Poka Laenui, executive director of the Wai'anae Coast Community Health Center, was recently named the 2007 Outstanding Executive by the Mental Health Association of America in Hawai'i.

Laenui, a lifelong Wai'anae resident, credited the honor to staff members and healthcare providers at the center, which is known as Hale Na'au Pono.

Laenui said the center, which provides numerous child and adult services, has also succeeded because of the values of the community itself, which has been accepting of those with behavioral challenges.