Fentanyl was first recognized on Hawaiʻi Island around 2017-2018. The origin of the Task Force began in November 2021 when a 14-year-old girl died at home on Hawaiʻi Island of a fentanyl overdose. Although the cause of death was not officially confirmed until August 2022, community members and health professionals knew quickly.

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A small group subsequently approached Mayor Mitch Roth, and the coalition now known as the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force (HIFTF) was formed.

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In July 2023, the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) became our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. With their financial vitality, BISAC entered into an MOA with the County to receive $460,900.00 of Opioid Settlement funds over the next two fiscal years. This funding will allow us to expand our efforts in all areas of our operation drastically.​

 

Six focus areas help guide the hands-on work of our task force: Data Evaluation and Analysis, Education and Prevention, Harm Reduction, Recovery Support, Screening and Early Intervention, and Treatment Services.​

 

The HIFTF is led by Dr. Hannah Preston Pita, Uncle Wally Lau, and Dr. Kevin Kunz.