Gov. David Ige defended on Tuesday morning his response to the ongoing dengue fever outbreak, following criticism from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Friday that included a call for him to declare a state of emergency.
Gov. David Ige defended on Tuesday morning his response to the ongoing dengue fever outbreak, following criticism from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Friday that included a call for him to declare a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira reported that he is likely close to calling for an emergency declaration — a decision which may be hastened following the news that state health officials are investigating multiple suspected cases of dengue fever on Maui.
Speaking at a press conference at the capitol and flanked by Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira, the governor said his team had begun preparations in November, shortly after the announcement of the outbreak, of an emergency declaration. So far, however, Hawaii County officials have not deemed such a declaration to be necessary.
Also Tuesday, the state Department of Health announced two new cases of dengue fever confirmed on the Big Island. Since the start of the outbreak last fall, there have been 246 confirmed cases.
For more on the governor’s press conference, see tomorrow’s edition of West Hawaii Today.