He ʻaʻaliʻi kū makani mai au;‘a‘ohe makani nāna e kūla‘i.
I am a wind-withstanding ‘a‘ali‘i; no wind can topple me over.
Fentanyl was first recognized on Hawaiʻi Island around 2017-2018. The origin of the Task Force began in November 2021 when a 14-year-old girl died at home on Hawaiʻi Island of a fentanyl overdose. 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 Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force (HIFTF) was formed.
In July 2023, the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) became our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. With their financial vitality, BISAC entered into an MOA with the County to receive $460,900.00 of Opioid Settlement funds over the next two fiscal years. This funding will allow us to expand our efforts in all areas of our operation drastically.
Our Mission
Reduce the demand and supply of illicit drugs in all age groups, especially fentanyl, through education, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support activities, and we support law enforcement and judicial initiatives.
Our Vision
A community that is aware, informed, and empowered to prevent addiction, drug overdose, and other consequences of drug use on
Hawaiʻi Island.
