Ask the Mayor: Shouldn’t Water Leaks be Fixed to Prevent Dengue Fever Outbreaks?

Dengue vector control. Photo credit: Hawaiʻi District Health Office.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I am writing because I heard the announcement on the radio about dengue fever and mosquitoes, and I have a situation that I think needs to be addressed soon. We have been battling horrible mosquito infestations since we moved in and they have gotten worse due to a new problem that the county hasn’t taken care of for months.

I am attaching some photos of the front of my house. There are two problems that pose potential dengue fever threats. The water leak keeps the drain full constantly. When it rains hard, it is even hard to park the cars or get out without getting wet.

Could you please have someone fix the water leak?

A: Aloha. I am told that the Department of Water Supply was scheduled to come out there on Friday (Dec. 11, 2015) to fix your leak. If the leak has not been fixed by the time you see this column, you may contact us again.

Please note that as of this date, there are no confirmed cases of dengue originating within Maui County, however we are urging people to take precautions. As of Wednesday, Dec. 9, Hawai‘i County had 145 confirmed cases of dengue on their island—128 residents and 17 visitors.

We are encouraging people to “Fight the Bite” by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, using mosquito repellant and avoiding activities in areas of high mosquito concentration. Residents should also get rid of free standing water where mosquitos breed, just as you are attempting to do.

For more information check out the State Department of Health website at health.hawaii.gov/docd/dengue-outbreak-2015 or call (808) 586-4586.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.