Beat the heat: Statewide campaign aimed at keeping residents, visitors safe during hottest months of year

The year 2023 was the hottest 12 months on record, with unprecedented heat waves and heat-related illnesses.

While Hawaiʻi is known for its moderate climate and cooling trade winds, rising temperatures and high relative humidity pose a significant health risk.

“Hawaiʻi has some of the highest average annual relative humidity in the country,” said Bethany Morrison, administrator of the Hawaiʻi County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience. “When it is too humid, our bodies have a harder time cooling down, which can lead to heat-related illness.”

To safeguard the health and well-being of residents and visitors of the islands during the hottest months of the year, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, in collaboration with all four of the state’s counties, launched the Heat Safety Awareness Campaign to beat the heat.

The initiative aims to dispel the misconception that Hawaiʻi is immune to heat-related health issues and provide the public with knowledge and resources people need to stay safe. Heat brochures will be shared and social media outreach conducted through September.

The brochures will offer practical tips for staying cool, recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses and emergency contact information specific to each county. They will provide vital information about how to stay safe during extreme heat conditions.

They will be widely distributed in public spaces and health centers as well as at community events throughout the state. To ensure inclusivity, the brochures will be available in English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).

The social media component will reach a broad audience, with each county and the state Health Department sharing collaborative posts on Instagram and Facebook about topics such as heat-related illnesses, tips for identifying heat exhaustion and vulnerable groups more prone to heat risks.

Hawaiʻi County officials encourage Big Island residents and visitors to participate by staying informed and sharing information with neighbors.

Stay safe and follow the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience on Instagram for updates throughout the summer. You can also click here for more resources about heat-related illnesses, extreme heat and how to prepare.

For more information about the campaign, contact the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience via email at oscer@hawaiicounty.gov.