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  • Governor Ige extends stay-at-home order across the state through May 31

    Governor Ige extends stay-at-home order across the state through May 31, 2020. Mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers, eviction moratorium also continues Gov. David Ige signed a 6th supplementary emergency proclamation extending the stay-at-home order across the state through May 31. “This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” said Gov. Ige. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely.” The stay-at-home order means residents may leave their homes only for various essential needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine, gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, or those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawai‘i, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals or other related services. Outdoor exercise is also permitted – including swimming, surfing and walking pets. In addition, running, jogging or walking on the beach will be permitted, as long as social distancing requirements are observed. Also extended through the end of May — the 14-day quarantine for both visitors and residents entering the state and for inter-island travelers. The eviction moratorium, which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, also remains in effect through May 31. In addition, social distancing requirements remain in place across the state through the end of May. Gov. Ige issued the initial emergency proclamation for COVID-19 on Mar. 4, 2020 followed by: Mar. 16: Supplementary proclamation suspending certain laws to enable state and county responses to COVID-19 Mar. 21: Second supplementary proclamation implementing mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for visitors and residents entering the State of Hawai‘i Mar. 23: Third supplementary proclamation mandating social distancing measures throughout the state Mar. 31: Fourth supplementary proclamation implementing a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for people traveling between the islands in the State of Hawai‘i Apr. 16: Fifth supplementary proclamation implementing enhanced social distancing requirements and an eviction moratorium source: https://bit.ly/2yFVnGzGovenorIgeApril25 #StayATHome #DavidIge #14DayQuarantine #COVID19 #coronavirus

  • Hawai'i COVID-19 daily news digest April 25, 2020

    Governor’s Office: 6th Supplementary Proclamation Continues Stay-at-Homes Rules Until End of May In announcing his 6th Supplementary Proclamation this afternoon, Governor David Ige paid testament to everyone’s efforts in keeping the number of new cases of COVID-19 low this week, while recognizing that, “every loss is a sad moment for our community.” The deaths of two O‘ahu residents reported yesterday, along with 12 others previously, demonstrate the need for continued commitment and willingness to follow his social distancing mandates – to help protect those most susceptible to this serious virus, which can spread very quickly. For that reason, Governor Ige is asking everyone to remain vigilant. His 6th Supplemental Proclamation consolidates the rules and mandates from all previous proclamations including the Stay-at-Home order and the mandatory 14-day traveler self-quarantine through May 31. Governor Ige’s Comments on 6th Supplementary Proclamation At an afternoon media briefing the governor said the decision to extend rules and restrictions was not an easy one. He said, “I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-imposed isolation. And we all want our lives to return to normal.” The governor noted that Hawai‘i has been fortunate to not have the high rate of coronavirus infection seen in other states. He thanked everyone for complying with the stay-at-home order, practicing social distancing, and wearing face coverings when out in public. “We are flattening the curve,” Governor Ige said. “However, my greatest fear is that if we move to reopen too quickly, we will see a sudden surge in new cases that would result in over-running our healthcare system and more deaths.” He added that with Hawai‘i being very successful in controlling the spread, he will be relaxing some aspects of the lockdown. Key Aspects of 6th Supplementary Proclamation Stay-at-Home order extended until May 31, 2020 Mandatory 14-day traveler-quarantine order extended until May 31, 2020 Outdoor exercise is permitted, including swimming, surfing and walking pets. In addition, running, jogging or walking on the beach will be permitted, as long as social distancing requirements are observed. Eviction moratorium extended until end of May Pledge for Continued State, County, Legislative Cooperation Governor Ige said he is working on a statewide reopening plan that will be based on facts, science and guidance from healthcare providers. The governor commented, “We will be taking a phased approved to re-opening. We hope that more measures will be relaxed before the end of May. This is only the beginning of a long, cautious process. We will be in constant discussions with the Counties, the legislature and community leadership as we develop our plans.” He indicated a key consideration is a review of industry best practices to ensure that businesses can accommodate social distancing requirements. He also emphasized collaboration with the counties. He recognized that counties need the flexibility to implement measures with consideration to the unique needs of each island’s communities. “However,” Governor Ige noted, “as was witnessed with the beach closure orders, more coordination is necessary to avoid confusion.” County and state government agencies and the mayors have been in constant communications with the Governor’s Office and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency throughout the COVID-19 crisis. To ensure coordinated actions, the 6th Supplementary Proclamation directs county mayors to coordinate their proposed orders, proclamations, rules, and directives with the state. The governor stated, “The state does not want to assume county functions or take over the important tasks each county is undertaking in their respective communities. The directive is limited to coordination, so that we can reduce any confusion moving forward.” See full proclamation here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2004144-ATG_Sixth-Supplementary-Proclamation-for-COVID-19-distribution-signed.pdf Department of Health: COVID-19 New Case Count at Three Two O‘ahu residents and one resident diagnosed outside Hawai‘i brings the number of total coronavirus cases in the state to a total of 604 since Feb. 28, 2020. Note the re-categorization of one case from Maui to O‘ahu due to data review and quality control checks. Hawai‘i COVID-19 Counts as of 12:00 noon, April 25, 2020 For more tables please visit: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/ MMMC & McDonald’s Cluster Updates There is one new case associated with the cluster at Maui Memorial Medical Center, bringing the total of COVID-19 positive cases to a total of 57 people. 37 are staff members and 20 are patients. DOH is monitoring this cluster closely. There are 36 cases associated with a cluster at three McDonald’s restaurants in Kailua-Kona, including 19 employees and 17 household contacts. DOH continues to monitor this cluster closely. Hawaiicovid19.com Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: On Friday, 467 people arrived in Hawai‘i including 118 visitors and 155 residents. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel. AIRPORT ARRIVALS FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/4478/042520-passenger-count-press-release.pdf Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism INTERISLAND AIRPORT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES FOR APRIL 22, 2020 Department of Transportation: Traveler Quarantine Extended Due to Continued Daily Arrival of Visitors DOT reports today that on most days about 100 visitors continue to arrive in Hawai‘i. On Friday it was 114. Governor Ige said, “This is why we’re extending the mandatory 14-day traveler-quarantine.” The Federal Aviation Administration has made it clear the State cannot shutdown all air traffic, which is prompting the department and other agencies to strengthen screening efforts to prevent visitors from violating the rule. When visitors arrive in the islands they will be temperature screened and required to provide a valid personal phone number and the phone number of their lodging for verification. If they don’t have a reservation or no one answers, the visitor will not be allowed to leave the airport. It’s believed enhanced measures will help reduce the number of visitors that violate the quarantine order. More details: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/04/24/improved-verification-process-implemented-for-airline-passengers/ Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: State Issues Warning About Investment Schemes Circulating on Social Media The DCCA Office of the Securities Commissioner is warning people about investment schemes that are circulating on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Social media connections can provide scammers with the opportunity to reach large numbers of potential investors and make quick money. The schemes being perpetrated are simply old scams wrapped in a new package. Ofttimes, the underlying scam is a Ponzi or Pyramid Scheme. If you have been solicited, or if you have any information regarding the “Loom”, “Octagon Game” or other pyramid scheme and/or its promoters, contact the Securities Enforcement Branch at (808) 586-2740, toll free at 1-877-HI-SCAMS, or email: seb@dcca.hawaii.gov. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. For more information, including fraud prevention tips: https://cca.hawaii.gov/sec/iep/. Department of Human Services: Update on SNAP/Financial and Medicaid Applications Processed The Department of Human Services (DHS) has been processing an unprecedented number of SNAP/Financial and Medicaid applications. Between March 23 and April 16 DHS has received 7,528 SNAP/Financial applications. 7,238 have been approved with an average two-day processing time. DHS has also received 13,425 Med-QUEST applications in the month of April, a 40% increase from this same time last year. DHS has a comprehensive listing that highlights the impact that the Unemployment Insurance and the Stimulus funds will have on eligibility. Access it here: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/communications-2/ PDF: COVID-19 Daily News Digest April 25, 2020

  • News Release from Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi

    Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi calls for adoption of Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 policies and procedures for arriving visitors In anticipation of the April 30, 2020 deadline for COVID-19 restrictions for the State of Hawaii, the primary risk for our residents is exposure from tourists and visitors who are not compliant with the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Recent events have highlighted the problem of visitor quarantine monitoring, tracking and enforcement. With major airlines scheduled to begin passenger service on May 1, 2020, it is essential that stringent policies and procedures be implemented and enforced. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 has raised several proposed policies and procedures that should be instituted immediately for visitors upon arrival in Hawaii: health screening; identification and verification of accommodations; supervised transportation to their accommodations; and establishing monitoring and enforcement protocols. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said, "through hearings with the visitor industry and the Department of Transportation, the Senate Special Committee has identified and highlighted areas of concern that if implemented, will go a long way toward ensuring the health and safety of our residents."

  • D.O.T. news release: Kaua'i lane closures for weekend of April 24, 2020

    PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. — KAMUALII HIGHWAY (ROUTE 50) — 1) KEKAHA (24-HOUR WORK) Emergency single lane closure on Kamualii Highway (Route 50) in the westbound direction between Kekaha Beach Park and the Kekaha Landfill, near mile marker 28, effective immediately, for drainage embankment repairs due to erosion from recent storms. The lane will remain closed until further notice. Alternating traffic control will be directed by flagmen and traffic control signs will be placed to provide advance notice to the public. — KUHIO HIGHWAY (ROUTE 56) — 1) KILAUEA Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in the southbound direction, in the vicinity of mile marker 25, on Friday, April 24, through Friday, May 1, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., for tree clearing and slope stabilization work. 2) KAPAA (24-HOUR WORK) Traffic on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) near mile marker 10 is shifted to the temporary Kapaa Stream Bridge 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. For safety during the shift to the temporary bridge, right turns off Kuhio Highway onto Mailihuna Road are not permitted. Access to Kapahi is recommended via the Kawaihau Road or Hauala Road detours. 3) KAPAA (24-HOUR WORK) Emergency closure of the southbound lanes of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) at the Wailua River Bridge (mile marker 5.8) 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Throughout this closure, one lane on the adjacent Wailua Cane Haul Bridge (makai of the Wailua River Bridge) will be contraflowed to allow traffic in both directions. Traffic control signs have been installed and delineators put in place for visibility and safety. #HIDOT #laneclosures #Kauai

  • Hawai'i COVID-19 joint information center news release: Two more deaths from COVID-19

    The Hawai‘i Department of Health is reporting the 13th and 14th deaths associated with COVID-19 in the state. One is an O‘ahu man who had been hospitalized since the beginning of April, was over 65-years-old, and had underlying medical conditions. He had a history of travel to Las Vegas in March. The other is also an O‘ahu man, over 65-years-old, who’d also been hospitalized recently and also had underlying health conditions. His infection was the result of community-associated spread. “Dawn and I join all of Hawai‘i in expressing our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these. men, ” said Gov. Ige. “While the death rate from coronavirus in Hawai‘i is among the lowest in the nation, the tragic passing of these men today emphasizes the need for social distancing, staying home when sick, washing hands and other measures to protect everyone and prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.” #covid19 #coronavirus #DavidIge #HawaiiDepartmentOfHealth

  • Mayor Caldwell to announce food assistance program today

    WHAT: Mayor Caldwell will announce an innovative public-private partnership to provide food assistance to recently unemployed individuals at four new locations across O‘ahu. WHO: Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Hawai‘i Foodbank Chief Executive Officer Ron Mizutani, and Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation President Momi Akimseu. WHEN: Today, Friday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Hawai‘i Foodbank, 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819-2021. ** The press conference will also be streamed on Mayor Caldwell’s Facebook page

  • Hawai'i State Dept. of Health Update for Friday, April 24, 2020

    Two Additional Deaths and Five New Cases Reported Today DOH is reporting the 13th and 14th deaths associated with COVID-19 in the state. One is an O‘ahu man who had been hospitalized since the beginning of April, was over 65-years-old, and had underlying medical conditions. He had a history of travel to Las Vegas in March. The other is also an O‘ahu man, over 65-years-old, who’d also been hospitalized recently and also had underlying health conditions. His infection was the result of community-associated spread. There are five (5) new cases of coronavirus being reported today; three (3) on O‘ahu, and one (1) each on Hawai‘i island and Maui. For more tables please visit: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/

  • Hawai'i island civil defense: COVID-19 informational update for April 24, 2020

    On today’s report of COVID-19, the total number of people who tested positive for Hawaii Island is 67. From this 39 have been cleared as recovered with 27 quarantined at home and 1 adult male hospitalized at the Kona Community Hospital. The Department of Health is continuing the investigation of the fast food cluster incident and based on their findings thus far, believe that this outbreak does not pose a threat to the general public. For your information, drive through testing will be conducted today in Honoka’a at the Honoka’a Sports Complex from 9 this morning to 1 this afternoon. On Saturday April 25th, testing will be conducting in North Kohala at the Kamehameha park from 9am till 1 in the afternoon. Thank you, Premier Medical Group, Hawaii Army National Guard, and the Hawaii County Task Force for conducting this service. Thank you for listening and have a happy Aloha Friday. This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense. Source: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/doc/104404/Page1.aspx

  • Senate President Kouchi offers his condolences to the family of the late Robert Fujimoto

    Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi recognizes the passing yesterday of longtime business and community leader Robert Fujimoto. The retired chairman and CEO of HPM Building Supply passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Hilo. He was 93. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the late Robert ‘Bobby’ Fujimoto,” said Senator Kouchi. “Mr. Fujimoto’s contribution to the community went well beyond his association with HPM Building Supply. His legacy of philanthropic support and dedication of his time and energy made a difference in the lives of the people of Hawaii.” The Senator added that “Mr. Fujimoto possessed the rare combination of intelligence, integrity and loyalty. He will be greatly missed.”

  • Highlights of Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 meeting of Wednesday, April 22

    At Wednesday’s meeting, a joint report was given to the committee by Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director of the Department of Health (DOH), and Dr. Steven Hankins, the Lead Director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), on their efforts to lead a coordinated statewide effort in response to the pandemic. HIEMA is providing a broader response to COVID-19 by bridging in branches of stakeholders, including DOH and the medical and public health sectors. The agency is not in charge of coordinating all branches, but instead is acting as an interface. It has centralized data critical to responding to COVID-19, including case numbers from the DOH, availability of personal protection and medical equipment, and capacity of hospitals. In order to begin relaxing restrictions in response to the pandemic, DOH and HIEMA say there must be a trend of at least two weeks of a low number of new cases, a robust testing and surveillance system, a reliable contact tracing system, and a ready supply of medical supplies and hospital capacity. Any reopening will likely be incremental. Dr. Anderson advised against lower travel restrictions in the near future. He also said his department is advising against anti-body testing because tests have not been FDA-approved and results cannot be validated. The Attorney General will review the state’s authority to regulate tests that are not FDA-approved. Both DOH and HIEMA suggested that legislative fixes may need to clarify their regulatory authority. On the subject of recovery clearances, under CDC guidelines, a person can be cleared of COVID-19 by two methods: When two tests return negative, or 72 hours have passed after the resolution of symptoms. Also appearing before the Special Committee on Wednesday was Ryker Wada, Director of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD). Per the committee’s request, DHRD will provide an update on all state agencies that have or plan to request redeployed state workers to assist in pandemic response work. Both the Departments of Agriculture (HDOA), and Economic Development and Tourism, have withdrawn their redeployment requests. DOH filed a request Wednesday and DHRD is reviewing that request for redeployed workers. DHRD does not have jurisdiction over the Department of Education or University of Hawaii employees. Per the committee’s request, DHRD will confer with the Department of Taxation (DoTax) to determine the best method of ensuring that any redeployment of state workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a reimbursable expense through the federal COVID-19 relief laws. At the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting, DoTax Director Rona Suzuki reported that direct funding to the state from the federal government may reach $1.25 billion. Details and federal guidance for this funding have not yet been released, and funding can only be used to respond to the pandemic. Suzuki indicated that it might be possible to use a “special project designation” to redeploy state employees and resources to respond to COVID-19 and be reimbursed for those efforts by the federal government. She will notify the Special Committee when this designation is used. Director Suzuki said her role is to alert the various state agencies of federal funding deadlines. Each department is responsible for determining whether to apply, applying for and monitoring any programs for which it may be eligible. There is no one person or agency that is tasked with determining which programs should be applied to or determining the state’s priorities for funding. The Special Committee strongly suggested that one person be given the overall responsibility for the administration maximizing applications for and the use of any available federal funds. Suzuki said that the State Tax Office is assisting the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) to process tax information for contract workers who are applying for Unemployment Insurance compensation. The tax information for these individuals needs to be provided to the federal government before UI claims can be processed. The DLIR is setting up a new website, to be ready in mid-May, specifically for this class of worker. Any contract worker who has applied already does not need to reapply for UI. Denis Yamaguchi, Executive Director of the Hawaii Agriculture Foundation, reported to the committee that the USDA will provide $3 billion in assistance to the food service industry, with $100 million per week to purchase. HDOA is responsible for acquiring funds for Hawaii restaurants. Yamaguchi reported that, since March, more than 53,000, or 75% of restaurant employees in the state, were either laid off or furloughed. There’s been a 79% decline in sales from April 1-10, and the estimated economic loss is $380 million thus far. In better news, the platform Food-A-Go-Go launched on March 23 and is providing marketing support for 1,200 restaurants and local eateries open for takeout, delivery, and/or curbside pickup. The market support includes social media, radio, and TV public service announcements. Volunteers are contacting small mom-and-pop restaurants to get them registered on Food-A-Go-Go. The next step is to provide a direct connection for consumers to farm produce, using a similar approach as Food-A-Go-Go. This will help with the sale of locally grown products from farms.

  • Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country

    Widespread transmission of COVID-19 has been reported globally. For information about travel within the United States, visit Coronavirus and Travel in the United States If you recently returned from travel to the United States Stay home for 14 days after returning, monitor your health, and practice social distancing Avoid contact with sick people Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol Check the CDC website for COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Click below image to connect to an interactive Map Level 3 Travel Health Notice: Widespread ongoing transmission with restrictions on entry to the United States CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations. Most foreign nationals who have been in one of these countries during the previous 14 days will not be allowed to enter the United States. China Iran Most European Countries United Kingdom and Ireland Level 3 Travel Health Notice: Widespread ongoing transmission without restrictions on entry to the United States CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all global destinations: Global Pandemic Notice Level 2 Travel Health Notice: Ongoing community transmission CDC recommends that older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel to most global destinations. Level 1 Travel Health Notice: Limited community transmission CDC recommends travelers practice usual health precautions recommended for their destination. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html #CDC #COVID19 #Coronavirus #TravelRecommendations

  • Maui lane closures for the weekend of April 24 - 26

    PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. --- HANA HIGHWAY (ROUTES 36/360) --- 1) HAIKU (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the westbound direction in the vicinity of Papaaea Road on Saturday, April 25, through Friday, May 1, over a 24-hour period, for retaining wall work. 2) KAHULUI (NIGHT WORK) Closure of one direction at a time of Hana Highway (Route 36) between Kaahumanu Avenue and Dairy Road on Friday evening, April 24, through Saturday morning, April 25, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving work. Alternating traffic control (contraflow) of open lanes will allow single lane traffic in both directions. 3) HAIKU TO HANA (LOCAL ACCESS RESTRICTION) Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Kapakalua Road and Hāna Town is restricted to local traffic until further notice beginning March 18, 2020. The local access restriction is being put in place to address access and congestion concerns due to roadwork and vehicles along the two-lane highway. #HIDOT #MauiLaneClosures #Transportation #HawaiiStateNews

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