The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has authorized Driver’s Education instructors to resume in-person classes and behind-the-wheel training as part of the State’s Graduated Licensing Program on Aug. 1, 2020. Instructors may teach classes in-person, virtually, or by using a combination of these methods. HDOT has provided Driver’s Education instructors with the following guidelines on in-person classes: Instructors must follow CDC guidelines for small in-person classes including hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, use of cloth face coverings, and posting of signs to promote protective measures Class size is limited to 10 people per class Waivers/Liability forms must be signed by the student or guardian prior to participation in class Students and guardians must be educated NOT to attend classes if they are sick. Instructors should also ask students and guardians screening questions prior to participation in class All class participants (instructor and students) must wear non-medical grade face masks or face shields if a medical condition prevents the use of a face covering Pre-class non-contact temperature checks are recommended High-touch points within the classroom should be sanitized per CDC guidance Instructors are to provide hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes or have students bring their own sanitizers All class participants are encouraged to frequently wash their hands for at least 20 seconds Instructors should space classroom seating at least 6-feet apart Classes are NOT to be more than 5 hours in duration The 30 hours of classroom instruction must be spaced out over a 6-week period The 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training can be taught concurrently or after classroom instruction HDOT Highway Safety staff will maintain copies of instructor records such as waivers, student logs, and schedules. Behind-the-wheel training by Driver’s Education instructors is also permitted to resume for instructors with approved COVID safety plans. Instructors are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for drivers-for-hire to the extent practicable. The traveling public is reminded that behind-the-wheel road tests are administered by their respective county and that availability of appointments varies. Contacts for the county driver’s licensing offices are: Oahu – https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-csd-menu/site-csd-sitearticles/38020-city-services-smart-options.html Maui County – https://www.mauicounty.gov/2125/DMV-Wait-Times Hawaii Island – https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing Kauai – https://www.kauai.gov/DriversLicense HDOT appreciates the cooperation of driver’s education instructors in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and encourages the public to stay informed through local media and through official websites such as https://hidot.hawaii.gov/ and https://hawaiicovid19.com/

On 7/11/2020, the Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 42 new positive cases. Two cases are on Hawai‘i Island, 2 cases are on Maui, and 38 cases are on O‘ahu for a cumulative total of 1,200 cases statewide (reported since 2/28/2020). A total of 93,920 individuals have been tested in the state Total cases:1200 (42 newly reported) Hawai’i County:100 Honolulu County:905 Kaua’i County:43 Maui County:133† Pending:0 Residents diagnosed outside of Hawai‘i:19 Required Hospitalization:125‡ Hawaii deaths:19 Released from Isolation:872§ Cumulative totals as of 12:00pm, July 11, 2020 †One case is a Lanai resident whose exposure is on Maui Island and who will be remaining on Maui Island for the interim. ‡Includes Hawaii residents hospitalized out of state. §Includes cases that meet isolation release criteria (Isolation should be maintained until at least 3 days (72 hours) after resolution of fever and myalgia without the use of antipyretics OR at least 10 days have passed since symptom onset, whichever is longer). (The cases that have died and one case that has left the jurisdiction have been removed from these counts). Positive cases include presumptive and confirmed cases, and Hawaii residents and non-residents; data are preliminary and subject to change. Note that CDC provides case counts according to states of residence.

Pursuant Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 11-103, the public is hereby notified that the initial mailing of ballots for the 2020 Primary Election will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. To view a copy of the Official Proclamation announcing the ballot mailing date, please visit the Elections Division's webpage at https://www.kauai.gov/Elections. The majority of Kaua‘i voters should receive their ballots within 2-3 days of the mailing date. Any registered voter who does not receive a ballot within 5 days of the mailing date should contact the Elections Division at 241-4800. Finally, please note that official election information will only be disseminated directly through the Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk, the State Office of Elections, or via the Public Information Officer of the County of Kaua‘i. Election Officials cannot assure the accuracy of election information obtained through alternate means, so the public is urged to contact the Elections Division directly if they have any questions on material viewed on social media or related sources. For additional information, please contact the Elections Division at 241-4800.

“Today, I reluctantly withdrew my nomination for Rona Suzuki to lead the Dept. of Taxation. I respect the Senate and the role it plays in confirming nominees, and it’s unfortunate that we don’t agree on Rona’s appointment. During her tenure, the Dept. of Taxation experienced marked improvements in both operations and staff morale. While there, she successfully led the effort to modernize the tax collection system, which will benefit the state for many years to come. “She has also been the state’s point person for managing the complex process related to receiving and expending federal CARES Act funding. These programs are helping many thousands of Hawaiʻi residents during this time of financial hardship. “I extend my appreciation to Rona for her years of dedicated service to the people of Hawaiʻi. She truly made a lasting difference and exemplified what a public servant should be. We will miss her talented leadership in the department.” -- David Y. Ige

Contact tracing by the Dept. of Health has uncovered a total of 17 cases to-date involving two O‘ahu commercial gym facilities. DOH says cases in both gyms are linked to one person who participated in exercise classes at both. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said, “By their very nature, gyms that operate in closed spaces with poor ventilation and without physical distancing can be breeding grounds for all kinds of infections, including coronavirus. It is imperative that all gyms follow the safe practices required by state and county governments. These include proper physical distancing in work-out areas and in group classes, wearing of masks at all times, consistent and thorough disinfection of equipment and all surfaces.”  Furthermore, she said, “It’s important for everyone to stay home if they are ill and not go to work or public areas.” State Health Director Bruce Anderson commented, “We encourage everyone to exercise regularly, and going to the gym is a good way to maintain both physical and mental health.  However, it is critically important that safe practices are followed and that the gym is well-ventilated. Individuals at a gym are often breathing hard while exercising, which puts them and those around them at increased risk.” COVID is transmitted from person-to-person through aerosols and droplets associated with breathing, coughing and sneezing. “Perhaps most important is to stay home if you are feeling ill.  Don’t try to sweat it out.” said Anderson. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information for safety in gyms and for their patrons: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#gyms

The Senate Honolulu, Hawai'i The Hawai‘i State Senate today passed a bill that would prohibit the Public Utilities Commission from extending or renewing any contracts to generate energy from coal, and phase out the use of coal in Hawai‘i by the end of 2022. The bill was introduced by Senators Karl Rhoads, Rosalyn H. Baker, Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Jarrett Keohokalole, Clarence K. Nishihara, Russell E. Ruderman, Dru Mamo Kanuha, and Maile S.L. Shimabukuro. SB2629 SD2 HD1 prohibits, after June 30, 2020 the approval of a new or renewed power purchase agreement for electricity generated from coal, as well as the modification of a coal power purchase agreement that proposes to extend the term or increase the amount of generation that is allowed to be produced under the existing agreement. The bill also prohibits, after Dec. 31, 2022, the issuance or renewal or covered source air permits for coal-burning electricity generation facilities. “The legislature finds that the State has committed to a decisive and irreversible transition away from fossil fuels, and a swift transition to a clean energy economy powered by one hundred per cent renewable energy,” the bill states. “This renewable energy transformation will help to stabilize and strengthen Hawaii’s economy by reducing its dependency on imported fossil fuels, fostering innovation and clean energy job growth, helping protect Hawaii’s environment by greatly reducing carbon emissions, and positioning Hawaii as a global leader on climate solutions.”

The Senate Honolulu, Hawai'i Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Agriculture and Environment Committee, applauded the final passage of a bill in the House of Representatives today to legalize the growing, processing, and sale of industrial hemp in Hawai‘i. It passed the Senate on Wednesday unanimously, with Senators Les Ihara, Clarence K. Nishihara, and Laura H. Thielen expressing reservations. The bill now goes to Governor David Ige to sign into law. “This commercial hemp program will help grow a new industry in our state, which is especially needed now due to the impacts of COVID-19,” said Senator Gabbard. “This bill will provide an opportunity for economic development and the diversification of our economy. Hemp is an incredible plant that produces over 25,000 products and we're very close to making the Hawaiian Hemp brand a reality, not only in the U.S. but globally as well.” The bill (HB1819 HD2 SD3), was championed by Senators Gabbard, Donovan Dela Cruz, Rosalyn H. Baker, Karl Rhoads, and Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi, and Representatives Mark M. Nakashima, Sylvia J. Luke, Nadine K. Nakamura, Kyle T. Yamashita, Richard P. Creagan, Chris Lee, and House Speaker Scott K. Saiki. Another hemp bill, Senate Bill 1353, was vetoed by Governor Ige last year, after he expressed concerns that it was unenforceable. This year’s version was worked on directly with the Governor's administration to ensure its enactment. “Instead of using state funds to set up a hemp agency, this bill was amended to save half-a-million dollars by allowing local hemp farmers to apply directly to the USDA to get their licenses,” said Senator Gabbard. An older version of the bill would have appropriated $522,000 for five positions for the State-run hemp program and data tracking/administrative costs. The bill was also amended to change the size of buffer zones after committees received testimony about the impacts buffer zones would have on existing hemp farmers, and concerns related to noise, smells, and excessive lighting from neighbors of an existing hemp farm in Kula. “We balanced these concerns by exempting the 50 Hawai‘i hemp farmers who have licenses under the existing pilot program, and instituted 500-foot buffer zones for any new hemp farms around residences, playgrounds, childcare facilities, and schools,” said Senator Gabbard.

Yesterday, 2,668 people arrived in Hawai'i. During this same time last year approximately 35,000 passengers arrived in Hawai'i daily, including residents and visitors. Yesterday marked 15 weeks since the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started for all passengers arriving in Hawai'i from out of state. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel. This data is from the Hawai'i Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Mandatory Travel Declaration Form. For Hawaii Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/

Department of Health: 28 New Cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i The majority of coronavirus cases being reported over the past few weeks are associated with clusters – meaning people were infected by others in groups or at gatherings. Today DOH reports 28 additional cases of COVID-19 with 25 on O‘ahu, one (1) on Hawai‘i Island, one (1) on Maui, and one (1) resident diagnosed outside of Hawai‘i. 22 of the newly reported cases are residents, two (2) are non-residents, and the residency of four (4) is unknown at this time. For more information, please visit: www.hawaiicovid19.com

Governor Ige’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Kauaʻi Severe Storms and Flooding March 27-28, 2020 – approved Gov. David Ige’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Kauaʻi Severe Storms and Flooding March 27-28, 2020 has been approved. The request was submitted on April 27, 2020. The declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations seeking federal assistance the ability to apply for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure on a cost sharing basis. The federal declaration also makes available the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance to communities to prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property from natural hazards. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available statewide. In his request, Gov. Ige asked for direct federal support from Department of Defense assets for strategic airlift between the islands if needed; temporary power generation at evacuation centers; technical assistance related to points of distribution, and debris management action planning. In addition, the governor requested immediate access to federal resources for search and rescue, potential medical evacuations, mass care, sheltering commodities and additional temporary power generation capabilities. Below is the State of Hawai'i Federal Disaster declaration Fact Sheet for July 9, 2020 PDF VERSION

“The mayors and I have had productive meetings this week about the pre-travel testing program. We are assessing the current situation in Hawaiʻi and on the mainland, and we’ll make an announcement when we are satisfied that the plans will protect the health and safety of our residents and guests.” — David Y. Ige

Hawaii ranked number one in the nation for seat belt use in 2019, according to recently released data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[1]  Hawaii was the only state to reach the 97th percentile, with a seat belt usage rate of 97.1 percent. “Our high usage rate demonstrates Hawaii residents understand the importance of buckling up,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Deputy Director Ed Sniffen. “Let’s keep it up and pass on the message to buckle up every trip, every time.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign has been postponed to November. All motorists are reminded that enforcement of Hawaii’s seat belt and child passenger restraint laws is conducted year-round, day and night. More information on Hawaii’s seat belt and child passenger restraint laws follows: Know Hawaii’s Seat Belt Laws Hawaii’s universal seat belt law requires that all front and back seat motor vehicle occupants buckle up. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child passenger restraints at all times. The fine for unrestrained occupants on Oahu, Hawaii and Maui is $102, and the fine on Kauai is $112. Drivers will receive one citation for each unrestrained occupant in the vehicle. Hawaii’s child passenger restraint law requires children younger than 4 years of age to ride in a child safety seat. Children 4 through 7 years old must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat. Violators of the child restraint law are required to appear in court; and if convicted, are required to attend a four-hour class and may be assessed a penalty of $100 to $500. [1] National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2020, April). Seat Belt Use in 2019 — Use Rates in the States and Territories (Traffic Safety Facts Crash•Stats. Report No. DOT HS 812 947). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.