Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references. / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / xv, 252 leaves, bound ill., map 29 cm

This thesis will trace the major developments in the field of health education in the public schools or the Territory of Hawaii from the beginnings made in 1009 to the present time. Some attention will be paid to developments on the Islands or Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai; but the greater emphasis will be placed on the work done on the Island of Oahu. The public schools of the Territory of Hawaii are at present carrying on an extensive health program. The special health class work seems to be receiving more attention in the non-English standard schools. The need is more pronounced in these schools than in the English standard schools, and this, no doubt, accounts for the greater degree of interest shown. Perhaps the greatest progress has been made in some of the plantation schools. While these schools are a part of the public school system, they are also an integral part of the plantation community. In many instances, the entire school population of a plantation school is made up entirely of children whose parents work on the plantation. The officials on the plantation are vitally interested in the welfare of their workers and their families, and they are eager to do all that is possible to improve health conditions. This study is based on information obtained on several trips to Hawaii. It includes observations, made over a period of more than three years and experiences as an exchange teacher in a health class at Ewa, Oahu.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-178). / Microfiche. / xv, 178 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

The opportunistic environmental microbes, non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM), pose an increasing risk of disease and death in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent individuals in the USA and across the world. NTM lung disease is particularly prevalent in Hawaii, although the modes of NTM acquisition and transport in Hawaii are not fully understood. This study evaluated 149 soil and 50 water samples across the Hawaiian Islands to determine geochemical factors controlling NTM. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and principal component analyses (PCA) of modern soils show variables such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), pH, P, mafic silicate minerals, and Pb seem to control NTM presence and transition metals and oxides such as TiO2, Zr, and Nb seem to control the absence perhaps due to toxicity. Logistic regression modeling coupled with Kolmogorov-Smirnov testing supported that TOC and P could be used to explain the probability of NTM presence in modern soils. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and principal components analysis results suggest poor predictability of NTM presence in soils when evaluating mineralogy alone. The same statistical methods indicated that transition metals appeared to control NTM presence in stream water and major cations and anions seemed to control NTM absence. However, additional bacterial stream data is needed to strengthen this finding. Additionally, an Oahu source water assessment and protection groundwater model was refined by including stream discharge data, including losses to the aquifer. NTM inhabits many environmental niches, although little is understood regarding the transport of NTM from the environment to indoor plumbing. However, transport from surface water to water-supply aquifers is likely important. This study analyzes groundwater flow from stream losses as a mechanism of NTM transport to water supplies. An updated MODFLOW groundwater model was developed for the north-east Oahu, Waimea River drainage. Results show hundreds of meters of lateral and tens of meters of vertical transport of NTM in 1-3 months. Additionally, geochemical modeling with Geochemist’s Workbench showed Fe oxy/hydroxides oversaturated in 100% of streams. Fe oxy/hydroxide affixed to NTM would potentially satisfy NTM’s preference for attachment and allow for colloidal transport through the aquifer.