News Releases from Department of Health

HONOLULU – The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing at the Lanakila Health Center Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments are not required.  Wait times can vary, but please anticipate waiting 30 minutes or longer. Results will ...
Read More Free COVID testing at Lanakila Health Center

Violations uncovered during 2020 DOH inspection of Red Hill, result of stronger federal & state regulations to protect environment HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health Administration issued Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) No. 21-UST-EA-01 to the U.S. Navy for violations related to operation and maintenance of the Red Hill Bulk ...
Read More Following inspection, Hawai‘i Department of Health issues Notice of Violation and Order to U.S. Navy with over 5,000 in penalties

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health will adopt the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines on COVID-19 booster doses for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. “Boosters doses are common for many vaccines and will provide additional protection to Hawai‘i residents at higher risk for severe illness or occupational exposure,” said ...
Read More DOH authorizes booster doses for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson vaccines

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is planning for the likely administration of COVID-19 vaccinations to children 5-11 as it closely monitors federal review of the Pfizer vaccine for this age group. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must authorize use of the vaccine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and ...
Read More DOH prepares for likely authorization of COVID-19 vaccine for keiki 5-11

HONOLULU – Open enrollment for Medicare began Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7 for those who are eligible, but enrolling can be challenging. The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is offering one-hour, in-person counseling on Oct. 22 & 29 and Nov. 9 & 19 on O‘ahu, with phone and video counseling options ...
Read More Free in-person help for enrolling in Medicare

More than 420,000 not fully vaccinated HONOLULU – Data compiled by the Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) show more than one-million people in Hawai‘i are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “It’s great to see so many people in Hawai‘i follow the science. We are thrilled that over a million people are fully vaccinated. That leaves an ...
Read More One million in Hawai‘i complete vaccinations

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a red placard to Kamana Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island. The food establishment has been closed and ordered to correct multiple food safety violations, which include roach infestation of the kitchen and food storage areas, evidence of active rodent infestation, and additional health ...
Read More Hawai‘i Department of Health issues red placard to Kamana Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Kailua-Kona

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is offering guidance to help families have a safe and fun Halloween. “Celebrating Halloween is a special event for families, and it is possible to take steps to celebrate safely. Outdoor gatherings are safer, and consistent handwashing and mask wearing are recommended,” said Director of Health Dr. ...
Read More Hawai‘i Department of Health Offers Halloween Safety Guidance

More than 426,000 Hawai‘i Residents Have Not Completed Vaccination HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Department of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char released the following statement on 70% of Hawaii residents completing COVID-19 vaccination: “While we are encouraged that 70% of Hawai‘i residents have made the choice to protect themselves and our community through vaccination, there is more ...
Read More As DOH Marks 70% of Hawai‘i Residents Fully Vaccinated, Director Char Urges Continued Vigilance

Department of Health launches media campaign encouraging safe sleep practices for infants HONOLULU – October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) just launched a media campaign to educate parents and caregivers on how to keep infants safe while sleeping. SIDS is the ...
Read More October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month

Vaccination critical to protect against both illnesses HONOLULU – Dr. Sarah Kemble, Hawaiʻi Department of Health state epidemiologist, released the following statement on mortality rates involving COVID-19 and influenza: “In Hawaiʻi and around the world, COVID-19 was far deadlier than the flu during the 2020-2021 flu season. There was one confirmed influenza death in Hawaiʻi ...
Read More DOH: COVID-19 far deadlier than influenza

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health is encouraging the public to provide their feedback on a proposed remediation plan to address the lead found in soil near Kolekole Stream Bridge and within Kolekole Beach Park in Honomu on Hawai‘i Island. Kolekole Beach Park has not been open to the public for the past four ...
Read More Hawai‘i Department of Health requests public comments on soil remediation plan for lead contamination near Kolekole Stream Bridge and within Kolekole Beach Park

HONOLULU – The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing at the Lanakila Health Center on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not required.  Wait times can vary, but please anticipate waiting 30 minutes or longer. Results ...
Read More Lanakila Health Center hosts no-cost COVID-19 testing on O‘ahu

HONOLULU – The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing in Nanakuli every Wednesday in October from 3 – 6 p.m. Free testing will be available at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center – Nanakuli Clinic at 87-2070 Farrington Highway behind McDonald’s. Wednesday, October ...
Read More Free COVID testing events in Nanakuli