As temperatures rise, heat awareness campaign launches to inform Hawai‘i residents and visitors of health risks

The Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development – in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and counties across the state – has launched a heat safety awareness campaign aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of residents and visitors during the hottest months of the year.

2023 was the hottest year on record with unprecedented heat waves and heat-related illnesses. Hawaiʻi is known for its moderate climate and cooling trade winds; however, rising temperatures and high relative humidity levels pose a significant health risk.

“Hawaiʻi has some of the highest average annual relative humidity in the country,” said Ana Española, Office of Economic Development sustainability coordinator. “When it is too humid, our bodies have a harder time cooling down, which can lead to heat-related illness.”

This initiative aims to dispel the misconception that Hawaiʻi is immune to heat-related health issues and to provide residents and visitors with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe. The campaign consists of two main components, heat brochures and social media outreach that will be shared from now through September.

Heat brochures will offer practical tips on staying cool, recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses and emergency contact information specific to each county. These informational brochures will be widely distributed in public spaces, health centers and community events across the state.

A social media campaign will leverage Instagram and Facebook to reach a broader audience. Each county and the Hawai‘i Department of Health will share collaborative posts on topics including heat-related illnesses, tips for identifying heat exhaustion and highlighting vulnerable groups that are more prone to heat risks.

Follow OED’s Instagram @kauai_forward for updates throughout the summer. Visit www.heat.gov for more resources about heat illnesses, extreme heat and how to prepare.