Our founder; President & CEO - Dr. Jamal F. Wasan
Accomplishment
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." John F. Kennedy
Lokahi Treatment Centers is pleased to welcome Dr. Stefan Carl Harmeling as our new Medical Director.
Dr. Harmeling is a board-certified family physician with over 20 years of medical experience and a strong commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi Island, particularly our most vulnerable and underserved populations.
His extensive background includes family medicine, hospital care, correctional medicine, and substance use disorder treatment. He previously served as Medical Director for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC), where he oversaw inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, and for Legacy Rehab in Hilo. He also maintains his own medical practice, Aloha Nui DPC, and provides medical care through the Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Public Safety.
APPRECIATION
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” Mother Teresa
Aloha
"Aloha - It doesn't cost any money, it's free; the more you give, the more you get." Mayor Billy Kenoi
Dr. Harmeling earned his medical degree from the University of Florida and completed his Family Medicine residency at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles. He has served the Hawaiʻi Island community since 2005.
Throughout his career, Dr. Harmeling has demonstrated a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, recognizing the connection between physical health, mental health, substance use disorders, and the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
His experience in medical leadership, addiction treatment, and community healthcare brings valuable expertise to Lokahi's mission of providing quality behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Harmeling to our Lokahi ʻohana and look forward to his leadership as we continue serving individuals and families throughout Hawaiʻi Island.
medical director - Dr. stefan carl harmeling, md
When the crystal methamphetamine epidemic escalated on the Big Island of Hawaii in the late 1990’s, Dr. Jamal F. Wasan responded by founding Waikoloa Community-Based Substance Abuse Rehabilitation and Recovery Program, now known as Lokahi Treatment Centers (“LTC”). He quickly learned that drug abuse was not an isolated problem and expanded LTC’s services to create an integrated model to address related mental health and anger issues, as well.
Dr. Jamal F. Wasan holds a Masters in Public Administration, a Masters in Clinical Psychology and Doctorate in Health Psychology. He is a State of Hawai‘i Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), State of Hawai‘i Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), and Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Dr. Wasan, who served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, is committed to public service.