NPAC - Get Fit Kauai

Funded by the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Healthy Hawai`i Initiative (HHI) through a contract with the University of Hawai`i at Manoa’s Office of Public Health Studies, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Get Fit Kauai, Kauai County Nutrition & Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC) first reconvened in March, 2009.

The NPACs throughout the state (coalitions are in place in every county) are charged with improving health in the areas of physical activity and nutrition through systems and environmental changes, based on the social-ecological model. Research has shown that it is through these types of changes that long-lasting health benefits are gained.

The priority areas of the coalitions’ work are:

1. Built environment (buildings, land use, public resources, zoning regulations and transportation systems
2. Schools and childcare facilities
3. Worksites
4. Nutrition and Food systems

Get Fit Kauai Worksite Wellness Task Force has completed a pilot worksite wellness program; the Mayor’s walking Workbus (collaboration between GFK, County of Kauai, American Cancer Society and the Department of Health) and is currently working on a worksite wellness project; “On the Road to Wellness Worksite Wellness Challenge” that promotes policy and environmental change in the worksite. Our School Task Force is presently working with Kapa`a Elementary School, KPD and the community to develop a Safe Routes to Schools program. Our Access to Healthy Food Task Force is concentrating on creating a project to promote policy change and access to healthy foods served in pre-schools. Our Built Environment Task Force is focusing on 2 projects; 1) introducing a Complete Streets County Resolution and Ordinance and 2) working on updating the Land Transportation Plan. In addition, members of our group have testified in support of the development of healthy communities (mixed use areas with safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians, including complete streets).

Objectives and strategies for all task forces are driven from the Department of Health PAN Plan. A copy of that plan can be found at www.healthyhawaii.com

We look forward to working with you in the future to improve the health of our community.

We are compiling a directory listing Kauai resources currently providing services in physical activity, nutrition or other community services. If appropriate, please fill out this survey.