Rebounding with Aloha
Deborah Kobayakawa is well-acquainted with the special challenges the pandemic has thrust upon those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her son, Ian, 31, who has autism, was living an active, independent life integrated with the community before the pandemic. That all changed with the restrictions on gathering. Ian suddenly found himself cut off from the activities he enjoyed and the people he loved being around. An Abrupt Change “The biggest challenge is isolation. Before the pandemic, Ian worked four days a week at Safeway for approximately 32 hours per week and he had a [...]
DOH Expands West Oʻahu Testing & Vaccination Events
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is expanding West Oʻahu testing and vaccination efforts in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in this community. “We recognize that for many, historic inequities, misinformation and insufficient access to care have contributed to a lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “We thank our West Oʻahu community for coming together to support vaccination and testing. DOH is working hand-in-hand with community leaders to create welcoming, collaborative environments that will lead to healthier communities.” DOH is adding testing and vaccination events to promote health equity in [...]
DOH Statement on the Pono Coalition for Informed Consent
HONOLULU – Hawaiʻi Department of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP released the following statement on the Pono Coalition for Informed Consent: “This week, COVID-19 took the lives of 19 Hawaiʻi residents. Over 9,000 of our family, friends, and neighbors are sick with COVID. The tragedy of this spike in cases is that by and large, it’s preventable. We have vaccines that will save the lives of Hawaii residents. “We listen to all sides in public health. We believe in dialogue. But in this case, the science is clear. More than 350 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered [...]
DOH recommends additional mRNA vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) issued a medical advisory recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial two doses. The additional dose should be given at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Additional doses or booster shots are not recommended for the general public at this time. “Immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, as they may [...]
Hawai‘i to receive more than 500 healthcare surge staff workers for hospitals statewide
Hawai‘i Department of Health, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency and Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i tap into Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Funding HONOLULU — More than 500 experienced healthcare professionals from out of state will be deployed to 19 hospitals statewide in the coming weeks with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hawai‘i will receive $46 million in federal funding to bring in traveling healthcare workers through staffing services from ProLink Healthcare. This past weekend, 46 clinicians were deployed to Hilo Medical Center and Kona Hospital on Hawai‘i Island to accommodate the increased need as a result of the [...]
New DOH program expands free COVID-19 testing
Testing available at 7 neighbor island sites; Expected to expand to O‘ahu HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is expanding its network of free COVID-19 community testing through a partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Consortium and independent pharmacies across the state. The program is rolling out at locations on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Lanaʻi and Molokaʻi. Click here for a list of participating pharmacies. “DOH is working to make free testing available all across the state, especially as demand remains high,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “This program immediately increases access to free testing [...]
Free COVID-19 testing returning to Ewa Beach Saturday
HONOLULU – The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing at Ilima Elementary School on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Test results will be available within 15 minutes. Wait times may be a minimum of 30 minutes, so please plan accordingly. Please bring a government photo ID and wear a mask. Request an appointment by email to hawaiifreecovidtest@gmail.com. Walk-ins will also be accepted. Ilima Elementary School is located at 91-884 Fort Weaver Road. Free parking is available. For COVID-19 health information, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/health-information/. # # # PDF: Free COVID-19 testing returning to Ewa Beach [...]
DOH stands up free COVID-19 testing at Aloha Stadium
Testing available Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 31 HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 testing at Aloha Stadium four days a week through Aug. 31. Testing will begin on Saturday, Aug. 14, and is being offered in partnership with the Honolulu Fire Department and the Hawaiʻi National Guard. “Hawaiʻi’s elevated case counts have led to increased demand for testing,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “These testing events add to our state’s capacity and ensure that individuals have access to free testing.” “We are happy to partner in this effort to test [...]
Department of Health to offer free COVID testing at Kapolei High School
HONOLULU – The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing at Kapolei High School three more times in August. Free testing will be available on the following dates. • Wednesday, Aug. 11, 3 – 6 p.m. • Monday, Aug. 16, 3 – 6 p.m. • Wednesday, Aug. 18, 3 – 6 p.m. Test results will be available within 15 minutes. Please bring a government photo ID and wear a mask. Request an appointment by email to hawaiifreecovidtest@gmail.com. Walk-ins will also be accepted. Kapolei High School located at 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway in Kapolei. Free parking is available. [...]
Patrons of Tahiti Nui restaurant on Kaua‘i urged to test after COVID-19 exposure
LIHUE – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has identified a COVID-19 cluster of cases associated with Tahiti Nui restaurant in Hanalei on Kaua‘i. The cluster is under investigation and to date consists of seven confirmed cases of individuals, including both restaurant workers and diners. Anyone who visited the Tahiti Nui restaurant from Friday, July 30 through Wednesday, Aug. 4 may have been exposed to a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection and should be tested as soon as possible. Anyone who was exposed and has symptoms should seek healthcare and notify the healthcare provider of their exposure. “The Tahiti Nui [...]