Defib Hawaii launches Kapolei CPR access initiative to bring training closer to West Oʻahu residents

# What happened Defib Hawaii, a Honolulu-based CPR and emergency cardiovascular care training provider, launched a Kapolei-focused CPR access initiative aimed at West Oʻahu residents. The initiative moves training out of downtown Honolulu and into Kapolei-area locations when scheduling and group size allow, with the goal of making lifesaving knowledge more convenient for residents, community groups, employers, schools and healthcare students.

# Kapolei Defib Hawaii says some West Oʻahu residents face practical barriers traveling into Honolulu for certification classes. Regular individual classes remain at Defib Hawaii's Honolulu classroom at 1314 S. King Street, but the Kapolei initiative prioritizes private, workplace and community group training nearer to where people live and work in Leeward Oʻahu.

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to more than 95,000 calls in 2025 and covers a large geographic district that includes Kapolei, Makakilo, ʻEwa Beach, Waiʻanae, Nānākuli, Waipahu and Pearl City. Defib frames the initiative as increasing the number of trained bystanders who can recognize an emergency, call 911, begin CPR and use an AED while professional responders are en route.

# What training is offered Defib Hawaii provides a range of training options relevant to both laypeople and healthcare professionals. Offerings referenced in the announcement include:

• BLS (Basic Life Support) pathways for initial certification, renewal, and student HeartCode options
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• PEARS, ASLS, Heartsaver CPR/AED, and First Aid
• Selected combination training options and onsite group instruction by request

Organizations in Kapolei—businesses, schools, healthcare offices, fitness centers, childcare providers and community groups—can contact Defib Hawaii to arrange local training when eligible.

# How Defib frames the role of bystanders Association statistic cited in the announcement states that immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of surviving cardiac arrest. Defib's founder and COO, Syrina Rostash, is quoted saying CPR is what someone can do in the minutes before professional help arrives and that the initiative seeks to make families, employees and healthcare students in Kapolei feel capable of taking that first action.

# Local healthcare context

# Organization background and next steps Defib Hawaii launched formally in 2023, founded by Syrina and Mark Rostash. The company continues to hold individual classes in Honolulu and is using partnerships with businesses, schools and community groups to expand visibility of CPR education throughout West Oʻahu. Interested organizations can contact Defib Hawaii to discuss hosting classes in Kapolei.