Hawaii Residents Step Up as Organ Donors

Dwight Otani receives kidney from son, medical student Brandi Mikami registers as bone marrow donor

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:05am

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An extreme close-up X-ray image showing the intricate tubular structure and vascular network of a human kidney, rendered in ghostly shades of white and grey against a dark background.A medical X-ray reveals the delicate inner workings of a healthy human kidney, a precious gift that can save lives when donated.Honolulu Today

In celebration of National Donate Life Month, this story highlights the inspiring stories of two Hawaii residents who have stepped up to become organ donors. Dwight Otani, CEO of D. Otani Produce, received a kidney transplant from his son Mitchell, a state firefighter. Meanwhile, third-year medical student Brandi Mikami has registered to be a bone marrow/stem cell donor, willing to help save the life of a stranger.

Why it matters

Hawaii has a high prevalence of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can lead to kidney failure, creating a significant need for organ donations. While most transplanted kidneys in Hawaii come from deceased donors, living donors like Mitchell Otani and altruistic strangers like Brandi Mikami are crucial to helping patients in need of life-saving transplants.

The details

Dwight Otani began dialysis treatment for kidney disease in August and received a kidney transplant from his son Mitchell in late January. Mitchell, a healthy 43-year-old, underwent six months of testing to ensure he was a compatible donor. Meanwhile, 27-year-old medical student Brandi Mikami has registered to be a bone marrow/stem cell donor, having already gone through the screening process to potentially donate to two different patients she's never met.

  • Dwight Otani began dialysis treatment for kidney disease in August.
  • In late January, both Mitchell and Dwight were wheeled into surgery for the kidney transplant.

The players

Dwight Otani

The CEO and owner of D. Otani Produce, who received a kidney transplant from his son in January.

Mitchell Otani

A 43-year-old state firefighter who donated one of his kidneys to his father, Dwight Otani.

Brandi Mikami

A 27-year-old, third-year medical student at the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine who has registered to be a bone marrow/stem cell donor.

Dr. Felix Lung-Yi Lee

A Queen's Medical Center transplant surgeon and director of Queen's kidney transplant program.

Dr. Jason Higa

Brandi Mikami's UH anatomy and physiology professor who offered extra credit for students who signed up for the national bone marrow registry.

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What they’re saying

“It was an opportunity for me to do something that is within my capability.”

— Mitchell Otani, State Firefighter

“My son has given me life again.”

— Dwight Otani

“From a young age, I've always wanted to step in to help people. No one ever said, 'You should help other people.' If I saw a stranger fall down, something about me wants me to get more involved than I have to. That instinct has matured, especially as I've gone into the medical field and can see medical needs.”

— Brandi Mikami, Third-Year Medical Student

What’s next

Brandi Mikami continues to wait to be matched with a patient in need of a bone marrow or stem cell donation, while Dwight Otani recovers from his kidney transplant surgery.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical need for organ donors in Hawaii, where conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are prevalent. The selfless actions of people like Mitchell Otani and Brandi Mikami demonstrate the power of community-driven healthcare and the life-changing impact that organ donation can have.