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.
Our Impact
Our task force is a community-powered coalition advancing overdose prevention, expanding naloxone access, strengthening education, and driving systems change. Together, we are building a coordinated, data-informed, island-wide response to the overdose epidemic.
Expanding Access to Naloxone
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Distribute ~1,300 naloxone kits each month through community pop-ups at grocery stores and local venues
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Provide overdose recognition and response education with every kit
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Establish naloxone distribution hubs islandwide
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Support Hawaiʻi Fire Department paramedics with naloxone supply when needed
Community Education & Capacity Building
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Delivered 500+ educational sessions in schools, community gatherings, and public events
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Host Train-the-Trainer workshops to build local prevention leaders
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Develop resource tools for first responders, including addiction and mental health referral cards for HPD Patrol Officers
Policy, Data & Systems Change
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Engage county, state, and federal leaders to inform policy solutions
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Supported legislative efforts, including SCR 64
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Track national and local substance use trends to guide strategy
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Collaborate with HPD and HFD, including supporting public reporting of monthly fentanyl seizure and arrest data
Supporting Families & Healing
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Meet regularly with families impacted by overdose and fentanyl
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Create space for connection, advocacy, and shared action
Leading Through Collaboration
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Developed and continuously refine a five-year strategic plan
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Support and convene other county task forces
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Advise leaders beyond Hawaiʻi Island
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Respond to media inquiries to inform and educate the public
