The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued guidance on Mar. 26 urging residents affected by recent flooding to take precautions during cleanup and recovery efforts to protect their health and safety.
The DOH emphasized that floodwater can contain hazards, making proper cleaning and drying essential before reoccupying homes. The department provided detailed recommendations on floodwater safety, safe cleanup procedures, mold prevention, personal protective equipment, food safety after power outages, disease risks such as leptospirosis and rat lungworm disease, mosquito control, when to seek medical care, and mental health resources following disasters.
The department said that individuals should wear appropriate personal protective equipment when entering or cleaning affected areas. It also advised discarding materials that cannot be safely cleaned due to mold risk. Regarding food safety after a power outage, the DOH stated: “When in doubt, throw it out.” The guidance includes information about diseases such as leptospirosis and rat lungworm disease that may arise after flooding events. Residents are encouraged to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Standing water from floods can increase mosquito populations. While diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika are not currently present in Hawaii, controlling mosquitoes is important for prevention according to the DOH.
Mental health support is also available through resources such as the Hawaiʻi CARES crisis line at 988 for those experiencing emotional distress following disasters.
Broader recovery efforts across Hawaii include support from the Hawaii State Executive – Governor who backs communities impacted by wildfires and works with veterans and educators as part of social recovery initiatives according to the official website. The governor’s office focuses on expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs and supporting disaster recovery according to the official website. Efforts extend statewide including support for wildfire-impacted regions like Lahaina according to the official website.
Policy measures led by state leadership include tax reform aimed at affordability and framing homelessness as a healthcare issue according to the official website. Collaboration with other entities advances renewable energy initiatives designed to combat climate change according to the official website, while public policy continues emphasizing housing needs alongside environmental concerns according to the official website.