Hawaii Island

Fentanyl Task Force

He ʻaʻaliʻi kū makani mai au, ʻaʻohe makani nana e kulaʻi.

I am a wind-resisting ʻaʻaliʻi; no gale can push me over.


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Over the last 15 years fentanyl has become the leading cause of U.S. deaths in the age groups 18-45. Federal data indicate that Hawaii Island averaged one drug overdose death every 9 days in 2022 *. For the U.S. generally, the majority of these deaths involve fentanyl. And overdose deaths among 10-19 year-olds are increasing faster than other age groups.**


For every fatal overdose, there are approximately 14 non-fatal overdoses. A non-fatal overdose increases the risk for a fatal overdose within a year. Hawaii Island EMS data indicate that Hawaii County first responders reverse 2 overdoses a week. An unknown number of fatal, and of non-fatal overdoses occur without being reported. When reported officially, confirmation has taken as much as 9 months. Public reporting locally and nationally is not systemized to allow timely information on the epidemic.


Our Priorities

Education & Prevention

Combating the Opioid Crisis through the expansion of education and prevention activities.

Screening and Early Intervention

Ensure that there are systems in place for proper screening and early intervention.

Treatment Services

Addressing addiction and mental illness through the expansion of treatment options on island.

Recovery Support

Enhancing both informal and formal recovery support services in our community.

Harm Reduction

Advocating for harm reduction legislation and community initiatives.

Data Analysis & Evaluation

Improving data collection, analysis, dissemination, and evaluation of data.

About Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force


Fentanyl was first recognized on Hawaii Island in about 2017-2018. The origin of the Task Force began in November, 2021 when a 14-year-old girl died at home on Hawaii Island of a fentanyl OD. Although the cause of death was not officially confirmed until August, 2022, community members and health professionals knew quickly. A small group subsequently approached Mayor Mitch Roth, and the coalition now known as the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force (HIFTF) was formed. The HIFTF organization started and remains a community coalition, and is not incorporated. As of December 31, 2022, there were 75 members of various organizations throughout Hawaii Island.

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Task Force Leaders

 Every member of our core task force team has made significant contributions to our community.   

Mahalo for your leadership.

 

Kevin Kunz, MD

Co-Lead

Wally Lau

Co-Lead

Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita

Co-Lead

The numbers you need to know

1/7

Hawaii Island averages 1 overdose death every 7 days

1/28

Statewide, 1 person dies of an overdose every 28 hours

3/11

Narcan saves 3 people every 11 days from an opioid overdose

#1

Fentanyl is the #1 cause of death for Americans age 18 -45

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