In Memory of Martha B. Smith
Martha B. Smith set a standard of excellence through her more than 30 years in healthcare at Hawaiʻi Pacific Health (HPH). But it was her leadership approach equally focused on efficiency and compassion – that drew people to follow her. Martha was best known for her decades of service as the top executive at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Most recently she led HPH as Executive Vice President of Oʻahu Operations. In this position, she served as the CEO of Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Straub Benioff Medical Center, and Pali Momi Medical Center, a role she held with immense pride and dedication.
Martha’s impressive career includes countless accolades for her and Kapiʻolani, but her proudest moments were celebrating the children and families she loved to serve. She was driven by delivering new programs and technology that would save the lives of women and children, she was motivated by spending time at Kapiʻolani’s prom with patients who recovered from illnesses and injuries, and she embraced creating big check presentations for children who fundraised for Kapiʻolani, no matter if they raised $10 or $1,000 for the hospital.
Perhaps one of her most significant accomplishments at HPH was her leadership role in developing the Diamond Head Tower at Kapiʻolani. It was her vision to create the preeminent health care center for women and children in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific and to build a space that supported family-centered care for patients, families, and staff. It will be part of Martha’s considerable legacy.
Most importantly, Martha worked hard and tirelessly and expected the same from those around her. At the same time, she was extremely thoughtful and caring, always wanting the best for our patients. She is missed dearly. To see photo memories of Martha throughout her years with HPH, please click here.
Martha is survived by her husband Tony, son Ian, two grandsons, and numerous other family members.
To honor Martha, her family has requested that all contributions and gifts be made to Kapiʻolani Health Foundation.