ASK-A-KAUKA
This series continues this week with Dr. Gerard Akaka, Queens Health Systems, and Dr. Kaohimanu Dang Akiona, Premier Medical Group in Hilo.
They will share Stories from the Field.
They will answer your questions about COVID-19, how COVID patients are cared for, and how safe are the vaccines.
In 1836, Princess Kīna’u ordered a screening of all ships and crew [entering Hawaii] for smallpox and cholera. Ships were to hoist a yellow flag to inform harbor authorities of a contagion’s presence onboard. Kamehameha III created the Kingdom’s Board of Health and issued its first quarantine laws. These laws outlined protocols for ships exposed to infectious disease, as well as the responsibilities of local representatives, harbor officials, physicians, and ships’ captains. In 1839, “He Kanawai No Ka Mai Puʻupuʻu” (A Law Regarding Smallpox) was passed. Vessels originating from places with active epidemics like smallpox or measles were restricted from entering Honolulu Harbor. Ships were required to remain at sea for 42 days without crew disembarking.
The Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Response, Recovery & Resilience Team (NHPI 3R) was established in April 2020, in alignment with the national NHPI Response Team, to improve the collection and reporting of accurate data, identify and lend support to initiatives across the Hawaiian Islands working to address COVID-19 among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and unify to establish a presence in the decision-making processes and policies that impact our communities. More than 60 agencies, organizations, and departments comprise the NHPI 3R Team. Papa Ola Lōkahi is honored to be able to provide backbone support for the 3R Team.
For more information about the activities of this collaborative, or for resources related to COVID-19, visit www.NHPICOVIDHawaii.net.
