The Communications Director is the Public Information Officer for
the State Department of Health and is responsible for implementing the
communication policy and emergency communications plan.
The DOH PIO is supported by DOH Public
Information Specialists.
Their primary
responsibilities are to coordinate communications activities and preparations,
create and disseminate informational materials, support Department of Health
divisions and liaison with county, state, and other public/private agencies.
The Public Information Officer advises the DOH Director on public information matters; ensures the development,
dissemination and evaluation of public health information to the State of Hawaii and addresses the needs of
state, national, and international media regarding public health issues.
The function of the Communications Office is to develop, coordinate and implement a statewide public information program for the
Department of Health. The office is responsible for supporting the public awareness objectives in the development, organization, direction and implementation of
the Department’s communication policy.
A primary responsibility of the Communications Office is to develop a comprehensive statewide risk communication plan to address threats
and incidents of bioterrorism, infectious disease, and other public health
issues or environmental hazards.
To
ensure that the plan will function statewide under a broad range of
circumstances, the Department of Health works closely with federal, state, and
county agencies, as well as private organizations and community groups to
coordinate, develop public education and awareness materials and to implement
the plan.
