UPDATE: Chair Dela Cruz recessed hearing until further notice. The Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 will hold a meeting beginning at 1 p.m. today, live on ‘Ōlelo channel 49 on O‘ahu and http://olelo.org/49. The State Capitol remains closed to the public. The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures for reopening the economy and the plans for economic recovery. 1:00 p.m. GDP History, Outlook, and Potential Sector Growth: Research & Economic Analysis Dr. Eugene Tian, Chief State Economist 1:30 p.m. Approach to Job Creation: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation Mr. Len Higashi, Acting Executive Director Hawaii State Energy Office Mr. Scott Glenn, Chief Energy Officer Business Development & Support Division Mr. Dennis Ling, Administrator Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Mr. Greg Barbour, Executive Director Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems Mr. Rodrigo Romo, Program Director Foreign Trade Zone Division Mr. David Sikkink, Administrator Creative Industries Division Ms. Georja Skinner, Chief Officer Hawaii Tourism Authority Mr. Chris Tatum, CEO Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely via video or teleconference.

Gov. David Ige today approved Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to re-open designated indoor/outdoor businesses and operations, including fitness facilities and bars. The businesses/operations will open with limitations starting on June 19. They include: Education and care facilities Indoor attractions (including bowling alleys, arcades, museums, theatres) Outdoor organized team sports (two phases, with phase 1 beginning June 19) Fitness facilities Bars Film and television production (approved re-opening as of June 5) The designated businesses and operations must follow safety guidelines and conditions that ensure the safety of employees, clients and customers. The signed Amendment is posted online at: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Amendment-to-Hooulu-i-Honolulu-3.0.pdf. For more information on businesses/operations/activities designated for re-opening and for a list of requirements and conditions for the re-opening and resumption of operations go to: http://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/proclamations-orders-and-rules.html.

The County of Kaua‘i announces the following changes in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Wailua Golf Course in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Effective immediately, the maximum number of players in a group has increased from four to six. Groups of six players are required to use motorized golf carts and keep an acceptable pace of play. As a reminder, payments are being accepted via credit or debit card, as well as cash transactions. To view a copy of the emergency proclamation, visit the County of Kaua‘i’s website at www.kauai.gov/KEMA. Detailed procedures will be available online at www.kauai.gov/golf and at the golf course. For more information and to sign up for daily updates from the state Department of Health relating to current COVID-19 information, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/. Source: County of Kaua'i

Committee on the Status of Women announces four students placing in the 2020 Women’s History Essay Contest First place was awarded to Darian Martin. Darian is the daughter of Tulsea Ellamar and Darrin Martin and is a junior at Kauai High School. The Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women is proud to announce four students placing top honors in the 2020 Women’s History Essay Contest. First place was awarded to Darian Martin. Darian is the daughter of Tulsea Ellamar and Darrin Martin and is a junior at Kauai High School. The committee was moved by her raw and honest emotions expressed on her struggles to overcome and gain appreciation for her true self. Her triumph is an inspiration to all. “Despite the rapid onset of restrictions and closures due to COVD19, we are so proud of Ms. Martin and all the other students that were able to complete an essay,” said Chair Darcie Yukimura. “It’s clear they put a ton of effort into this and took the contest seriously. The essays were moving and inspired our hearts and mind.” In celebration of Women’s History month and to mark the 100th year anniversary of the 19th Amendment the committee opened the contest to all Kauai public, private, charter and home-schooled high school students. They were asked to submit a one-page essay about a woman who inspired them and how. Prizes were awarded to the top four and the remaining entrants were awarded a consolation prize. This is the first in a four-part series highlighting the students that wrote the winning essays. The remaining three entrants will be featured in following press releases. The Committee on the Status of Women is part of the County of Kaua‘i Boards and Commissions, and the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women, which develops and promotes education, interactive opportunities on issues relating to women and girls, prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, and encouraging health and wellness awareness. You may visit the Committee on the Status of Women Website at www.kauai.gov/kccsw. For more information please contact the Office of Boards and Commissions, Ellen Ching eching@kauai.gov or Sandra Muragin smuragin@kauai.gov. Source: County of Kaua'i

In observance of Kamehameha Day, County of Kaua‘i offices will be closed on Thursday, June 11, along with all refuse transfer stations as well as the Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools. The HI-5 bottle redemption center in Līhu‘e at the Kaua‘i Resource Center and the Puhi Metals Recycling Center will also be closed on Kamehameha Day. The HI5 bottle redemption centers at Arzadon Industrial in Kapa‘a and at the Kōloa Fire Station will remain open. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no break for lunch. The schedule for residential refuse pick-up will remain unchanged. The Kekaha Landfill will also be open from 8 to 10:30 a.m. for commercial businesses and the public. The Kaua‘i Bus will operate on a modified on the holiday. For more information about The Kaua‘i Bus, please visit the Transportation website, www.kauai.gov/transportation; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thekauaibus, or call 246-8110. For more information on normal pool hours, please visit the Department of Parks and Recreation website, www.kauai.gov/Parks, or call 241-4460. For more information about recycling and waste disposal, please visit the Recycling website, www.kauai.gov/recycling, or call 241-4841.

Yesterday, 1,587 people arrived in Hawaii. During this same time last year, nearly 30,000 passengers arrived in Hawaii daily, including residents and visitors. The state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started on March 26th for all passengers arriving in Hawaii from out of state. The quarantine order was expanded on April 1st to include interisland travelers. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel. This data was collected from the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Mandatory Travel Declaration Form. The DOT’s new Mandatory Travel Declaration Form does not include a question about the type of accommodation. For Hawaii Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ Source: the Hawai'i Tourism Authority

In another positive sign that its health care facilities are safe, The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) announced today that it will begin easing visitor restrictions at its four hospitals effective Wednesday, June 3. The Queen’s Medical Center, The Queen’s Medical Center – West Oʻahu, Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital and Molokai General Hospital will be allowing one visitor per patient per day with precautions in place to maintain a safe environment. This move follows the safe and successful resumption of non-emergency surgeries, full clinic visits and other outpatient services at QHS facilities across the state last month. “The work of our caregivers to deliver the safest and highest quality care possible has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Jill Hoggard Green, QHS President and Chief Executive Officer. “Safety is our #1 priority. Our hospitals have implemented safety protocols in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards and are prepared to welcome visitors back. We understand the important role family and friends play in the healing process for patients.” The following visitor guidelines will be in place: Visiting hours will be from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Visitors must undergo a temperature check and health screening. Those with symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, will not be allowed. Visitors must wear a mask and follow physical distancing requirements. Each visitor is permitted one entry per day and must remain with the patient. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. For everyone’s safety, visitors are not permitted for patients who are confirmed or under investigation for COVID-19. Source: https://www.queens.org/about-us/news-story?&news=368

Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors today joined a coalition of 24 Attorneys General and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York in urging Congress to block the Trump administration’s attempts to cut vital food assistance for millions of Americans. In a letter to Congress, the coalition expressed support for provisions in the House-passed HEROES Act that would prohibit the use of appropriation funds for three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administrative rules. The rules would cut food assistance under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) by making it harder to qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits, reducing State flexibility to continue benefits beyond the three-month limit, and reducing benefit amounts for certain households. The coalition argues that, especially during this unprecedented time of economic turmoil due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress should work to protect and expand our nation’s largest anti-hunger program. “We should be collectively working towards making sure everyone has access to nutritious food,” said Attorney General Connors. “It is imperative, even more so during a pandemic, that we oppose rules cutting food-assistance to millions of Americans.” SNAP, previously known as “food stamps,” is our country’s most important anti-hunger program and a critical part of federal and state efforts to help lift people out of poverty. The program provides people with limited incomes the opportunity to buy nutritious food that they otherwise could not afford. The current pandemic underscores the need to preserve SNAP food assistance. In March alone, 40 percent of American households with incomes below $40,000 lost jobs, and from March 15 to May 15 of this year, 40.8 million Americans filed for unemployment. Unsurprisingly, the number of Americans applying for SNAP benefits has also spiked. As more Americans struggle to put food on the table with each passing day, cuts to food assistance programs that millions need to survive would only compound the suffering of this public health emergency. In the letter sent to leaders of the House and Senate, the multistate coalition urges Congress to block the Trump administration’s three SNAP rules because they would: • Cut SNAP benefits for 700,000 Americans by restricting states from extending benefit time limits: There is a three-month time limit on SNAP benefits for unemployed individuals aged 18 to 49 who are not disabled or raising children—"able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs). However, states can acquire a waiver of this time limit for areas where the unemployment rate is above 10 percent, or if it presents data demonstrating that the area lacks sufficient jobs for ABAWDs. The ABAWD waiver rule would push nearly 700,000 Americans off SNAP by forcing states to rely on broad unemployment rates— instead of localized job availability for low-income individuals—in order to extend SNAP benefits to needy individuals for more than three months. This rule is currently partially enjoined by a federal court after many states in this coalition brought suit, and Congress waived SNAP time limits during the public health emergency in the Families First Act. That common sense measure serves as a template for future congressional action pertaining to SNAP. • Remove 3.1 million Americans from SNAP by making it harder to qualify for benefits: A long-standing policy known as “broad-based categorical eligibility” (BBCE) allows states to make low-income families automatically eligible for SNAP benefits if they have already qualified to receive certain other types of public assistance. Through BBCE, states can extend SNAP benefits to lowincome families that slightly exceed the program’s gross income and asset limits if they also have significant critical expenses, like childcare, housing, or education expenses. The Revision of Categorical Eligibility rule would eliminate SNAP benefits for 3.1 million Americans by restricting states’ ability to use BBCE. Currently families are allowed to preserve basic emergency savings while maintaining their eligibility for food assistance under BBCE, but this rule would effectively require Americans to go completely broke before receiving SNAP benefits. • Reduce monthly benefits for SNAP households: SNAP benefits are based on states’ calculation of net income; the lower the net income, the higher the SNAP benefits. The Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances rule would change how states can account for the costs of utilities, including home heating and cooling, as they calculate net income for SNAP household benefits. The change will result in 19 percent of SNAP households receiving lower SNAP monthly benefits and will disproportionately affect Americans who are uniquely vulnerable at this time—seniors and people with disabilities. A copy of the letter is available here: [LINK] Source: httpL//ag.hawaii.gov

One New Case of COVID-19 Reported An O‘ahu adult is recorded as the 653rd case of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i, though the DOH says this case is still under investigation because the person had a household contact back in March. The person has no symptoms now. More about COVID-19 here at Hawaiicovid19.com Source: Office of the Governor http://governor.hawaii.gov

Mayor Michael Victorino announced updated rules for private and public golf courses starting today, June 1. The updated rules follow recently released recommendations from the PGA Aloha Section. Updated Golf Play Rules: Tee times must be limited to 9-minute intervals. Two riders are allowed per cart. If the riders are from different households, both must wear facial coverings while in the cart. The golf cart driver must remain in control of the cart throughout the round or until sanitized for the next operator. Practice/Driving ranges may open, with hitting stations separated at least 6 feet apart. Retail operations may resume in Pro Shops, and must follow all County, State and CDC guidelines. Facilities must offer both shared and single cart options to players or staff who do not feel comfortable sharing a cart. Other Rule Changes Effective Today, June 1: Doubles tennis and pickleball play allowed in accordance to U.S. Tennis and Pickleball Association guidelines. Players are still encouraged to maintain physical distancing and avoid touching their face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Blow dryers are allowed for use as needed at barbershops and hair salons. Businesses are reminded to regularly disinfect surfaces and tell customers who are sick to stay home. All businesses are to continue following County, State and CDC guidelines for the health and safety of staff and customers. “These changes are being made as we receive updated guidance from health and industry experts, as well as continued minimal new cases of COVID-19 in our community,” Mayor Victorino said. “We do expect more cases to surface in the days and weeks ahead. But I’m confident that the public will remain vigilant and diligently continue to follow physical distancing and sanitation requirements to keep our community healthy and safe.” For more information on COVID-19 in Maui County, visit MauiCounty.gov.

Yesterday, 1,538 people arrived in Hawaii. During this same time last year, nearly 30,000 passengers arrived in Hawaii daily, including residents and visitors. The state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started on March 26th for all passengers arriving in Hawaii from out of state. The quarantine order was expanded on April 1st to include interisland travelers. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel. This data was collected from the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Mandatory Travel Declaration Form. The DOT’s new Mandatory Travel Declaration Form does not include a question about the type of accommodation. For Hawaii Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ Source: The Hawai'i Tourism Authority

The City Administration announces this morning that it will no longer be pursuing with the Institute for Human Services an acquisition of 65 North Beretania Street for the Homeless Triage and Comfort Station. "In partnering with homeless service providers, we believe in the goals of the Homeless Triage and Comfort Station to get mentally ill persons off the street, but we believe it is a prudent decision to take a step back from this site and collaborate with community leaders on locations that would be better suited,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “The City invited public comment beginning May 13, and we have heard from community members that this isn't the right location, so we will partner to find other options for a much-needed stabilization program." The Institute for Human Services held a Town Hall last week with over 170 attendees, addressing misinformation and explaining the purpose of the project to be a location where those suffering with severe mental illness can be brought in by case managers, medically treated, stabilized, and routed to appropriate care facilities. The project had planned to build upon the City’s Outreach Navigation program, where medical staff provide assertive outreach and medical treatment directly to those on the streets in Chinatown. Department of Community Services Director Pamela Witty-Oakland added, "For many years, the City has been working together with the Chinatown community to address chronic homelessness. This was not a completed deal, as community engagement is part of our process in all we do, and we look forward to this being an ongoing dialogue with the community regarding solutions within Chinatown that address this unique and challenging population."