Effective Wednesday, July 15, the County of Kaua‘i will be offering Kupuna hours at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order to better serve residents ages 65 and over seeking both Driver’s Licensing and Motor Vehicle services. Kupuna hours will be from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Thursday, through the month of July as a pilot program. Updates to Kupuna hours will be announced as needed. During these dedicated hours for Kupuna, no appointments will be needed as customers will be seen on a first-come first-served basis. However, Kupuna are advised to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to ensure service. Except road testing, all other DMV services will be offered to Kupuna during these dedicated hours. All other customers will be seen by appointment only. As a reminder for the general public, the DMV has recently implemented an online appointment scheduling system. Appointments can be made at https://kauaidmvappt.cxmflow.com/en/WizardAppt/Units. To access the link through the County of Kaua‘i website, visit www.kauai.gov and click on the “GetInLineOnline” icon. A list of required documents and answers to frequently asked questions can also be found on the county’s website www.kauai.gov. Please be sure to bring all required documents to your scheduled appointment. The County DMV ensures that the health and safety of the community and their associates has been and remains their primary focus. As a reminder, social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and masks will be required for entry and service. For more information or questions, please visit www.kauai.gov/finance or call the Drivers’ Licensing Division at 241-4242 or the Motor Vehicles Division at 241-4256.

For more information: www.hawaiicovid19.com

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Member Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Member Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Member Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Member Senator Kurt Fevella, Member NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING DATE: Thursday, July 16, 2020 TIME: 2:00 P.M. Place: Conference Room 211 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street THE STATE CAPITOL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE ONGOING COVID-19 EPIDEMIC A live stream of all Senate Standing Committee meetings will be available online. Selected hearings will also be broadcast live on ‘Ōlelo Community Media Channel 53. Click here for the live stream of this meeting (link available shortly before the scheduled start time). A G E N D A The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the reopening of schools. The special committee will be meeting with the following: Department of Education Dr. Christina Kishimoto, Superintendent Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist No testimony will be accepted. The meeting will be available for live viewing on ‘Olelo Channel 53 and will go out live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be live streaming online at olelo.org The cable TV broadcast and/or live stream of this meeting will include closed captioning. If you require other auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., interpretive services (oral or written) or ASL interpreter), please contact the committee clerk at least 24 hours prior to the hearing so that arrangements can be made. For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6800. Online Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/hearingnotices/HEARING_SCOVID_07-16-20_INFO_.HTM

Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced that Governor David Ige has verbally approved the City and County of Honolulu’s amended order that prohibits the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol in bars on O‘ahu at, or before, 12 a.m. daily. The amended order is effective immediately. A “bar” for purposes of the amended Emergency Order means an establishment possessing a Class 2, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 liquor license, as defined by the Rules of the Liquor Commission of the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawai‘i, regardless of whether food is served, including the outdoor areas of such establishments. “As we see the number of coronavirus cases rise on O‘ahu, we want to do everything we can to keep businesses open, while keeping people safe,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “We have received numerous complaints of clear failure to follow the rules and we know people are less likely to make good decisions if they are intoxicated, especially when it comes to physical distancing. By cutting off the sale of liquor at 12 a.m., we hope to allow businesses to continue to operate, while limiting the possibility of reckless behavior. This is preferable to closing an entire class of businesses. During this pandemic, we all need to do everything we can to protect each other, because the only way we keep this virus under control is if we all work together and do what we know works. Wear your face coverings, keep your physical distance, and wash your hands.” The Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-19 (Second Amendment to Ho‘oulu i Honolulu 4.0) provides that any bar that does not comply with the requirements under the Mayor’s Emergency Orders, which include the wearing of face covering, social/physical distancing requirements, and rules related to certain indoor activities such as singing and dancing, shall be subject to the immediate closure for a 24 hour period effected by the Honolulu Police Department and/or the Honolulu Liquor Commission. Bar operators found in noncompliance with the requirements of this Order may also be subject to penalties that could include fines, suspension, and/or revocation of the liquor license. A signed version of the Amended Emergency Order No. 2020-19, will be posted later today at honolulu.gov. If you have any questions on Mayor Caldwell’s Second Amended Ho‘oulu i Honolulu Order 4.0, the City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 information call center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. O‘ahu residents are encouraged to visit the website, oneoahu.org to get answers to frequently asked questions. If they do not find an answer to their questions on the site, residents can call the 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov.

Americans are increasingly adopting the use of cloth face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the latest science may convince even more to do so. In an editorial published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), CDC reviewed the latest science and affirms that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. “We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” This review included two case studies out today, one from JAMA, showing that adherence to universal masking policies reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission within a Boston hospital system, and one from CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), showing that wearing a mask prevented the spread of infection from two hair stylists to their customers in Missouri. Additional data in today’s MMWR showed that immediately after the White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC advised Americans to wear cloth face coverings when leaving home, the proportion of U.S. adults who chose to do so increased, with 3 in 4 reporting they had adopted the recommendation in a national internet survey. The results of the Missouri case study provide further evidence on the benefits of wearing a cloth face covering. The investigation focused on two hair stylists — infected with and having symptoms of COVID-19 — whose salon policy followed a local ordinance requiring cloth face coverings for all employees and patrons. The investigators found that none of the stylists’ 139 clients or secondary contacts became ill, and all 67 clients who volunteered to be tested showed no sign of infection. The finding adds to a growing body of evidence that cloth face coverings provide source control – that is, they help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. The main protection individuals gain from masking occurs when others in their communities also wear face coverings. COVID-19 prevention in a Missouri hair salon When two stylists at a Missouri hair salon tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, researchers from CoxHealth hospitals, Washington University, the University of Kansas, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department worked together to trace contacts, investigate the cases, and publish their findings in the MMWR. One of the stylists developed respiratory symptoms but continued to see clients for eight days. The other, who apparently became infected from her co-worker, also developed respiratory symptoms and continued to see clients for four days. The salon in which they worked had a policy requiring both stylists and their clients to wear face coverings, consistent with the local government ordinance. Both stylists wore double-layered cloth face coverings or surgical masks when seeing clients. The median appointment time was 15 minutes and ranged from 15 to 45 minutes. More than 98% of clients wore a face covering—47% wore cloth face coverings, 46% wore surgical masks, and about 5% wore N-95 respirators. When customers were asked whether they had been ill with any respiratory symptoms in the 90 days preceding their appointment, 87 (84%) reported that they had not. None of the interviewed customers developed symptoms of illness. Among 67 (48%) customers who volunteered to be tested, all 67 tested negative for the virus that causes COVID-19. Several family members of one of the stylist’s subsequently developed symptoms and received a diagnosis of COVID-19. Survey: Acceptance of face-mask guidance increased CDC analyzed data from an internet survey of a national sample of 503 adults during April 7–9 and found that about 62% said they would follow the newly announced recommendations to wear a face mask when outside the home. A repeat survey during May 11-13 showed that the percentage of adults endorsing face mask wearing increased to more than 76%. The increase was driven largely by a significant jump in approval by white, non-Hispanic adults, from 54% to 75%.  Approval among Black, non-Hispanic adults went up from 74% to 82%, and remained stable among Hispanic/Latino adults at 76% and 77%. There was also a large increase in face-mask approval among respondents in the Midwest, from 44% to 74%.  Approval was greatest in the Northeast, going from 77% to 87%. Resources: CDC’s Information on Cloth Face Coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html CDC Editorial in JAMA: Brooks JT, Butler JC, Redfield RR. Time for universal masking and prevention of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. JAMA. Published online July 14, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.13107 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2020.13107external icon MMWR Article: No Transmission of Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 After Significant Exposure With Universal Face Mask Use at a Hair Salon – Springfield, Missouri, May 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e2.htm?s_cid=mm6928e2_w MMWR Article: Factors Associated with Cloth Face Coverings Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, April and May 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e3.htm?s_cid=mm6928e3_w U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - https://www.hhs.gov/ CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world. source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html

The County of Kaua‘i’s newest affordable housing project in Waimea is opening for applications on Friday, July 17. “We are proud to join in announcing the opening of the newest affordable housing development on Kaua‘i. This project, made possible in part by $3 million in County funding, is bringing desperately needed affordable housing to the Westside and community of Waimea,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We look forward to working with our partners the Ahe Group and EAH Housing to ensure that this project serves the housing needs of the Westside community for decades to come.” The Waimea Huaka‘i affordable housing project has 35 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments available. Rent at Waimea Huaka‘i will be based on 30% to 60% of the area median income and will range from $400 to $1,200 per month for eligible applicants. Waimea Huaka‘i will be managed and operated by EAH housing, a nonprofit housing corporation that oversees numerous properties on Kaua‘i. “EAH Housing is thrilled to grow its relationship with Ahe Group and the County of Kaua`i Housing Agency,” said Josh Romoff, director of new business for EAH Housing. “This new apartment community brings together non-profit, for-profit, and government agencies to support those in our communities that most need our help.” For more information and to apply please visit https://www.eahhousing.org/apartments/waimea-huakai or call 808-647-2181. An initial selection lottery will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Gov. David Ige announced this afternoon that after meeting with the four county mayors and officials from the Department of Health (DOH) he has decided to delay the start of Hawai‘i’s pre-travel testing program from August 1st to September 1st. All travelers entering Hawai‘i will be subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine until September 1st. Taking a COVID-19 test will not allow anyone who is traveling from out-of-state to bypass the quarantine. In response to today’s announcement, Chris Tatum, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) said, “We want to welcome back our visitors once our state is ready to do so in a safe manner that will hopefully avoid the need to backtrack in the future. Once we receive details on the process and requirements from the Department of Transportation and the DOH, we will share that information with the visitor industry.” The governor said during a news briefing this afternoon: “We have always said that we will make decisions based on the health and safety of our community as the highest priority. This decision came through much much discussion and we have assessed the situation that we see before us and over the past few weeks. I’ve already mentioned that we’ve set a new record in the number of cases – 42. And just a reminder a few days before that we had set the previous record of 41 cases.” Gov. Ige added: “On the U.S. mainland we continue to see uncontrolled outbreaks and surges. This includes the highest number of daily cases in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, and increasing cases in Nevada. As we speak right now, the outbreaks on the mainland are not in control and we don’t believe that that situation would change significantly by August 1st as we had hoped.” To watch Gov. Ige’s press conference, visit HTA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiHTA/ https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/news-releases/2020/hta-responds-to-the-state-of-hawaiis-decision-to-delay-start-of-pre-travel-testing-program/

Gov. David Ige today announced he will delay the launch of the pre-travel testing program for incoming travelers to Hawai‘i. The program is now scheduled to begin on Sept. 1. This means all travelers entering the State of Hawai‘i will be subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine until Sept. 1, when the pre-travel testing program is scheduled to begin. The governor made this decision in collaboration with Hawai‘i’s four county mayors. Several factors contributed to the decision to delay the pre-travel testing program. They include: The continental U.S. (mainland) is seeing large, uncontrolled outbreaks in some of Hawai‘i’s main visitor markets, including California. Many of these communities are increasing restrictions and rolling back reopening plans. Hawai‘i is seeing an increase in cases. The outbreaks on the mainland are affecting Hawai‘i’s testing supply, including an interruption in our supply chain from the mainland. Hawai‘i anticipates an uptick in cases when schools re-open in August. “This was an extremely difficult decision to make. This delay will further hurt our economy, but as I’ve always said – we will make decisions based on the best available science and facts prioritizing the health and safety of Hawai‘i residents. Our county mayors and I agree, this delay is essential to protect our community,” said Gov. Ige. Once it is launched, the pre-travel testing program will be an important part of the state’s multi-layered screening process to protect residents and visitors. Some new details include: Travelers will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine if they test negative after taking a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours in advance of travel. The test must be a nucleic acid amplification test or NAAT test conducted at a CLIA-certified laboratory. If test results are not available by the time of arrival in Hawaiʻi, the traveler will remain in quarantine until their test results are received. If the test results are negative and can be verified, the traveler will then be exempt from the quarantine. All travelers are subject to the pre-test requirement, including children of all ages. Travelers are responsible for the cost of the test. No commercial testing will be provided at Hawaiʻi airports. Gov. Ige will issue a 10th supplementary emergency proclamation in the next few days.

Office of the Governor: Sept. 1 is New Date for Resumption of Trans-Pacific Travel Calling the delay in reopening trans-Pacific travel to Hawai‘i a very tough decision, Governor Ige outlined the reasons for changing the date during an afternoon news briefing. • Record numbers of new cases in Hawai‘i • Large, uncontrolled outbreaks in mainland states • Supply chain for testing supplies interrupted because of outbreaks • Anticipated uptick in cases when schools reopen The governor said his decision, discussed during numerous meetings with county mayors over the past week, was between two difficult options. “On one hand we could continue to move forward and re-open the economy but face an uncontrolled surge in COVID-19 cases. On the other, we can delay the pre-travel testing and risk further damage to the economy,” Governor Ige explained. He said this will make the state’s economic recovery more challenging, but the health and safety of Hawai‘i’s residents come first. He again asked everyone to take personal responsibility to help win the battle against coronavirus. Pre-Travel Testing Progress Update Governor Ige also said that the state still believes the pre-travel testing program will help Hawai‘i stay safe. He announced that progress on the program is being made and more details will be in place by Sept. 1. Reiterating the outline of the program: • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab • Travelers exempt for mandatory 14-day quarantine if testing negative no more than 72 hours in advance of travel • If results are not available by time of arrival, quarantine necessary until test results received. • All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirement • Individuals responsible for testing costs • No commercial testing provided at Hawai‘i airports The governor says the pre-test is one part of a multi-layered screening process which includes arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher. Governor Appears During House Committee Meeting on COVID-19 Gov. Ige made an appearance at a House Committee meeting on COVID-19 Monday. During his appearance, he expressed his condolences for the families of three individuals who passed away due to COVID-19. Gov. Ige said, “Three reported deaths in the islands. One is a resident who passed away in Arizona. Two others were here in the state. We continue to have among the lowest fatality rates, but every death is a tragedy.” The governor also gave an update on Hawai‘i’s healthcare supply, which remains at 50% capacity. He also showcased the newly revised health dashboard, which can be found here: https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/ Department of Health: Three Additional COVID-19 Deaths and 86 New Cases Over the Weekend Three more Hawai‘i residents have died from coronavirus: a man and a woman from O‘ahu and a Kaua‘i man. DOH reports all three individuals were elderly and had underlying medical conditions (more details in the item below). Since last Friday, July 10, the department has recorded 86 new cases. More to be found at : www.hawaiicovid19.com For more tables, charts and visualizations visit the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division:https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii More Deaths and Cases Renew Calls for Safe Practices In Hawai‘i A tragic reminder of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and their families are the deaths of three more Hawai‘i residents from coronavirus. The Department of Health’s (DOH) Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) reports an elderly Kaua‘i resident is the 22nd recorded COVID-19 death. This person died out of state, in Arizona, where he had been receiving treatment for several months for underlying medical conditions. The 21st fatality was also reported by DOCD over the weekend. This female died in an O‘ahu hospital Sunday morning and had previously been a resident of a care home. Today DOCD confirmed the 20th death, which occurred on July 7th, as an elderly O‘ahu man with underlying medical issues. His death was added after a review of his health history and discussions with his primary care physician. State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “We all extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of these three people. The best tribute to their lives and to the lives of all 22 people who’ve lost the fight against coronavirus, is getting everyone in Hawai‘i to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them.” Most of the 86 additional cases recorded since last Friday are in previous clusters associated with “community-spread.” For example, a total of 44 cases are associated with a training activity at Hawaiian Airlines, in which a person infected during these meetings, is linked to a cluster of 20 cases involving two O‘ahu gyms. According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, “This clearly shows how easily and quickly this virus can spread from person-to-person and from place-to-place when people are not practicing physical distancing, not wearing masks, not staying home when sick, and possibly not washing their hands frequently and thoroughly.” Health experts urge individuals and our community as a whole to maintain safe practices and encourage others to do so to prevent the continuation of a spike in cases. Saturday had the greatest single-day number of reported cases (42) since DOH began tracking cases in late February. “While the majority of Hawai‘i’s residents are using safe practices, clearly there are some who are not, and frankly unless everyone pays attention, we’ll unfortunately continue to see illnesses and deaths associated with COVID-19,” Anderson said. Read the full Joint Information Center News Release here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/hawaii-covid-19-joint-information-center-news-release-3-deaths-86-new-cases-renew-calls-for-safe-practices-july-13-2020/ Health Director Again Emphasizes Personal Responsibility At this afternoon’s news briefing, Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson reiterated the need for everyone to practice personal responsibility in order to flatten the COVID-19 curve and subsequently for Hawai‘i’s economy to begin recovering. “Community spread of coronavirus is increasing and many of these cases are clusters or groups of cases caused by people who chose not to wear a mask or participated in a gathering without physical distancing,” Anderson said. He added, “Disease activity, particularly in Honolulu, is widely circulating and we anticipate hundreds of new cases and additional deaths in the coming weeks, if everyone does not increase their use of masks, staying six-feet apart, and staying home when sick.” He noted that most of the businesses that have re-opened are complying with safe practices and following prevention measures. However, Anderson said, if you see a business not complying, simply chose not to enter. While Hawai‘i continues to have the lowest number of cases and deaths per capita in the nation, in order to maintain our status as the healthiest place in the U.S., Anderson says we all must be vigilant about wearing masks and physical distancing. University of Hawai‘i: New “Modified Quarantine Bubble” Announced for Out-of-State Students With the governor’s announcement today that the pre-testing travel program will be delayed until Sept. 1 for out-of-state travelers, UH announced that students with a negative test will be able to be in a “modified bubble quarantine.” This means if they get a negative COVID-19 test, they can participate in the “bubble,” and will be allowed to attend university activities only. Other than that, they will have to remain in their residence. They’ll also be required to do daily health checks, in which they will be asked about symptoms such as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. The modified bubble will last for 14 days, similar to the 14-day quarantine other out-of-state travelers have to follow. Other schools like Hawai‘i Pacific University, Chaminade, and Brigham Young University will offer a similar program. More details are expected to be announced Tuesday, July 14. Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: 2,215 Passengers Arrive on Sunday Yesterday, a total of 2,215 people arrived in Hawai‘i including 505 visitors and 817 returning residents. There was a total of 26 arriving flights. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday but does not show interisland travel.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), through its contractor Sea Engineering Inc., will begin work on July 13 to refurbish the concrete flood drainage canal in Nānākuli. Contractors will perform concrete relining, concrete spall repair, concrete crack repair, and chain link fence repairs to roughly a mile of the Nānākuli Flood Control Channel. The project will also include the installation of security gates at channel entry points and maintenance easements. “The first 109 homesteaders moved in to Nānākuli in the 1930s,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman William J. Ailā, Jr. “DHHL is proceeding with a number of repair and maintenance projects on many aging homestead communities throughout the State.” Construction materials will be staged at the mauka end of Ulei Street. Residents in the area should anticipate construction noise during regular work hours. DHHL has requested that the 75 affected homesteaders clear a three-foot space from the canal fence once the repair work reaches their backyards. In total, the project is possible through the utilization of $3.5 million in legislative appropriated funds. “I am happy to see DHHL move forward on implementing this legislative appropriation,” said District 43 Representative Staceylynn Eli. “These improvements are among several initiatives designed to improve the health and safety of residents in Nānākuli.” Weather permitting, the project is anticipated to be completed in 12 months. For more information, call (808) 620-9500. About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading. Source: http://dhhl.hawaii.gov/2020/07/13/nanakuli-flood-control-channel-improvements/

The special committee will convene at 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, to assess and advise the Senate regarding the Governor's plans to reopen tourism on August 1, 2020. Additionally, the committee shall review the current status of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program. Discussion to include, but not limited to, the following: Review and assess reopening plans and procedures for screening, testing, and contact tracing; Review and assess the current state of the SafeTravels application; Review and assess whether the Department of Transportation – Airports Division's plans and procedures have been adequately implemented to safeguard public health and safety in preparation for reopening; Review and assess the plans and management of available federal and state funding; Review and assess all fraud management implementation regarding the PUA program; Review and assess the status of current PUA payment distributions; and To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 12:00 p.m. Department of the Attorney General Ms. Clare Connors, Attorney General Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist Department of Transportation – Airports Division Mr. Ford Fuchigami, Administrator Hawaii Tourism Authority Mr. Chris Tatum, CEO Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely via video or teleconference. The meeting will be available for live viewing on ‘Olelo Channel 49 and will go out live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be live streaming online at olelo.org No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov.

A tragic reminder of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and their families are the deaths of three more Hawai‘i residents from coronavirus. The Department of Health’s (DOH) Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) reports an elderly Kaua‘i resident is the 22nd recorded COVID-19 death. This person died out of state, in Arizona, where he had been receiving treatment for several months for underlying medical conditions. The 21st fatality was also reported by DOCD over the weekend. This female died in an O‘ahu hospital Sunday morning and had previously been a resident of a care home. Today DOCD confirmed the 20th death, which occurred on July 7th, as an elderly O‘ahu man with underlying medical issues. His death was added after a review of his health history and discussions with his primary care physician. State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “We all extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of these three people. The best tribute to their lives and to the lives of all 22 people who’ve lost the fight against coronavirus, is getting everyone in Hawai‘i to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them.” Most of the 86 additional cases recorded since last Friday are in previous clusters associated with “community-spread.” For example, a total of 44 cases are associated with a training activity at Hawaiian Airlines, in which a person infected during these meetings, is linked to a cluster of 20 cases involving two O‘ahu gyms. According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, “This clearly shows how easily and quickly this virus can spread from person-to-person and from place-to-place when people are not practicing physical distancing, not wearing masks, not staying home when sick, and possibly not washing their hands frequently and thoroughly.” Health experts urge individuals and our community as a whole to maintain safe practices and encourage others to do so to prevent the continuation of a spike in cases. Saturday had the greatest single day number of reported cases (42) since DOH began tracking cases in late February. Other clusters, where community-spread is clearly the cause of additional cases, are pau hana gatherings, businesses, urgent care and long-term care facilities, and household clusters associated with social interactions (birthday parties, Father’s Day, 4th of July and religious functions). “While the majority of Hawai‘i’s residents are using safe practices, clearly there are some who are not, and frankly unless everyone pays attention, we’ll unfortunately continue to see illnesses and deaths associated with COVID-19. Personal responsibility is the way we’ll again flatten the curve and retain Hawai‘i’s leadership through this unprecedented public health crisis. The upward trend of cases not only impacts people’s health but will likely delay our state’s economic recovery,” Anderson said.