Hawaii DOH News

Hilo Wellness Celebration Honors Health Volunteers and Mayors Health Challenge

The Hawaii Department of Health Hawaii District Health Office and the County of Hawaii Mayor's Office invite the public to a wellness celebration on April 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilo State Building Lanai. The event marks the grand finale of National Public Health Week and National Volunteer Week, honoring health volunteers and continuing the Mayor's Health Challenge Legacy.

Magics Beach Grill Reopens After Cold-Holding Temperature Violations

The Hawaii Department of Health authorized the reopening of Magics Beach Grill in Kailua-Kona on April 12, 2026, after the restaurant corrected critical food safety violations that prompted a red 'closed' placard on April 9. Violations included multiple foods held above the required 41°F cold-holding temperature and non-compliant refrigeration units. The establishment disposed of affected foods, serviced refrigeration equipment, and retrained employees before receiving authorization to resume operations.

DOH Reports Travel-Related Dengue Case on Kaua'i, State Total Five

The Hawaii Department of Health has identified a new travel-related dengue virus case on Kaua'i, bringing the total number of dengue cases in the state to five in 2026. The affected individual recently returned from international travel to an area with dengue transmission, and no connection to prior Hawaii cases has been identified. DOH Vector Control Branch teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area.

DOH Confirms North Shore Contamination Including New Bacteria

Hawaii DOH released additional test results from North Shore areas affected by Kona Low storms, confirming presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Leptospira in mud and sediment samples, in addition to previously detected E. coli, Enterococcus, and Salmonella. The agency is awaiting results for Clostridium tetani, legacy pesticides and metals. No established baseline levels exist for comparison as such testing is not routinely conducted.

DOH Joins Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

The Hawaii Department of Health announced its membership in the WHO-established Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on March 19, 2026. Hawaii becomes part of a network of over 300 technical institutions providing coordinated response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies worldwide. The DOH will contribute expertise in surveillance, laboratory testing, and emergency response for Pacific region health crises.

DOH Warns Parents About Sweetened Fruit Drink Marketing Targeting Keiki

The Hawaii Department of Health relaunched its Sweet Lies! public awareness campaign to warn parents and caregivers about misleading marketing of sweetened fruit drinks to children. The campaign addresses statistics showing nearly one in three school-aged children in Hawaii are overweight or obese, and more than 75% of keiki consume at least one sweetened beverage daily. The initiative runs through May 15, 2026, across television, radio, digital platforms, social media, and shopping malls statewide.

Group A Strep outbreak West Hawaii, investigation underway

The Hawaii Department of Health and CDC are investigating elevated rates of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections in West Hawaii. The investigation began after a local physician reported higher-than-expected cases over several months. DOH routinely monitors these infections, and Hawaii has historically had higher rates than the national average. Investigators aim to confirm whether cases are increasing, identify risk factors, evaluate disease reporting, and understand how infections are occurring in the community.

DOH Urges Parents of Seventh-Grade Students to Schedule Checkup Visits

The Hawaii Department of Health issued a public reminder on April 7, 2026, urging parents to schedule well-child visits for students entering seventh grade before the 2026-2027 school year. Hawaii law requires students to submit documentation of a physical exam and required vaccinations (Tdap, MCV, HPV) or have an approved exemption. The notice highlights rising pertussis cases in Hawaii, which increased from 3 cases in 2023 to 252 cases in 2025.

Colon Cancer Screening Campaign for Adults 45 and Older

The Hawai'i Department of Health launched the 'Get Screened Hawai'i' public awareness campaign in April 2026 to encourage colorectal cancer screening for adults starting at age 45. The campaign runs through June 2026 across TV, radio, digital, and print media, directing residents to GetScreened.hawaii.gov. Approximately 700 Hawai'i adults are diagnosed with and 225 die from colon cancer annually.

Kona Low Environmental Monitoring Finds E. coli and Salmonella in Floodwater

The Hawaii Department of Health released preliminary environmental monitoring results from the Kona Low storm recovery. Samples collected from floodwater, mud, and sediment at four sites detected E. coli, Enterococcus, and Salmonella bacteria. Hepatitis A was not detected. Testing for additional pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, and Leptospira is still pending. The DOH confirms existing precautions remain appropriate.

Annette Mente - AMCHP Leadership Award Recipient

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Annette Mente as the 2026 recipient of the AMCHP Excellence in State Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award. The award recognizes her more than 25 years of leadership in strengthening Hawaii's maternal and child health system, including her role as FHSD Title V planner and health equity initiatives.

RAW FARM Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese Recall - E. coli O157:H7

The Hawaii Department of Health issued an alert regarding a RAW FARM recall of Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese products due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Seven products are affected, including shredded and block varieties in various sizes with expiration dates through September 2026. Nine illnesses have been reported nationally linked to these products.

Used Oil Transporter Cited for Operating Without a Permit

The Hawai'i Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) against Unitek Solvent Services, Inc. for operating used oil facilities without required permits at four locations across O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island. The company was assessed a penalty of $116,250 for nine violations including failure to renew permits, obtain EPA ID numbers, and submit annual used oil reports. Unitek has 20 days to respond to the order.

Health Department Responds to Kona Low Storms, Monitoring, Vector Control

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is responding to the impacts of recent Kona Low storms. The department is conducting environmental monitoring, including testing of nearshore waters and flood-carried mud for pathogens, and performing real-time air monitoring. Vector control measures are also being implemented, including monitoring mosquito populations and targeted actions.

Kaua'i Health Office Hosts Public Open House for National Public Health Week

The Kaua‘i District Health Office (KDHO) is hosting a public open house on April 10, 2026, to celebrate National Public Health Week. The event will showcase public health services, programs, and career opportunities, encouraging community engagement and awareness.

DOH Reports Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case on Oʻahu

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) reported a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the state total to four for 2026. While the risk of local transmission is considered low, the DOH is reminding the public to reduce standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

Guidance on Post-Flood Cleanup and Health Safety

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued guidance for residents impacted by recent flooding. The guidance provides recommendations for safe cleanup procedures, mold prevention, and floodwater safety to protect public health during recovery efforts.

Hawaii DOH Highlights TB as Public Health Issue Amidst Rising Case Rates

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) issued a notice highlighting tuberculosis (TB) as a significant public health issue, reporting an increase in diagnosed cases in 2025. The DOH emphasizes continued screening, treatment, and contact investigation, noting that Hawaii has the second-highest TB case rate in the country.

Mobile Clinics Provide Medical and Social Services to Storm-Damaged North Shore

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and several nonprofit partners have launched mobile clinics to provide medical and social services to residents affected by recent storms on the North Shore of Oʻahu. The clinics offer immediate medical support, telehealth, and social service navigation.

Hawaii DOH Reports Measles Virus in Kauaʻi Wastewater

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reported detecting measles virus in a wastewater sample from Kauaʻi County, collected on February 25, 2026. This detection serves as an early indicator, prompting increased monitoring and awareness for potential measles cases statewide.

Costco Meatloaf Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination

The Hawai'i Department of Health is alerting the public to a recall of Costco's Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze due to potential Salmonella contamination from an ingredient supplier. Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to Costco for a refund.

Hawaii DOH Reports Travel-Related Dengue Case on Oahu

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu on March 9, 2026. This brings the total for 2026 to three cases. DOH is implementing mosquito control measures and advising the public on prevention.

Measles Case Confirmed in Visitor on Oʻahu

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oʻahu. The department is notifying the public of potential exposure locations and advising individuals on necessary actions based on vaccination status.

OHCA Issues $1,500 Penalty Against Romeo Valdez for Violations

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health's Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) issued a $1,500 administrative penalty against Romeo Valdez of Hale Lehua Care Home for submitting three fraudulent, forged, or counterfeit documents. Valdez has 20 days to request a hearing.

DOH Authorizes Reopening of U-Choice In After Water Issues Resolved

The Hawai'i Department of Health has authorized the reopening of U-Choice In after a follow-up inspection confirmed that water backup issues in the kitchen were resolved. The establishment, operated by Sino Mart Enterprise, Inc., had been issued a red placard and closed on February 26, 2026.