Claire K. Hughes, DrPH, RD, served the Hawai‘i’s State Department of Health for over 33 years, as a public health administrator, branch chief, nutritionist and registered dietitian. Dr. Hughes worked in communities on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, providing nutrition support for chronic illnesses, Family Health Services and Nutrition Branch of the State Department of Health.

Dr. Hughes was a nutrition consultant to the Moloka‘i Diet Program with Drs. Kekuni Blaisdell and Emmett Noa Aluli. In 1996, Dr. Hughes began chairing the Native Hawaiian Breast Cancer Sub-Committee of volunteers for the American Cancer Society – Hawai‘i Pacific Inc. The group focused on increasing breast cancer screening among Hawai‘i’s Native Hawaiian women, and creating a culturally-based training for health professionals, that reached over 300 of Hawai`i’s health professionals. The ACS volunteer group became the Native Hawaiian Cancer Committee, and focused on reducing cancer rates in Native Hawaiians, encouraging participation in annual health services. Dr. Hughes writes a monthly article on Hawaiian Health and Culture for the Ka Wai Ola of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Dr. Hughes continues to serve the Native Hawaiian Community in her retirement serving on a number of Boards of Health and Community Organizations and community programs.