He went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped beating. Thankfully, he was brought back to life with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that was readily available on campus. Malia discovered that most schools in Hawaii do not have AEDs. This inspired her to start the HeartStart Hawaii Foundation to ensure that every Hawaii school has AEDs and CPR training in hopes that countless lives can be saved.
It is estimated that 20% of Hawaii’s population is on a school campus each day. By arming our schools with these lifesaving skills and equipment, we will increase our odds of making a real impact in our community.
In February 2024, the American Heart Association honored Malia and her efforts with the HeartStart Hawaii Foundation at their annual Heart Ball gala. Mr. Greenhill made a surprise visit on stage as she finished her speech! To date, HeartStart Hawaii has raised over $100,000 and installed over 50 AEDs in public schools in Hawaii.
My casual prediction is that HeartStart will save more lives in a generation than all the fire hydrants in the state of Hawai‘i, and at a small percentage of that cost. It will save millions of dollars in avoided ICU stays, prolonged care and rehab, and lost years of earnings. It will avoid many a widow, parents, and grandchildren from mourning.
