Pandemic Flu Preparations Continue
The Lt. Governor opened a forum to improve the exchange of information and build consensus for making decisions in preparation of a major public health crisis.
"We must be ready to respond at the state, federal and local levels in the event that a pandemic reaches our shores," Lt. Governor Aiona said.
The strategic policy forum continues the Lingle-Aiona Administration's efforts to prepare for a possible flu pandemic.
In 2005, the state implemented an airport flu surveillance program to improve early detection of an emerging virus - the first state in the nation to establish such a program.
In 2006, the state Legislature approved the Governor's request for an emergency appropriation to prepare for a pandemic flu. The funding provides $11 million for an electronic data system to track patient cases, launch a public information campaign and purchase an antiviral stockpile.
Also in 2006, the National Defense University's first Strategic Policy Forum exercise, Global Tempest, was conducted in Hawai`i.
"No one knows when the next pandemic will occur," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "But we do know that our state must be able to make rapid, informed decisions to control the impact of the next pandemic and protect our residents."
