#Kenneth Fink
Hawaiʻi’s health system performance ranked among best in the nation
Hawaiʻi has once again been recognized as one of the healthiest states in the nation, achieving second place overall in the 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, released on June 18 by The Commonwealth Fund.
New data: Growing numbers of Hawaiʻi students not up to date with immunizations
More Hawaiʻi students are failing to stay up to date with their immunizations, according to new data from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, which calls it a “concerning development.”
Gov. Green orders protection for caregivers providing medical cannabis to qualified patients
Caregivers who provide medical cannabis to qualified patients will be protected from “undue enforcement” under an executive order signed by Gov. Josh Green.
First Hawaiʻi pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2024-2025 season recorded
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced the first influenza-associated death in a Hawaiʻi resident under the age of 18 during this influenza, or flu season.
Governor’s Awards laud manager, employee and team for Maui wildfire response and recovery efforts
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards on Monday. The recognition event was designed to honor state executive branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai‘i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health launches Beat Diabetes Prevention Program
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) recently launched a new public service announcement campaign to motivate people with prediabetes to adopt healthier behaviors to prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Valerie Kato confirmed as deputy director of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health
The Hawaiʻi State Senate voted Monday to confirm Valerie Kato as deputy director of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. She joins Director Kenneth Fink, M.D.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health opens Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Iwilei
At full capacity, the Behavioral Health Crisis Center can accommodate 16 individuals in initial crisis, with an additional nine stabilization beds. The facility will cost approximately $6.7 million per year to operate.
Suicide prevention, mental health community listening session on Molokaʻi, Dec. 4
A community conversation entitled “Molokaʻi Community Session on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health” takes place on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lanikeha Community Center in Hoʻolehua.
Ground ambulance contract award canceled for Kauaʻi and Maui following protest
The state Department of Health is canceling both RFPs for ambulance service awarded on Maui and Kauaʻi, and directing the procurements to start over. Department officials say the requirement to maintain the current level of staffing for Advanced Life Support was not clearly included in the RFPs.
EPA air sampling data shows good air quality following wildfires in Lahaina and Kula
EPA tested for metals including lead and arsenic, asbestos, particulate matter, and 42 compounds called volatile organic compounds.
Temporary site for Kamehameha III Elementary below Kapalua Airport is projected for completion in 95 days
FEMA will be fronting the initial $5.36 million in funding for a temporary campus on 10.2 acres in Honokōwai below the Kapalua Airport. The build time for the temporary site will be around 95 days.
DOH releases preliminary, unvalidated data from Maui air sampling following wildfires
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health received access today to preliminary, unvalidated data of baseline air sampling conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health announces first pediatric influenza death of the season
A state resident under the age of 18 has died of influenza, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced today. This is the first death of a child from influenza in Hawai’i during this flu season. In the prior 10 years, Hawai’i has recorded six pediatric deaths due to influenza.
