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/

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 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.”

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.

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

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

The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) board members will take up the issue of Haiku Stairs at their April 27, 2020, board meeting. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published on January 23, 2020, and the 60-day challenge period ended in March 2020. While the FEIS did provide a thorough analysis of the alternatives, the BWS’s preferred action is removal of the stairs. Chief Engineer and Manager Ernest Lau stated, “The BWS’s mission is to provide Oahu residents with a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply. Managing Haiku Stairs draws BWS staff, financial, and other resources away from our core mission to efficiently and effectively meet the water demand of our customers.” BWS will be providing a number of options for submitting testimony. All testimony received in advance of the meeting will be posted at www.boardofwatersupply.com/haikustairs. Board Chair Bryan Andaya stated, “We know that this is matter of great significance and interest for the community, and we want to ensure all those who wish to testify will be given the opportunity.” In addition to offering video conferencing and call-in testimony, the board has moved the start time of the meeting from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm so the public can “attend” the board meeting by watching Facebook Live on the BWS Facebook page or on their website at: www.boardofwatersupply.com/haikustairs. For questions regarding the board meeting or Haiku Stairs, please call Kathleen Pahinui at (808) 748-5319. It is expected the board will take action at the April 27 meeting. TESTIFY IN ADVANCE Email by 12:00 PM Monday, April 27, 2020 haikustairstestimony@hbws.org Mail by Friday, April 24, 2020 Board of Water Supply 630 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI  96843 Submit Testimony Online Complete a testimony form online here: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/testimony TESTIFY ON APRIL 27, 2020 Call-In Testimony Phone: (808) 748-6040 When the testimony call-in line is open for the public hearing or for each item on the regular meeting agenda, callers will be placed in queue and brought up to testify one at a time. In-Person Testimony Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person testimony before the board will not be accepted in observance of emergency stay-at-home mandates. Video Conferencing Testimony A live video conference station will be set up in the lobby of the BWS main offices at 630 S. Beretania Street. Testifiers may show up and register to testify by video. Face covering is required in order to enter the building (Emergency Order 2020-07). Social distancing guidelines will be observed and testifiers will be brought into the building one at a time. FINAL HAIKU STAIRS EIS The Environmental Notice (PDF) Haiku Stairs EIS (See PDF Links Below) Source: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/haikustairs

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Oahu motorists that nightly closures have been cancelled scheduled for the Kapolei Interchange project for next week starting on Sunday April 26, 2020. Daytime work on the H-1 Freeway will occur as listed in the schedule below. Motorists are notified that working hours have been extended to start at 8 p.m. to maximize construction during this time of lighter traffic. HDOT will continue to post weekly roadwork updates as the schedule is subject to change due to Covid-19. Motorists are advised to allow for extra travel time to get to their destinations. Electronic message boards will be in place to notify motorists of the closures and detours. Special Duty Police Officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and safety procedures. Emergency vehicles, first responders, and TheBus have been notified of the full closure and will not be allowed through the work zone. All roadwork is weather permitting. To view a map of closures scheduled each week on Oahu state roadways, you may visit the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/. Source: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/nightly-closures-scheduled-for-the-kapolei-interchange-project-for-the-week-starting-on-april-26/

Today marks one month since the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started for all passengers arriving in Hawai'i from out of state. Yesterday, 421 people arrived in Hawai'i including 109 visitors and 166 residents. During this same time last year, nearly 30,000 passengers arrived in Hawai'i daily, including residents and visitors. 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. Crew = flight crew members Intended Resident = people who are moving to Hawai'i such as military members and their families, and former residents who intend to live in Hawai'i Resident = people who have a Hawai'i ID Transit = people who are in transit to another location through Hawai'i and aren’t leaving the airport Visitor = people who do not have a Hawai'i ID including essential health care workers, essential federal workers, former residents such as mainland college students coming to stay with family, military on temporary assignment, and leisure travelers For Hawai'i Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ Source: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/4460/042320-passenger-count-press-release.pdf #HTA #GoHTA #PassengerArrivals #COVID19 #Coronavirus

The Special Committee will reconvene tomorrow to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawai'i'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; Review and assess the management of federal aid packages; and To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The committee will be meeting with the following: 12:00 p.m. Department of the Attorney General Ms. Clare Connors, Attorney General Department of Transportation – Airports Division Mr. Ross Higashi, Deputy Director Hawai'i Tourism Authority Mr. Chris Tatum, CEO 1:15 p.m. Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist 3:00 p.m. Hawai'i Economic and Community Recovery & Resiliency Plan Mr. Alan Oshima, Hawai'i Economic and Community Recovery and Resiliency Navigator 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. The meeting will also be livestreaming on 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.

A quick look at this weeks initial unemployment claims for the week ending April 18, 2020. Shown below is a table containing this week's unemployment data – initial claims filed as compared to the same week last year. "Initial claims" initiate a determination of eligibility to begin a claimant's benefit year (new claims) or subsequent period of unemployment (additional claims) within the benefit year. Summary PDF: http://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/economic/data_reports/unemployment/initial_unemp_summary.pdf Source: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/unemployment/ #HawaiiUnemployment #DLIR #DepartmentOfLabor #COVID19 #Coronavirus

The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is mailing out the first batch of checks under the COVID-19 Emergency Farmer Relief Program today. HDOA received 333 applications for the grants and was able to award 106 proposals that ranged from $2,000 for individual farmers and ranchers and up to $10,000 for non-profit organizations, commodity groups, and agricultural associations that have experienced financial damage due to the COVID-19 emergency. The total funding for the program was $250,000 which was drawn from the State’s barrel tax fund (Agriculture Development and Food Security Special Fund) and made available through Gov. David Ige’s March 4 emergency proclamation. The Ulupono Foundation contributed an additional $20,000 to specifically assist local pork producers with feed costs, as they no longer can rely on food scraps from closed restaurants. Unfortunately, the limited funds could only fund fewer than one-third of all the requests. HDOA awarded 86 individual farmers and ranchers $2,000 each for a total of $172,000. Thirteen non-profit agricultural organizations were awarded a total of $76,000 (ranging from $4,000 to $10,000). Relief funds may be used to help utilize an oversupply of agricultural products resulting from the decreased demand due to closures of restaurants, schools and other businesses. “The department was able to fast-track the review and fiscal processing in order to get the funds to farmers, ranchers and agricultural operations as soon as possible,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “It was critical that we get these checks to them quickly to help ease some of their urgent financial burdens and keep them in business until they can adjust to the changing marketplace or until more assistance programs become established.” The emergency relief program was a priority for HDOA as well as the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), which processes and prints checks. The coordination and cooperation of the accounting division at DAGS was key in processing the grant checks in about three weeks. Applications received by the March 27 deadline totaled more than $1.2 million dollars. Applications were reviewed by a panel and priority was given to proposals that demonstrated significant financial damage caused specifically by or exacerbated by the COVID-19 situation that poses a serious threat of permanently shutting down the applicant’s agricultural operations. Applicants were also required to submit W-9 taxpayer forms. Grants were awarded statewide: To provide further financial assistance to agricultural producers, HDOA’s Agricultural Loan Division is also administering the Emergency Agricultural Loan Program, which provides low-interest emergency loans. Eligible farmers may apply for emergency loans of up to $150,000 at 3 percent interest. Loans of $100,000 or less will not require credit denials from other financial institutions, which would normally be required for agricultural loans. The board also waived the three-year residency requirements normally required for agricultural loans. Since the program was approved by the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture last week, 96 loan applications have been received statewide. Besides emergency loans, HDOA also offers micro loans for those needing loans of $25,000 or less. Micro loans involve less paperwork and offer swifter processing. Farmers interested in applying for emergency or micro loans should contact their nearest HDOA office: Oahu, Kauai, Maui – (808) 973-9460 Hilo – (808) 933-9977 Kona – (808) 323-7591 In addition, several farmers with existing agricultural loans are working with HDOA’s loan officers to work out payment relief plans. For more information on agricultural loans, go to the division’s webpage:  http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/ #DepartmentOfAgriculture #FarmerRelief #HDOA #FoodSecuritySpecialFund