Hawaii Department of Health
Recent News About Hawaii Department of Health
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Kauaʻi District Health Office announces return of free Tropic Care clinics
LĪHUʻE, HAWAIʻI — The Kaua‘i District Health Office (KDHO), in collaboration with Kaua‘i County, is set to host the sixth Tropic Care event on Kaua‘i, providing free healthcare services to the local community. Tropic Care is a mission under the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program of the armed forces. It aims to enhance troop readiness while simultaneously bolstering communities. The Tropic Care clinics will be returning to Kauaʻi on June 13, 2024 and will operate at various locations until June 20, 2024.
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Sun Noodle recalls frozen saimin over undeclared egg allergen
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) has issued a recall alert for Sun Noodle's S&S Cup Saimin frozen saimin products. The company is implementing this voluntary recall due to the presence of an undeclared egg allergen in the product.
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DOH approves reopening of Redfish Poke by Foodland after safety violations
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has given Redfish Poke by Foodland the green light to reopen its doors. This decision comes after a follow-up inspection on May 13, 2024, confirmed that all critical food safety violations had been rectified.
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DOH shuts down Redfish Poke over sewage blockage issues
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a red placard to Redfish Poke by Foodland, resulting in an immediate shutdown of the establishment located at 2375 Ala Wai Blvd. The closure is due to a sewage blockage issue.
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Maui wildfires: Health Department finds no widespread lead exposure
The Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed the results of lead screening conducted at various community events between December 2023 and February 2024, targeting individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. The project was a joint effort between DOH Public Health Nurses and the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii (HMHB). Despite wildfire ash containing substantial concentrations of lead, the screening did not reveal any evidence of widespread human exposure to toxins in the ash.
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DOH Issues Notice of Violation and Order to Unlicensed Care Home
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to Nenita Mauricio, Private Home Duty LLC, for operating an unlicensed adult residential care home (ARCH) at 91-1046 Muiona Street, ʻEwa Beach, Hawaiʻi.The investigation revealed that Mauricio, a certified nurse aide in Hawai‘i, acknowledged providing care for individuals in the unlicensed facility. This action led to the issuance of the NOVO by the health department.As defined by law, an ARCH provides living accommodations and care...
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DOH Shuts Down La Birria Lunch Wagon in ʻAiea, Hawai‘i for Operating Without Permit
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has taken action against La Birria, a lunch wagon in ʻAiea, by issuing a red placard and shutting it down for operating without a valid permit. The lunch wagon, identified by license plate number 740 TRZ, was closed down during an inspection on April 29, 2024.In response to the violation, the DOH has outlined specific corrective actions that La Birria must take before it can resume operations. This includes applying for a new food establishment permit to use its new kitchen and passing pre-operational inspections for both the...
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DOH Celebrates Mental Health Month in May
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) and its partners are gearing up to celebrate Mental Health Month in May, urging Hawaiʻi residents to promote mental health care acceptance and combat discrimination that hinders treatment-seeking. The initiative involves various divisions and community partners to advocate for equity and inclusion for individuals with mental health concerns.As stated by Keli Acquaro, acting administrator for CAMHD, the focus is on transitioning from mere awareness of children's mental health issues to full acceptance. Acquaro...
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Department of Health Issues Recall Alert for Gibson Farms Organic Walnuts Over E. Coli Concerns
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) issued a recall alert for Gibson Farms bulk Organic California Shelled Walnuts due to potential Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) contamination. The recalled product, specifically organic light halves and pieces, may have been distributed to local natural food retailers in Hawaiʻi.Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting, with effects potentially manifesting up to nine days after consumption. While most healthy adults can...
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DOH Rejects Navy’s Red Hill Consolidated Groundwater Sampling Plan Due to Insufficient Monitoring
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has disapproved the Navy’s Red Hill Consolidated Groundwater Sampling Program, citing insufficient monitoring measures. Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho expressed disappointment in the Navy's failure to produce a plan to reduce water discharge into Hālawa Stream, stating, “It’s unacceptable that the Navy would fail to produce such a plan following multiple rounds of regulatory review.” The DOH has ordered the Navy to implement a modified version of the program with additional conditions to protect public health and...
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The Department of Health reopens Takamiya Market
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch has given Takamiya Market the green light to reopen following a successful inspection. The market, located at 359 N. Market Street in Wailuku, had faced closure due to pest activity but has now met the necessary standards for operation.During the inspection process, it was noted that there was an initial concern regarding pest activity. The DOH Maui Food Safety Branch shared, "At the first follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024, a reduced but still active cockroach population was observed and the establishment...
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DOH confirms additional case of whooping cough on Hawai‘i Island
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one additional case of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in a third distinct region on Hawaiʻi Island which is unrelated to previous cases. According to the DOH, this new case closely follows 10 recently reported cases and brings the total to 11 pertussis cases on the Island from March – April 2024. Several of the recent cases have occurred in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.In response to the recent cases, the DOH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations. Dr. Sarah Park, State...
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Department of Health Reopens Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has allowed the Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai to reopen following a green “pass” placard issued during a follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024."The Department of Health Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide," said the DOH representative.During the inspection, it was confirmed that all required corrective actions had been taken, with the DOH stating, "all of...
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DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action on April 19, 2024, by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku due to a severe cockroach infestation. Live cockroaches were found on various food contact surfaces during a routine inspection, leading to the immediate closure of the establishment. The market, located at 359 N. Market Street, is operated by Takamiya Market Inc.In response to the infestation, the DOH mandated specific measures that must be met before the market can reopen to the public. These include hiring a professional...
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Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa Due to Rodent Infestation
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took action on April 19, 2024, by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa due to an active rodent infestation. The establishment, operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place, was found to have contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.During an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024, the health department inspector noted various violations, including...
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PFAS Detected in Maui Business Park System
Apr 17 2024Per the lab report dated February 20, 2024, PFAS have been detected in water samples collected at the Wai‘ele Wells 1 and 2 Chlorinator, Maui Business Park water system. The water system, primarily serving approximately 64 businesses, has notified the affected businesses.The detection of PFAS at the Maui Business Park water system was confirmed in the lab report dated March 27, 2024. The water system notified the Department of Health of the initial detection of PFAS through an email on April 3, 2024. The detected PFAS level is below...
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DOH Announces RFPs for Ground Ambulance Services in Kaua‘i and Maui Counties
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for 911 Ground Ambulance Transport for Kauaʻi and Maui Counties. The RFPs were issued by DOH’s Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) to replace the previous RFPs that were canceled due to concerns.Hawai‘i State Health Director Kenneth S. Fink stated, “While it was never the intent of DOH to reduce the qualifications of emergency responders, the previous RFPs did not make this entirely clear. The new RFPs...
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Lahaina Coastal Water Quality Reports Confirm Area Safe for Ocean Recreation
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has announced that the coastal waters around Lahaina are safe for ocean recreation following a series of comprehensive monitoring activities. The DOH, along with state agencies and community partners, conducted various tests to ensure the safety of the area.Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho stated, "These results provide the community with reassurance that the coastal waters around Lahaina are safe for ocean recreation with no significant human health impacts as a result of the wildfires." The tests...
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Department of Health Urges Public to Take Precautions After Dengue Case in Hale‘iwa, O‘ahu
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) confirmed a travel-related dengue virus case in Hale‘iwa, O‘ahu, prompting a call for increased vigilance in the area. Vector control teams have been deployed to address the situation, with a focus on preventing further transmission of the virus.According to the DOH, the area where the dengue case was reported in Hale‘iwa is frequented by visitors and tourists, creating an environment conducive to the spread of the disease. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, known carriers of the dengue virus, were found in high numbers around the affected...
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Department of Health Reopens King’s Chinese BBQ 5 Following Cockroach Infestation
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has allowed King’s Chinese BBQ 5 (DBA General’s Chinese BBQ) to reopen after issuing a green “Pass” placard during a follow-up inspection. According to the news release, "The food establishment contracted a professional pest control company to have weekly treatments conducted for the next month." The establishment was required to work with the pest control company for a month's duration and continue cleaning areas under kitchen equipment to eliminate pest attractants.The Department of Health's Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the...