#Department of Health
Gov. Green lauds top state manager, employee and team of the year
Gov. Josh Green recognized winners of the 49th annual Governor’s Awards including: State Manager of the Year, Dr. Darren Lerner, Director of Research Institute, University of Hawai‘i; State Employee of the Year, Jessica Chambers, Registered Nurse, Department of Health; and State Team of the Year, Finance Branch of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
DOH reports another travel-related dengue virus case
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has identified a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of dengue cases reported in Hawaiʻi to seven in 2026.
State of Hawaiʻi coordinated response to Hurricane Lala – Saturday evening update
Hurricane Lala is impacting the state, with Hawaiʻi state agencies actively responding to the storm and supporting county emergency response efforts. State personnel and resources have been deployed across the islands to address current impacts and respond to changing conditions as the hurricane moves through the state. “Hurricane Lala is now impacting our state, and the safety […]
DOH Issues Notices of Violation to Island Smoke and Vape for alleged refusal to allow inspection
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation issued two notices of violation and orders to registered manufactured hemp product retailer Island Smoke and Vape, located at 505 Avocado St. in Wahiawā, for allegedly refusing to permit inspections authorized by Hawaiʻi law.
Hope and heartbreak: Lahaina fire survivors move through grief as recovery continues 3 years later
As Maui marks the anniversary of the deadly blaze today, residents see hope in the rebuilding but sorrow in the people and things they can never bring back.
Department of Health warns of elevated fecal contamination at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina
The state Department of Health is advising residents and visitors of elevated levels of enterococci, a bacteria found in feces, at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach. Levels of 406 per 100 milliliter have been detected during routine beach monitoring, the department reported. The Department of Health Clean Water Branch provides beach monitoring and notification through its beach program. […]
Update: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, four others indicted on bribery, corruption charges; Governor calls for Luke’s resignation
An Oʻahu grand jury indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others on Friday in a sweeping public corruption case tied to the state’s COVID-19 community testing program. Hours later, Gov. Josh Green called for her formal resignation. “The lieutenant governor needs to consider formally resigning to address this matter and so that the state […]
New travel-related dengue virus case reported on Oʻahu
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of dengue cases in the state to six for 2026.
Hui O Ka Wai Ola expands water quality monitoring to Molokaʻi’s south shore
Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a coastal water quality monitoring program, has expanded its testing efforts to five sites along Molokaʻi’s south shore, the group announced. The expansion comes at the request of Maui County Council Member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and marks the program’s first regular presence on Molokaʻi. The nonprofit has monitored coastal waters in […]
‘She’s up with the saints’: Meli Watanuki, one of Kalaupapa’s last living patients, dies at 91
Loved ones remember her “thousand-watt smile” and “spark plug” personality. Her death puts public access to Kalaupapa in question, as she owned and sponsored the only permitted tour to the area.
Department of Health EMS Branch Named National EMS Agency of the Year
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced that its Emergency Medical Services Branch has been named the 2026 National State EMS Office / Agency of the Year by the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials.
As state, Maui Health decide future of damaged Kula Hospital, another long-term care facility nears capacity
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said the options for the damaged Upcountry hospital could include a mobile unit designed for disasters or a temporary modular clinic like the one Kaiser built in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires.
La‘akea Village kicks off ‘ambitious’ 4-year goal to build homes for adults with developmental disabilities
La’akea Village has wanted to build housing since it was created in 2000 but hasn’t had the capacity to carry out a project until now, the head of the organization said.
DOH issues guidance on health safety for post-flood cleanup
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is urging residents impacted by recent flooding across the state to take precautions during cleanup and recovery efforts to protect their health and safety.
Hawaiian Islands under brown water advisory following severe weekend weather
It’s recommended to stay out of the water for 48-72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.
State health officials fine Maui businesses $15,000 each for alleged illegal lab testing
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a notice of violation and order against a Scottsdale, Arizona, company and three Hawaiʻi-based entities for allegedly providing illegal direct-to-consumer laboratory testing.
Caution urged with elevated volcanic gas emissions
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health urges residents and visitors to take precautions as elevated volcanic gas emissions from the recently paused Kīlauea eruption continue to produce vog (volcanic smog – hazy air pollution caused by the volcanic emissions) that can result in poor air quality across the islands.
ReBoost Nasal Spray recalled for potential microbial contamination
The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a recall issued by MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. for its ReBoost Nasal Spray. The recall was issued because of potential yeast/mold and microbial contamination, with one species identified as Achromobacter, at levels above specifications. The recalled product was distributed nationwide, including retailers like […]
Maui Council explores ways to reduce alarming rate of ocean drownings
Maui County faces a disproportionately high rate of ocean drowning fatalities, driven largely by the high number of visitors lured by the ocean’s beauty but unprepared for its hidden dangers.
Hawaiʻi’s 5-cent beverage deposit program plagued by fraud and ‘honor system’ failure, State Auditor says
For two decades, Hawaiʻi’s Deposit Beverage Container program has been run as an “honor system,” reliant on unverified self-reported data and plagued by alleged fraud, State Auditor Les Kondo told a state Senate committee during an informational meeting Thursday.