Weekly Video Briefing: Kawakami Recognizes Berreman, Entire Team at District Health Office

More than two years ago, Kaua‘i County started video updates to communicate with residents and visitors about the rapid changes surrounding COVID-19 in the community.

“We have come a long way since those beginning days, and as I reflect on those difficult and challenging times, one feeling overpowers all others — that’s gratitude,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in the county’s weekly video briefing for Thursday, Sept. 1. “We’re truly grateful for our entire team, from the medical professionals, our state leaders, our county incident command and first responders, our business community, our visitor industry, our residents from kupuna to keiki.”

The list goes on and on, but Kawakami took a moment to specifically recognize and thank Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman, Deputy Director Lauren Guest and their entire staff at the district health office, who have guided the county from the beginning and will continue to be part of the team.

“They have been involved in every policy decision, every COVID communication, our vaccine rollout and they continue to manage our free testing centers,” the mayor said. “During a time of worry and fear, Dr. B became our voice of reason and our source for accurate and timely information.”

That said, Kawakami said Thursday’s briefing would be Berreman’s last regular video update with the county.

The county will continue to provide COVID updates during the weekly videos, but will move their focus more toward county matters.

Kawakami went on to speak about the Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon, which return this weekend, and road closures and a modified schedule for The Kaua‘i Bus in connection with the events. He also talked about Suicide Prevention Month, which is September, and said the county on Thursday thanked the Prevent Suicide Kaua‘i Task Force for helping raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention resources in the community.

To watch the entire weekly briefing, including Berreman’s final appearance, click here. You also can click here for more information.