a Histology Tech. Photography is not only a passion but a side gig for Jase.

His photographs, which include beautiful natural landscape photos taken across Maui, can be found on Instagram under “JaseKellyMaui Photography.”

“I am humbled and honored to have my photography displayed in the new cafeteria,” said Scott. “It is kind of crazy to see my personal work hung up on the wall every day when I come to work.”

The grand reopening festivities also featured complimentary food samples, games and prizes.