November 25 and December 2, 2005 - Pandemic Flu Plan

As the world focuses on Avian bird flu, my Administration has developed a plan to protect residents and visitors from a possible outbreak of Avian or other pandemic flu.

I will include $15 million in my executive budget to allow the Department of Health to stockpile antiviral medications and develop an enhanced data management system to track patient response to treatment and manage the supply of medications.

In addition, I will convene a bipartisan, multi-agency committee to coordinate emergency preparation strategies.

Hawai`i residents can contribute to our state’s preparedness by reviewing and commenting on the draft Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Response Plan.  The plan is available at: www.hawaii.gov/health.

I want to assure the people of Hawai`i that the state is focused on the necessary preparations for a possible pandemic, and we are committed to our responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of our residents and visitors.