The American Hospital Association has named Arthur Ushijima, president and chief executive officer of the Queen's Health Systems and the Queen's Medical Center, as a 2009 Grassroots Champion.

He was honored for his role in developing health care policy for Hawaii, involvement with community health and business organizations, and policy development as a member of the AHA's regional policy board.

Recognizing the honor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii said Ushijima “;is highly respected because of his thorough knowledge of health care and his thoughtful statements and remarks. ... In his various affiliations and associations, Arthur Ushijima has a long track record of being an effective voice for hospitals.”;