#Hawaii Department of Health
High bacteria levels detected in waters off beach park in Kohala
According to the state department, levels of 238 per 100 mL were recorded.
Hawai‘i Department of Health recruits teens for survey participation
Information collected will be used to improve health programs and services for Hawai‘i’s youth.
Brown water advisory issued for Hilo Bay
The Department of Health recommends staying out of the water for 48-72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.
Hawaiʻi is new member of global effort to improve public health emergency response
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said as a premier international travel destination, the Aloha State occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, the Pacific and continental United States, so “it is certainly in Hawaiʻi’s interest to help safeguard the health and well-being of our neighbors and frequent visitors to our islands.”
Magics Beach Grill authorized to reopen after correcting multiple critical violations
The oceanfront restaurant, located at 77-6452 Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and operated by Mattson Davis, was shuttered April 9 after being issued a red “closed” placard following an inspection conducted by a food safety specialist with the state Department of Health.
State Health Department continues response to impacts from kona lows
Department will conduct precautionary sampling and testing of nearshore waters — as well as flood-carried mud and sediment — to understand contaminant levels in the environment; personnel also actively monitoring mosquito populations and taking targeted action in impacted areas.
UPDATE: Brown water advisory canceled for Pauoa Bay to Honokōhau Harbor
Brown waters were caused by recent storms and heavy rain.; several brown water advisories were issued for shorelines from Pololū Valley in North Kohala to Kalae Point (South Point) in Kaʻū.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park advises visitors of potential measles exposure on March 3
The Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed a visitor who went to the park had the measles.
Measles exposure possible from several Big Island locations because of infected visitor
Hawaiʻi Department of Health State Laboratories Division confirmed the case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oʻahu, who also visited Hawaiʻi Island; after arriving, the visitor became ill, sought medical care and is now recovering at a private residence on Oʻahu.
Shoreline advisory canceled less than week after wastewater spill at Pāpaʻikou treatment plant
The advisory was put in place Feb. 12 for the area between Lyman Bay (Mill Beach) and Waipahi Point following a malfunction of the disinfection system at Pāpa’ikou Wastewater Treatment Plant, which resulted in discharge of up to 98,300 gallons of fully treated, insufficiently disinfected wastewater.
Possible contamination causes Gerber Products Co. to recall keiki biscuits
The product was distributed nationwide, including by retailers such as Walmart, Target and Longs Drugs in Hawai‘i; recall was issued because the biscuits might have soft plastic and/or paper pieces inside that could cause injury or pose a choking hazard.
Residents should remain vigilant, seek assistance if needed following fallout from Episode 41 of Kīlauea eruption
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense advises the public that tephra can pose a health hazard and irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system; tephra was reported to have fallen Jan. 24 in communities including Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, ʻŌhiʻa Estates, Mountain View, Fern Acres, Kurtistown, ʻĀinaloa, Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches and Pāhoa.
UPDATE: High bacteria count advisory canceled at Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i
Water sample testing results show that the enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the threshold level at the site about 12.5 miles north of Hilo.
Hawaiʻi SNAP, WIC programs work together to support healthy families throughout state
Hawaiʻi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program now shares monthly referrals with Women, Infants and Children via a new referral process to help identify families who might qualify but are not yet enrolled.
Hawaiʻi life expectancy declined less than national average during COVID-19
University of Hawaiʻi researchers note that Hawaiʻi’s better outcomes underscore the effectiveness of early public health interventions, strong community engagement and high vaccine uptake.
Dessert in Hawai‘i stores voluntarily recalled
The recall was issued by Danone U.S. for its So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints because of the potential presence of foreign materials.
State urges residents to take precautions as flu cases surge throughout islands
Updated data as of Dec. 11 show a sharp increase in flu test positivity and flu-related emergency room visits in Hawaiʻi, which is also experiencing its highest weekly respiratory-related 9-1-1 emergency medical services calls totals since July.
Popular cheese products recalled for potential bacterial contamination
The recalled cheese products are from the Locatelli, Boar’s Head and Member’s Mark brands sold through Sam’s Club and Foodland in Hawai‘i, which were potentially contaminated with the bacteria that causes listeriosis.
2025 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award winner honored on World AIDS Day
Kunane Dreier is this year’s winner, tabbed and celebrated for his outstanding contributions to HIV services in Hawai‘i.
Hawaiʻi residents encouraged to quit smoking, vaping during Great American Smokeout
Hawai‘i joins the nation this year in observing the annual Smokeout today (Nov. 20), and Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages island residents to use this date to quit — even if it is for a day.
