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- Hawai‘i State Senate approves gubernatorial nominees to boards and commissions
The Hawai‘i State Senate today unanimously approved all gubernatorial nominees passed out of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, chaired by Senator Rosalyn H. Baker (D-South and West Maui). “These boards and commissions are important,” said Senator Baker. “Many are professional and vocational licensing boards that ensure high standards and integrity of the professions and promote consumer protection by ensuring that licensed professions are adhering to the high standards set in statute for the various professions. “Some board members are licensees or members of a regulated industry,” she said, “others represent the public and are geographically representative of Hawai‘i as a whole. These boards are an excellent example of citizen engagement in government.” The nominees are: Clyde Hayashi and Joseph O’Donnell to the Contractors License Board for terms to expire 06-30-2021, Eric Higashihara and Paul Alejado to the Contractors License Board for terms to expire 06-30-2023, Leonard Leong and Leslie Isemoto to the Contractors License Board for terms to expire 06-30-2022, Maurice Torigoe, Neal Arita, and Nicholas Teves, Jr. to the Contractors License Board for terms to expire 06-30-2024, Serafin Colmenares, Jr. as the Administrator of the State Health Planning and Development Agency for a term to expire at noon on 12-05-2022, Wallace Fook Chong III and Wesley Joong Jung Choy to the Board of Dentistry for terms to expire 06-30-2024, Phillip Lucero to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers for a term to expire 06-30-2022, Edward Chu, Jr. to the Board of Private Detectives and Guards for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Don Pedro and Sherry Sutherland-Choy to the Board of Psychology for terms to expire 06-30-2024, James Spira to the Board of Psychology for a term to expire 06-30-2022, Jill Gray to the Board of Psychology for a term to expire 06-30-2023, Denby Rall to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology for a term to expire 06-30-2022, Russell Wong and Wayne De Luz to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board for terms to expire 06-30-2023, Scott Ai to the Pest Control Board for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Leslie Murata to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for a term to expire 06-30-2021, Brian Uemori to the State Board of Public Accountancy for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Michael Nojima to the Disability and Communication Access Board for a term to expire 06-30-2023, Monty Anderson-Nitahara to the Disability and Communication Access Board for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Greg Tjapkes to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances for a term to expire 06-30-2021, Ku‘uleialohaonalani Salzer-Vitale to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances for a term to expire 06-30-2022, Evelyn Kaneshiro and Roger Daniels to the Health Planning Council, Hawai‘i County Subarea, for terms to expire 06-30-2023, Tamia McKeague and Katherine Finn Davis to the Health Planning Council, Hawai‘i County Subarea, for terms to expire 06-30-2024, Tulpe Day to the Language Access Advisory Council for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Barbara Service, Colette Browne, Kathleen Wyatt, Marilyn Seely, and Roberta Murray to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs for terms to expire 06-30-2023, Barbara Yamashita to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs for a term to expire 06-30-2024, Beverly Gotelli to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs for a term to expire 06-30-2021, Kristen Polenz to the Radiologic Technology Board for a term to expire 06-30-2021, Ryan Malloy to the Radiologic Technology Board for a term to expire 06-30-2023, And Heidi Ilyavi to the State Council on Mental Health for a term to expire 06-30-2022.
- Senate leadership thanks the Hawai‘i Community Foundation for statewide COVID-19 response efforts
Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English wish to thank the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) for their efforts with the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund (HRF), which was created to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofits and health care providers who are working on the ground to address COVID-19 pandemic in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at HCF was launched on March 18 and has thus far received more than $11.1 million in funds, including $3 million from the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation, $1 million from the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, and dozens of other gifts from businesses, foundations and online donors. In just eight weeks, more than $6.8 million has been granted to 48 nonprofit partners across the state who provide services to a wide range of target populations and geographies across Hawai‘i, including children, kūpuna, essential workers and those suffering from the economic ramifications of the coronavirus. “The quick and pivotal work of Hawaii Community Foundation, the generosity of its donors, and the crtical services provided by nonprofit partners demonstrates what is possible when we work together and focus on serving the needs of Hawai‘i’s residents,” said Senate President Kouchi. “Across the state, the Hawaii Community Foundation has provided hope for many people in Hawai‘i during one of our most difficult times,” said Majority Leader English. “We are incredibly grateful.” HCF’s grant-making approach is prioritized through four phases, which has a specific focus on supporting Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable residents. Phase I and II grants have been distributed to organizations that can assist with rent and utilities, increase coronavirus testing and personal protection equipment, provide food for those who are newly unemployed, and offer childcare support for essential workers, among many other important needs for our society at this time. Phases III and IV focus on recovery and stabilization and rebuilding resilience in Hawai‘i. HCF has been in recent news due to the multiple “Food for Hawai‘i‘s Ohana” food distributions on O‘ahu where more than 8,000 households per week receive food for their families. The events are run by the Hawaii Foodbank and the effort is a result of a public-private partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation and HCF. Last week, HCF announced a program to provide relief to licensed home-based child care providers across the state, who are eligible for federal support, but have not been able to access it as of yet. The fund seeks to lessen the potential for permanent closure of child care programs, especially in areas where home-based care is the primary option for families. The programs are an important element in the state’s ability to get residents back to work and to stabilize the economy. HCF has a unique role in disaster preparedness and response. The foundation collaborates with disaster relief organizations, community groups, and the private sector, for a coordinated effort and maximum community impact. From the flooding on the North Shore of Kaua‘i to volcano eruptions on Hawai‘i Island, HCF distributes grant funds quickly to community organizations that are meeting the needs of response efforts. For more information about the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund and HCF’s work to support Hawai‘i’s residents during this unique time, visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/coronavirus
- USDA announces details of direct assistance to farmers through COVID-19 food assistance program
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19 (Washington, D.C., May 19, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need. “America’s farming community is facing an unprecedented situation as our nation tackles the coronavirus. President Trump has authorized USDA to ensure our patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers are supported and we are moving quickly to open applications to get payments out the door and into the pockets of farmers,” said Secretary Perdue. “These payments will help keep farmers afloat while market demand returns as our nation reopens and recovers. America’s farmers are resilient and will get through this challenge just like they always do with faith, hard work, and determination.” Beginning May 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. Background: CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. Farmers and ranchers will receive direct support, drawn from two possible funding sources. The first source of funding is $9.5 billion in appropriated funding provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act to compensate farmers for losses due to price declines that occurred between mid-January 2020, and mid-April 2020 and provides support for specialty crops for product that had been shipped from the farm between the same time period but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channels. The second funding source uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for $6.5 billion in losses due to on-going market disruptions. Non-Specialty Crops and Wool Non-specialty crops eligible for CFAP payments include malting barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat. Wool is also eligible. Producers will be paid based on inventory subject to price risk held as of January 15, 2020. A payment will be made based 50 percent of a producer’s 2019 total production or the 2019 inventory as of January 15, 2020, whichever is smaller, multiplied by the commodity’s applicable payment rates. Livestock Livestock eligible for CFAP include cattle, lambs, yearlings and hogs. The total payment will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rates per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head. Dairy For dairy, the total payment will be calculated based on a producer’s certification of milk production for the first quarter of calendar year 2020 multiplied by a national price decline during the same quarter. The second part of the payment is based a national adjustment to each producer’s production in the first quarter. Specialty Crops For eligible specialty crops, the total payment will be based on the volume of production sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020; the volume of production shipped, but unpaid; and the number of acres for which harvested production did not leave the farm or mature product destroyed or not harvested during that same time period, and which have not and will not be sold. Specialty crops include, but are not limited to, almonds, beans, broccoli, sweet corn, lemons, iceberg lettuce, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes. A full list of eligible crops can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date. Eligibility There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applicants who are corporations, limited liability companies or limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits where members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation. Producers will also have to certify they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities. Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions. Applying for Assistance Producers can apply for assistance beginning on May 26, 2020. Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020. Payment Structure To ensure the availability of funding throughout the application period, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date as funds remain available. USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus. Source and more information may be found here: https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus
- Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 reconvenes on Tuesday, May 19
The Special Committee will convene tomorrow Tuesday to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The committee will be meeting with the following to discuss enforcement of the 14-day quarantine and stay-at-home orders: 2:30 p.m. Department of the Attorney General Ms. Clare Connors, Attorney General Department of Transportation Mr. Jade Butay, Director Hawai'i Tourism Authority Mr. Chris Tatum, CEO Honolulu Police Department Ms. Susan Ballard, Chief of Police Department of Planning and Permitting Ms. Kathy Sokugawa, Acting Director Hawai'i Quarantine Kapu Breakers Ms. Angela Keen 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 on O‘ahu and will go out live for pick-up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also stream live online at olelo.org/49. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov.
- City and County of Honolulu partners with local credit unions launches Small Business Relief Fund
City and County of Honolulu in partnership with local credit unions launches the Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund Today at noon, the City and County of Honolulu in partnership with four credit unions — Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union, Hawai‘i USA Federal Credit Union, Honolulu Federal Credit Union — launched the Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund that provides up to $10,000 in reimbursements to O‘ahu’s small businesses with less than $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue and thirty or fewer employees. The response from the business community has been overwhelming, and the participating credit unions are dealing with a heavy volume of applications and queries from applicants. The large volume of applications and the submission of incomplete applications has resulted in a backlog, and individual applicants may have experienced frustration with the application uploading process and response times. However, applications are being received and processed. As of 4 p.m. today, the most recent application information is as follows: Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union received 226 applications; Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union received 277 applications; Hawai‘i USA Federal Credit Union received 249 applications; and Honolulu Federal Credit Union received 434 applications. Based on these reported numbers, the program has accepted 1,186 applications island-wide from local small business in the first four hours of being open. “We launched this program for small local businesses with $25 million in CARES funding because we knew there was need,” said Mayor Caldwell. “I want to assure applicants that we stand ready to allocate more funds as the applications come in and get approved through this week.” The City Economic Development Office has been informed by partner credit unions that many applications are either incompletely filled out or submitted without required documentation, adding to the response time. The City encourages applicants to visit the Required Information for Application tab on the City’s small-business page that shows all required information and documentation for application so you can prepare yourself adequately for the application process. The Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund tab also includes a FAQ page to answer most questions regarding the program. “Our credit union partners are working at full capacity to process applications and respond to inquiries,” said Ed Hawkins, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development. “We ask for your understanding if you experience backlog on your application, or issues in your application process during this very busy launch period. We are working together to smoothen the application process and service your requests. We are also working with local Chambers of Commerce and other community group to get the information out to the businesses and assist those who may need help in applying.” Applicants are reminded that the City’s oneoahu.org website is only a portal to the servicing partner credit unions that applicants choose. The City call center and the City email response teams are not collecting information for applications or able to answer questions about the application form and materials. Phone numbers for each partner credit union are listed on the City’s oneoahu.org/small-business webpage to inquire about individual business application status. The City’s COVID-19 hub for information at www.oneoahu.org has been the main portal for eligible businesses to find the correct credit union to apply for assistance based on their GET number. OneOahu.org had over 40,000 page views today, and has now been visited as a resource by nearly 20% of all Oʻahu residents since the City first launched the site on March 23, 2020.
- Governor Ige outlines re-opening and recovery plan
Governor Ige outlines re-opening/recovery plan, extends 14-day quarantine for travelers to Hawai‘i, inter-island traveler Gov. David Ige today signed the 8th supplemental emergency proclamation, extending the 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in the State of Hawai‘i, as well as for inter-island travelers through June 30. The governor also extended through June 30 the eviction moratorium that prevents evictions from residential dwellings for failure to pay rent. In addition, Gov. Ige unveiled the re-opening and recovery plan for the State of Hawai‘i -- a strategy that conveys the coordinated, statewide approach to jumpstarting the economy and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. According to the plan – the state will start to gradually re-open medium-risk businesses and operations beginning in June – assuming the state’s COVID-19 activity remains manageable. The re-opening of high-risk businesses and operations will eventually follow, as long as Hawai‘i’s disease activity continues to remain manageable. “It is important to act with care by maintaining physical distancing and safe practices throughout the re-opening, to protect the health and safety of the people of Hawai‘i. I am committed to making decisions based on data, science, and best practices,” said Gov. Ige. Hawai‘i’s re-opening strategy for businesses and operations is informed by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and Johns Hopkins Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening, based on Contact Intensity & Number of Contacts. “As we move forward with re-opening, I will consult with subject-matter experts, county mayors, and our community to make informed decisions to safely move forward with re-opening our state. Under this strategy, counties may choose to relax stricter local orders at their own pace in coordination with my office,” said Gov. Ige. A 14-day observation period between re-openings will allow the state time to assess conditions/disease activity before moving to the next level. As a safeguard, the state can consider the option of moving back – closing businesses and re-implementing restrictions if disease activity significantly increases. The re-opening and recovery strategy (Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i) includes four phases: Phase 1: Stabilization focuses on healing Hawai‘i by saving lives and flattening the curve in our community. (Hawai‘i has transitioned through this phase by re-opening low-risk businesses in the last few weeks). Phase 2: Re-opening celebrates Hawai‘i’s Kama‘āina Economy, where the state starts to re-open medium-risk businesses and activities, and later – re-opening high-risk businesses and activities. Phase 3: Long-term recovery - where the state renews and rebuilds Hawai‘i’s economy through planning and policy discussions, incorporating transitional workforce modernization opportunities, supporting economic diversification initiatives, targeting the development of emerging industries, and advancing long-term resiliency planning. At this level, the state will focus on re-opening highest risk businesses and activities, while remaining cautious and adjusting Safe Practices as needed. This phase is expected to take much longer, since this phase covers the reshaping of Hawai‘i’s economy. Phase 4: Resilience is the intended outcome for Hawai‘i. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient as a result of learning from and overcoming this unprecedented challenge. Under the emergency proclamation, county mayors will have the authority to make decisions for their counties – including re-opening businesses and implementing restrictions – with the governor’s approval. MATERIALS: For the full slide presentation “Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i” – click here. For Gov. Ige’s Re-opening Memo – click here.
- COVID-19 household hardship relief fund program
Today Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the City and County of Honolulu’s COVID-19 Household Hardship Relief Fund (HHRF) program launched in partnership with Aloha United Way and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The relief fund will begin with $25 million targeted to assist those hardest hit with basic needs, such as rent or mortgage, eligible utilities, childcare, and other necessary expenses. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented financial ripple effect in our community,” said Norm Baker, interim AUW President and CEO. “The additional mortgage, rent, and utilities assistance that this program is providing will keep vulnerable families from slipping into poverty.” “Providing support to cover essential bills like rent, mortgage, utilities, and even childcare will give families the stability and peace of mind they need to overcome this unfortunate situation,” added Kūhiō Lewis, CEO for CNHA. “As of 12pm today, CNHA has received over 100 calls and 300 applications for the relief fund.” The program will provide supporting funds to Oʻahu residents in amounts up to $1,000 per month for qualified household expenses and up to $500 per month for qualified childcare expenses to alleviate economic hardships caused by the pandemic. Each household may receive the benefits as the hardship continues up to six months. “This is a prime example of how our government and non-profit organizations can come together to meet the needs of our families, our friends, and our neighbors,” said Mayor Caldwell. “We are grateful to be partnering with Aloha United Way and CNHA.” For more information, Oʻahu residents can reach out to one of our community partners directly: - Aloha United Way (2-1-1 or 808-275-2000) - Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (808-596-8155) For additional information, please call the providers listed above or visit: www.honolulu.gov/dcs or www.oneoahu.org.
- Hawai'i Passenger Arrivals By Air Report for May 18, 2020
For Hawaii Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/
- California visitor arrested for quarantine violation - Man stopped before boarding departing flight
Social media postings and citizen tips again resulted in the arrest of visitor for violation of Hawai‘i’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine rule for all incoming visitors and returning residents. Abdulla Aliyev (aka Turgut Aliev), a citizen of Azerbaijan, who lives in Reseda, CA was arrested early Saturday afternoon at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, one hour before he was scheduled to catch a flight to Los Angeles. At 11:30 a.m. he allegedly blogged that he was at the airport and was leaving in a few hours. He is charged with violating the 14-day quarantine and unsworn falsification to authority. He was taken into custody by officers from the Airport Sheriff’s Division after they were alerted to his impending departure by Special Agents from the Investigative Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General. It’s reported Aliyev arrived on O‘ahu on May 1 and immediately began leaving an Airbnb condominium that he’d rented on Kūhiō Avenue in Waikīkī. Special agents say his social media posts showed him on the beach, at Diamond Head, at Foster Botanical Garden and at other locations across the island. He blogged while riding the bus. The attorney general’s special agents searched for Aliyev daily, after being alerted to his activities by citizens who had been monitoring his social media posts. In response to one of his posts, in which someone wrote him to tell him he was violating Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, he responded, “I know, that’s why Honolulu PD gave me a $460 ticket.” This was a false statement. Aliyev was booked on the charges and bail was set at $2,000 According to State Attorney General Clare Connors, “We and most people in Hawai‘i have little tolerance for anyone, either a visitor or returning resident, who flouts the emergency rules currently in place to protect everyone and to help keep the coronavirus infection rate in Hawai‘i low. If you are out and about in violation of a self-quarantine order, it is likely you will be reported and arrested. We again implore visitors to delay their trips until this pandemic passes and we ask that anyone who arrives here comply with the 14-day self-quarantine rule. Being arrested, and potentially paying thousands of dollars in fines or spending a night in jail, is not the way to begin or end a vacation. And, if you are a returning resident who violates, you can expect the same upon return if you fail to comply with rules to keep our community safe.”
- Mayor re-opens all O‘ahu beaches on May 16 as part of “Restore Honolulu” Order
A City and County of Honolulu news release: Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today that starting Saturday, May 16, Governor David Ige allowed beaches on Oʻahu to be opened for activities based on approved guidelines issued by the City and County of Honolulu. Starting May 16, the beach closures in Governor Ige’s Seventh Supplemental Proclamation, and any subsequent proclamation, are not applicable to the City and County of Honolulu. In addition to those activities already allowed (e.g., ocean access and exercise), starting May 16 beaches or sand bars within the City may also be utilized with the following restrictions: a. All groups are limited to members of the same household or living unit. b. No group can exceed ten persons. c. All persons using the beach, who are not part of members of the same household or living unit, shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements, provided that a caregiver may accompany a dependent. d. The beach or sand area may only be used one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless the person is engaged in shore fishing or permitted outdoor exercise. e. All other State of Hawaiʻi or City restrictions related to COVID-19 must be followed, including, but not limited to, any applicable quarantine restrictions. Exhibit A of the Hoʻoulu i Honolulu Order 2.0 has been amended to include certain beach activities. The Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-12 is attached. If you have any questions on Mayor Caldwell’s Ho‘oulu i Honolulu Order 2.0, as amended, visit the website, oneoahu.org to find answers to some frequently asked questions. If you still do not find an answer to your question on the site, O‘ahu residents can call the 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov. 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.
- GOVERNOR WATCHES NATIONAL GUARD SALUTE TO HAWAI‘I’S HEALTHCARE HEROES
A news release from the Hawai'i COVID-19 Joint Information Center - May 14, 2020 For a few minutes today, Gov. David Ige took a break from the endless meetings, conference calls, and administrative work associated with the state’s management of the COVID-19 crisis, to join others around the state in recognizing the sacrifices of the healthcare community. From a State Capitol 5th floor vantage point, the governor watched as aircraft from the Hawai‘i National Guard and the 15th Wing Active Duty airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam flew three separate flyovers over 17 different hospitals and medical centers around the state. It was an occasion to recognize not only military members, many of whom are supporting Hawai‘i’s coronavirus emergency response, but to pay tribute to the thousands of healthcare workers around the islands who are on the frontlines, battling this serious disease. “We see across the country, the ravage COVID-19 has inflicted on community after community. We know that Hawai‘i has fared much, much better than any other state in the country, and it really is due to the healthcare providers here. I’m proud of all their efforts,” said Gov. Ige. As the governor watched the trio of flyovers he reflected, “It’s such a fantastic tribute from people in uniform who risk their lives every single day to the healthcare workers who truly have become heroes in our community because of this pandemic.” RESOURCES (All images courtesy: COVID-19 Joint Information Center) HD video: https://vimeo.com/418676067 Photographs: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2etx6np7sq5p4sx/AABsL53MFCK_YpaV0KCA5BTia?dl=0











