#Hawaii Department of Health
Dr. Kenneth Luke appointed as administrator of Hawai‘i State Hospital
The Hawai‘i Department of Health selected Dr. Kenneth Luke as the new administrator of the Hawai‘i State Hospital in Kaneohe on Oʻahu.
Māla Wharf reopening to recreational boaters Saturday — earlier than expected after Lahaina fire
Māla Wharf’s ramp and facilities are reopening full-time for recreational vessel activity beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, and commercial permittees are being informed by letter of commercial vessel operations opening on Monday, Oct. 16.
Department of Health to conduct Maui needs assessment survey
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced today it will conduct a needs assessment survey for residents affected by the wildfires. The DOH survey will assess ongoing priorities identified by the community and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health reports additional mpox case
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is reporting one additional case of mpox in an O‘ahu resident. This is the first case of mpox diagnosed in Hawaiʻi since November 2022.
78 ‘targets’ identified for removal from Lahaina harbor, nearby waters following Aug. 8 fire
Unified Command has completed the search for sunken, derelict or displaced vessels, along with associated marine debris from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire, and has identified 78 “targets.”
High Bacteria Count Advisory at Ulua Beach, Maui
The public is advised of a water quality exceedance of enterococci at Ulua Beach, Maui. Levels of 137 per 100 mL have been detected during routine beach monitoring.
New COVID-19 vaccines available with enhanced protection for Omicron variant
The Hawai‘i Department of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend use of the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines that recently were approved and authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration.
$30 million loan replacement program launched for healthcare professionals who serve Hawaiʻi
A new $30 million loan repayment program was unveiled on Saturday to address the growing shortages of physicians and other healthcare professionals across the Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiʻi Health Dept. gets $4M federal grant to address young children’s mental health
The Project LAUNCH grant provides the state $800,000 a year for the next five years to promote the wellness of young children from birth through age 8 by addressing their physical and mental health needs.
Paramedics concerned about quality of care under new ambulance contract on Maui and Kauaʻi
Advocates of the current service say “flaws” in the new contract would diminish the Emergency Medical Services systems, and called the diminished standards “grossly irresponsible,” “negligent” and “profoundly hurtful” in the wake of the worst mass casualty in Hawaiʻi’s modern history.
Mission set up to remove fire caused marine debris, destroyed vessels from Lahaina Harbor, waterways
Unified Command for the Lahaina fire in West Maui has established a mission to assess, remove and dispose of hazardous materials, oil discharges, marine debris and sunken or displaced vessels from Lahaina Harbor and waterways.
DOH warns public of urinary catheter, glucose monitors and supplies scam
The Hawai‘i Department of Health advises the public to be aware of fraudulent claims for urinary catheters and/or glucose monitors and supplies.
DOH continues response to Maui wildfires
The state Department of Health’s Maui District Health Office continues its response to the Maui wildfires. Through its Maui District Health Office and local partners, the Department provided updates on behavioral health services, emergency prescription assistance, unsafe water advisories, and the prevention of respiratory and vector-borne diseases.
Health updates for Maui wildfire areas including: air and water quality, runoff, vital records, medical services
Heavy rainfall after a wildfire can greatly increase the risks of other dangers such as flash floods, debris flows, landslides and rockfalls. DOH reminds the public to avoid storm drainage and natural drainage channels due to rapid flowing waters.
Earthjustice calls for more time for public comment on Maui County wastewater proposal due to Lahaina fire
Earthjustice officials said they are asking to extend the deadline to Aug. 14 for public comment on Maui County’s proposal to reduce the amount of treated sewage entering the ocean from injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant due to the Lahaina wildfire.
Hawaiʻi DOH launches “BE FAST for Stroke” campaign to identify the signs of stroke
The Hawai’i Department of Health launched a new public service announcement campaign identifying the common signs of stroke and the importance of calling 911 immediately, especially since stroke care starts in the ambulance.
Department of Health reports travel-related dengue virus cases in Hawai‘i
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has received two reports of travel-related dengue cases in Hawaiʻi, one in Kauaʻi County and one in Hawaiʻi County. Both cases were in individuals who had recent travel to countries where dengue is commonly found. The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in the state was in 2016.
Update/Open: Food Safety Branch issues red “closed” placard to gas station business in Kahului
The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch issued a green “Pass” placard to Port Town Texaco during a follow-up inspection on Aug. 7, 2023, allowing the establishment to reopen.
Health Department issues red placard to café in West Maui
A red “Closed” placard was issued to a café in Lahaina following a complaint and routine follow-up inspection conducted on July 27, 2023 for a cockroach infestation.
Syringe exchange programs help prevent disease, Hepatitis C in vulnerable communities
A report from the Hawai‘i Department of Health emphasizes the importance of syringe exchange programs in eliminating infectious diseases like hepatitis C among people who use drugs, addressing the need for additional services to improve health outcomes.