(Kahului, Maui) – The Maui Legislative Delegation issued the following statement after multiple employees at Maui Memorial Hospital tested positive for COVID-19: “While the details of these cases are still forthcoming, we are deeply concerned for the safety of our healthcare professionals and other first responders. These employees are on the front lines everyday working to protect our community during this health crisis and we must do what we can to ensure their health and well-being. As our islands lone major healthcare facility, our delegation is confident in the hospital’s ability to address this situation while continuing to provide quality care for the people of Maui County. We ask all residents to continue following the proper health protocols as we rapidly work to mitigate the spread of this virus.” The Maui Legislative Delegation members are Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe), Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Senate District 5 – Wailuku, Waiheʻe, Kahului), Senator Rosalyn Baker (Senate District 6 – South and West Maui), Representative Lynn DeCoite (House District 13 – Molokaʻi, East Maui, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini), Representative Troy Hashimoto (Houst District 8 - Kahakuloa, Waiheʻe, Waiʻehu, Puʻuohala, Wailuku, Waikapū), Representative Angus McKelvey (House District 10 - West Maui, Māʻalaea, North Kīhei), Representative Tina Wildberger (House District 11 – South Maui), Representative Justin Woodson (House District 9 - Kahului, Puʻunēnē, Old Sand Hills, Maui Lani) and Representative Kyle Yamashita (Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, Kahului).

Beginning this week, the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division (EAD) began a comprehensive meal delivery program for eligible seniors enrolled in Hawai‘i County’s Nutrition Program.  In compliance with Governor Ige’s Third Emergency Proclamation on COVID-19, which restricted gatherings and instituted social distancing requirements beginning March 25, 2020, EAD undertook a herculean effort to convert its two standard meals programs for seniors, Meals on Wheels and Congregate [Meals] Sites, into a meticulously organized meal delivery network that services all enrolled seniors at their respective places of residence. In this initial week of EAD’s emergency meal delivery program, 3,440 frozen prepared meals will be delivered to 688 seniors that opted into the program.  Each senior will receive 5 nutritious meals per week prepared by one of five different vendors depending on the recipient’s location.  EAD staff have charted 24 distinct routes spanning the entire island to efficiently distribute the meals.  All deliveries on 22 of these routes are performed by EAD employees, in marked County of Hawai‘i vehicles, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, depending on geographic location.  The remaining 2 routes (Wainaku to Pa‘auilo and Honoka‘a to Waimea) are executed by staff of Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) in their marked vehicles. In addition to the delivery of meals, EAD staff members are reaching out by phone weekly to the seniors in its highest risk category to ensure they are doing okay and to inquire with them what their plans are over the next month and if there is any way that EAD can assist them further in this period of emergency. During this time, EAD continues to service seniors through its Coordinated Services for the Elderly program that provides transportation for doctor’s appointments, pharmaceutical pickups, 2-week essentials shopping as well as emergency services (such as dialysis, cancer treatments, etc.). The Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the Hawai‘i County Office of Aging for its continued support of this emergency meals programs as well as its meals vendors: Nani Mau, HCEOC, Café 100, Big Island Grill and L&L Drive Inn. For questions about the program, please call Roann S. Okamura, EAD Operations Director, at 961-8708.

• GREENWASTE COLLECTION is discontinued at Kealakehe, Ke‘ei, Pāhoa, Kea‘au, Volcano, and Waimea Transfer Stations. • SCRAP METAL and WHITE GOODS COLLECTION is discontinued at Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Volcano, Wai‘ōhinu, Pāhala, Ke‘ei, Kealakehe, Puakō, Waimea, Hāwī, Honoka‘a, and Laupāhoehoe Transfer Stations. Greenwaste Collection services will be discontinued at all transfer stations beginning Monday April 13, 2020 and will remain closed until April 30, 2020, or further notice. Greenwaste collection is offered at: Hilo: East Hawaii Organics Facility located adjacent to the Hilo Transfer Station; open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily (7 days a week) Waikoloa: West Hawaii Organics Facility located within the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill facility; open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. Scrap Metal and Whitegoods Collection services will be discontinued at all transfer stations beginning Monday April 13, 2020 and will remain closed until April 30, 2020, or further notice. Residents are encouraged to hold on to these materials until collection services resume.  We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding as we tackle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please visit our www.hawaiizerowaste.org website for locations and future closure information.

HIDOE has submitted a request for waivers under the CARES Act which will allow for additional time to obligate ESSA federal program funds to address educational needs during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. On March 24, 2020, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto announced the closure of all public school facilities in Hawaii in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to school closures, HIDOE has coordinated innovative approaches to maintain the continuity of learning for all Hawaii public school students in response to the unprecedented loss of instructional days. On April 3, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) informed state educational agencies that they may submit a request to waive specific provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), pursuant to the authority granted to the ED Secretary under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020). This announcement was in response to the nationwide disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  These waivers will help to facilitate HIDOE’s planning for the resumption of public education services in Hawaii. These waivers will enable HIDOE to: Extend for itself and its subgrantees the period of availability of federal fiscal year 2018 funds for programs included in the Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for ESSA to allow additional time to obligate these funds to ensure the continued availability of resources to address existing challenges and those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; Utilize Title IV, Part A funds to best meet instructional needs without regard to content-area spending requirements, spending limits on technology infrastructure, or completing a needs assessment to provide schools with resources to ensure equitable access to education; and Conduct time-sensitive, one-time or stand-alone professional development focused on supporting educators to provide effective distance learning, enabling educators to leverage their strengths in the classroom with 21st century tools to provide greater access and equity of education for all students. Once granted, the waivers will provide HIDOE with the flexibility needed to quickly adapt to the fluid circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and implement policies to optimally ensure student success and the delivery of learning supports in a condensed period of time. Waiver request pursuant to the CARES Act (Link to letter addressed to Secretary Brogra, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in DC) Survey To submit comments on Hawaii’s waiver requests for flexibilities afforded under the CARES Act, please complete this survey. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Should you have questions, please contact the Policy, Innovation, Planning and Evaluation Branch at (808) 586-3800 or via email at PIPE@k12.hi.us. We appreciate any feedback regarding Hawaii’s waiver request for flexibilities afforded under the CARES Act. Learn more about how the HIDOE is supporting its students and educators during this COVID-19 pandemic at hawaiipublicschools.org. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HIDOE #HawaiiPublicSchools #CARESAct

Premier Medical Group and Bay Clinic with the support of the County of Hawai`i COVID-19 Task Force will offer a drive-through screening and testing clinic. The one- day clinic for COVID-19 will be held at Hilo’s Ho`olulu Complex on Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Access only through the Pi’ilani/Hinano entrance. Please note that the testing day has been changed to SATURDAY, to adjust for Easter Sunday. (Normally the Hilo testing is done on Sundays.) This free clinic is open to the public.  However, individuals must first undergo a screening to determine if they meet the criteria to be tested.  Clinic physicians on site will make the determination regarding testing.  The screening criteria is based on guidance of the CDC and the State’s COVID-19 Response Task Force. People who visit the screening clinic will be asked to show photo ID.  Additionally, people are requested to bring their own pen, and any health insurance cards they have, although insurance is not required. For further information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031 Source: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1966/720 .

Aloha Senate District 3 ‘Ohana, From Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha 3rd Senatorial District Map- Kona, Ka‘ū Hope this note reaches you well. With every day that passes, witnessing our community’s ability to adapt and adjust to this new normal of physical precautions has been both endearing and promising. Last week was a nice milestone for as we still seek engagement, aside from face-to-face interaction, much of our communication as legislators has moved virtually online. On Tuesday, March 31, Big Island Legislators hosted our first Virtual Town Hall. Now, it may not come as a surprise but there may have been disconnects and muffled responses during our 2-hour town hall. Nonetheless, we were excited to be connected, engage via live-stream with constituents and share updates from State and House leadership. As we work to reduce the spread of COVID-19, by remaining at home and practicing safeguard measures, this also comes with finding different ways to enjoy the little things in life. Or to thank those who do so much for our community and ask for little in return.   Therefore, mahalo to those who generously continue to dedicate their time away from the safety of their homes: our first responders, healthcare workers, and every single person carrying out essential roles for the safety and well-being of the West Hawai’i community.  We see you. We appreciate you. And, we cannot get through this without you.   Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment. Me ka haʻahaʻa,Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Senate District 3 | Kona, Kaʻū FOLLOW-UP ON QUESTIONS FROM VIRTUAL TOWN HALL On Tuesday, March 31, the Hawai’i Island Delegation hosted its first Virtual Town Hall to provide updates and yield questions from our community online. Mahalo to everyone who participated.  From our community, there were a few questions I wanted to highlight and share my response.  Please see the following:  There have been reports of people experiencing homelessness congregating in front of Hope Services and The Friendly Place in Kailua-Kona. What kind of resources are being offered to people experiencing homelessness to ensure they are able to eat, isolate, practice good hygiene, etc.? As a community resource, Hope Services Hawai’i is working to make homelessness on Hawai’i Island rare, brief, and nonrecurring. With new several new initiatives in lieu of COVID-19, Hope Services’ street medicine outreach team is conducting screening and assessments at encampments, providing prescription delivery, and ensuring continuity of health care treatment plans. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, Hope Services participates in the Community Support Meal Initiative to provide free, prepared meals to residents at the homeless shelter in Kailua-Kona. Additionally, several State and County facilities have been reopened to provide residents experiencing homelessness with public access to hygiene facilities and comfort stations. Families in South Kona from Honaunau to Ocean View, and in North Kona need to drive long distances to pick up meals at schools currently participating in the State of Hawai’i Department of Education (HIDOE) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch. What is being done to ensure families in rural areas have access to this program? The HIDOE is implementing the SSO program a few months earlier than scheduled to support keiki and their families during COVID-19. We are excited to announce that Kealakehe Intermediate School and Na’alehu Elementary School have been added to offer grab-and-go locations for breakfast and lunch pickup in Senate District 3. We are still advocating for further opportunities – including potential delivery services – to improve access of this program for rural communities in South Kona. Many residents have experienced financial hardships associated with business closing in lieu of COVID-19. What is being done to ensure tenants who cannot make rent are not evicted at this time? According to the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), residents are  still legally obligated to pay rent, however, if experiencing hardships, renters are advised to contact their landlords as soon as possible to discuss delayed or partial payment options. The Judiciary has stated that legal proceedings relating to summary possession or eviction have been postponed until Thursday, April 30. Therefore, no new eviction orders will be issued until after Thursday, April 30. Furthermore, landlords are prohibited from increasing rent during the state of emergency. For further information, please see the DCCA's Landlord-Tenant Code FAQs. Though there are mandatory 14-day self-quarantine periods for all international, domestic, and inter-island travel through Hawaii’s airports, there have been reports of tourists still congregating in public places. What is the general definition of “essential travel” and how are self-quarantine periods enforced? The general definition of “essential travel” are people who travel to perform essential functions are subject to self-quarantine while traveling, except when performing essential functions. Self-quarantine means travelers must remain in their place of lodging, order food by delivery, and not receive visitors. For general inquiries on what constitutes “essential travel”, please email: COVIDexemption@hawaii.gov. There is a lot of confusion surrounding conflicting recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal, State and County localities. Should I wear a mask in public? Will this help prevent me from catching COVID-19? Yes. When you leave your place of residence, please wear protective covering like a mask over your nose and mouth. The CDC’s initial statement was that masks do not protect against COVID-19.  Over the course of this crisis, the CDC has updated guidelines to encourage wearing any form of protective face, nose, and hands covering to help prevent already infected individuals from further spreading COVID-19. I am still being expected to work and I don’t feel safe. Do I qualify for hazard pay? Will I be fired if I refuse to go to work? Unfortunately in Hawai'i, employees do not qualify for hazard pay through increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) urges businesses and employees to facilitate communication regarding updated workplace policies and responsibilities. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), however, requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 from April 1 to December 31, 2020. For more information on situations that qualify for emergency leave, please see the United States Department of Labor's Families First Coronavirus Response Act fact sheet. As gas prices are in a free-fall around the world and at large corporations such as Costco, I have noticed some local businesses have not followed suit. Are there protections for price gauging during this time? How do I report price gauging? During the COVID-19 crisis, prices are legally frozen and businesses that markup prices to that take advantage of desperate customers are considered illegal price gouging. To report illegal price gouging activities, individuals should send a photo of the receipt and other records of sale; name of business, location of the business (county, city, area); and details of the item purchased to: ocp@dcca.hawaii.gov. Our next Big Island Legislators Virtual Town Hall will be tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m., a link will be provided through my Facebook page. STATE OF HAWAI'I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (HDOA) UPDATE On Monday, April 6, HDOA Chair Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser identified United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that can provide emergency food assistance for commodities ($1.5 million), the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program ($662,000) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ($2.1 million), all through USDA programs.  An additional assistance of $9.1 million is available for providers of specialty crops and for other producers that supply our food distribution system, such as livestock producers. The USDA will be providing details at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.  The HDOA identified that Hawai’i farmers have lost 50 to 60 percent of their market in the first week of the stay at home order, therefore, deciding to defer agricultural loan payments throughout the stay-at-home order. Further, Chair Shimabukuro-Geiser reaffirmed the HDOA’s commitment to working with farmers around the State to open additional drive-through farmers’ markets outside of urban Honolulu. The following West Hawai’i farmers’ market remain open for business: Keauhou Farmers’ Market – Keauhou, HI Update: The Keauhou Farmers’ Market has moved operations to online service only. Customers can order online and pick-up curbside at the former Food Basket’s location in Honalo. Hours of operations isbetween 9:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. every Saturday. Customers are asked to park in the designated area, remain in the vehicle and provide the order number. Staff is equipped with hand sanitizer and will deliver the produce purchased.  Please note, staff are discouraged from any further interaction with customers. For more information, please visit: www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com. For information regarding farmers’ markets in Senate District 3, that remain open for business, please email: senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ADDS KEALAKEHE INTERMEDIATE AND NA'ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL(S) TO GRAB-AND-GO MEAL PROGRAM Starting on Monday, April 6, Kealakehe Intermediate School and Na’alehu Elementary School are the latest campuses in Senate Distrct 3 that have been added to the Department of Education (DOE) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch pickup. As a reminder, breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and lunch will be  served from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please note, there will be no interaction between DOE staff and the community. Schools in Senate District 3 serving “grab-and-go”: Kahakai Elementary School Konawaena High School Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School Kealakehe Intermediate School Na’alehu Elementary School Click here for more information about the SSO program, including participating schools. COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: HOTELS FOR HEROES Through a partnership with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Hawai’i Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA), the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) has launched its Hotels for Heroes initiative on April 3, 2020. This initiative provides complimentary lodging to first responders and health care workers, to limit potentially spreading COVID-19 to their families or provide more convenient accommodations. Through this program, participating hotels are reimbursed up to $85 a night per room, in the process, creating much-needed hours for displaced workers. MAKE YOUR OWN "ALOHA" MASK AT HOME Based on recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recommendations from Governor Ige, the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is looking into a statewide policy on the use of wearing masks that covers the face and mouth. As the State moves towards more preventative measures for COVID-19, I encourage everyone to wear a protective mask, covering the face and mouth, to help prevent the spread of infection throughout our community. Mahalo to our local designer Kini Zamora for this great tutorial on sewing your own “DIY” fabric mask! As we showcase our Tutu’s old quilts, Papa’s retired aloha shirts and old, matching palaka fabrics from our childhood, let's keep in mind – we are in this together. Every time you step outside of your home with protective covering, you aren’t just taking care of yourself – but also taking care of your ‘ohana. SHORTCUT TO STATE RESOURCES Governor David Ige’s – Third Supplemental Proclamation DLIR – How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance DLIR – Apply for Unemployment Insurance DOH – How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 DOH – Up-to-date COVID-19 Hawaii Statistics DOT – Coronavirus Info and Resources DOA – Inter-island Travel Declaration Form DCCA – Landlord-Tenant Code Hawaii State Senate YouTube Channel To participate in the 2020 U.S. Census From U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), information about the CARES Act (H.R. 748) and Family First Coronavirus Response SBA – Paycheck Protection Program Application CDC – How to Wear a Cloth Covering For questions about exemptions to mandatory restrictions, email CovidExemption@hawaii.gov. If you would like to volunteer ideas or resources to assist in the response effort, email CovidKokua@hawaii.gov. Facebook: https://hawaii.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d5c0989e4bad8620d1a0d4adb&id=97195081fd&e=297b9eb0e1 Copyright © 2020 Office of Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Office of Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha415 S Beretania St Rm 206 Honolulu, HI 96813-2407 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #CDC #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority #DruMamoKanuha

Senate Vice President calls for courtesy for kupuna by avoiding smoking in apartments during ‘stay at home’ order Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (D-Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia) is asking the public to heed the plea of a disabled kupuna to refrain from smoking in apartment and condominium buildings. The woman wrote the Senator over the weekend describing her situation. “I am a disabled senior citizen who lives in a condominium. My husband, also a senior citizen, and I have chronic medical conditions that are exacerbated by our neighbor’s drifting secondhand smoke,” she wrote. “Last Sunday, equipped with my depleting oxygen supply, I barely escaped, calling 911 due to life-threatening symptoms triggered by neighbor’s secondhand smoke drifting into our unit. “While I understand and agree with the need for social distancing and, thus, Staying at Home and Sheltering in Place during this COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I find being mandated to confine ourselves in our hazardous, toxic environment to be tortuous, inhumane and lethal.” The elderly woman asked for a temporary order to ban smoking in individual units in buildings like hers. “This action will not only protect vulnerable condominium dwellers, but also avoid need for related 911 calls, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, (and) reduce need for medical supplies, i.e. oxygen, respirators and more.” Senator Kidani indicated that the Board of Directors of the complainant’s building were contacted. They responded by saying they did not have the number of votes needed to prohibit smoking in the building, even on a temporary basis. While the building manager did relay to the smoker the respiratory problems of the elderly neighbor, the smoker wasn’t willing to stop. “How can the need to smoke be more important than a disabled neighbor’s need to breathe non-toxic air?,” the Senator said. “Let’s please have aloha and consider the plight of others.”

We will begin a thorough disinfecting and sanitizing of the following locations today, Tuesday, April 7, 2020. We will work our way from the other side and should be in Hāna town area by noon. Mahalo to Mayor Michael P. Victorino, Rep. Lynn DeCoite and H2O Process Systems, LLC for working with us to make this happen. #coronovirus @covid19 #hanamaui #mauicounty #h2oprocesssystems

The special committee will convene Wednesday, April 8, 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 special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 a.m.             Office of the Lt. Governor Lt. Governor Josh Green 11:30 a.m.             Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Chair 12:30 p.m.             Hawaii Emergency Management Agency MG Kenneth Hara, Incident Commander 1:00 p.m.               Department of Human Resources and Development Mr. Ryker Wada, Director Watch via: `Ōlelo Channel 49 YouTube livestream: https://youtu.be/whQc_hol4QA The special committee members are: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, and Senator Kurt Fevella.

The Department of Education announced that 19 school locations have been added to the current list for pickup of “grab and go” meals for all public and charter school students. Parents or caregivers who pick up a meal must be accompanied by a child, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m. and lunch 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday through Friday. For food safety, meals must be consumed by either 10 a.m. (breakfast) or 2 p.m. (lunch). There will be no personal interaction between DOE employees and the community. All meals are placed in containers. Meals will be located outside of the cafeteria, preferably closest to a driveway or natural access point on the campus. ** This information below was revised April 6, 2020 The following schools that are being added on a staggered basis are: Starting Monday, April 6 Kauai District Kekaha Elementary School Maui District Kilohana Elementary School Hawaii Island District Hilo Union School Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School Keonepoko Elementary School Naalehu Elementary School Kealakehe Intermediate School Keaau High School Starting Tuesday, April 7 Leeward Oahu District Lehua Elementary School Starting Wednesday, April 8 Honolulu District Likelike Elementary School Windward Oahu District Parker Elementary School Maui District Iao Intermediate School Starting Thursday, April 9 Honolulu District Kauluwela Elementary School Palolo Elementary School Starting Monday, April 13 Central Oahu District Helemano Elementary School Windward Oahu District Heeia Elementary School Keolu Elementary School Pope Elementary School Kauai District Koloa Elementary School The following schools will continue to be meal pickup locations: Honolulu District Dole Middle School Farrington High School Kaimuki High School McKinley High School Central Oahu District Kaala Elementary School Kipapa Elementary School Makalapa Elementary School Leilehua High School Waialua High & Intermediate School Leeward August Ahrens Elementary School Barbers Point Elementary School Honowai Elementary School Maile Elementary School Nanaikapono Elementary School Waipahu Elementary School Ewa Makai Middle School Waianae Intermediate School Campbell High School Kapolei High School Nanakuli High & Intermediate School Waianae High School Windward Oahu District Hauula Elementary School Kahaluu Elementary School Kailua Elementary School King Intermediate School Kahuku High & Intermediate School Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School Hawaii Island District Kahakai Elementary School Mountain View Elementary School Waimea Elementary School Honokaa High School Kau High School & Pahala Elementary School Kohala High School Konawaena High School Waiakea High School Kau High & Pahala Elementary School Pahoa High & Intermediate School Maui District Kahului Elementary School Kalama Intermediate School Lahaina Intermediate School Lokelani Intermediate School Hana High & Elementary School Lanai High School Molokai High School (postponed until further notice) Kauai District Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Kapaa High School Waimea High School

The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino announced this morning. “My heart is heavy with this tragic news,” Mayor Victorino said. “Mrs. Victorino and I offer our deepest condolences to this individual’s family and know that our community will also offer support and love during this difficult time.” According to the Department of Health, the individual was an older male resident with underlying health conditions. Mike Rembis, Chief Executive Officer of Maui Health, provided the following statement: “We want to express our deepest condolences to this individual’s family and friends,” Rembis said. “We ask our community to continue to rally around each other in support, to respect our Mayor’s stay-at-home-orders, and adhere to guidelines for social distancing, handwashing and hygiene. We will continue to do our part and protect our patients and staff. “ “Our Maui County ohana is strong and we must support and protect each other,” Mayor Victorino said. “Everyone must stay home and only go out in public for essential purposes. Now is not the time for parties and gatherings. If you do have to leave home, make sure you wear a mask and practice social distancing. “We love this community and our county. I will be with all of you every step of the way through this pandemic, but we’re going to need everyone’s help to keep our families and loved ones safe.” LINK TO LIVE VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/countyofmaui/videos/569896410288197/

In meeting with the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 earlier today, the Governor’s Chief of Staff Linda Chu Takayama reported that the State was granted Title 21 status, which provides federal funding for activation of the National Guard for COVID-19 mitigation, including support screening at airports. The status was granted for only 30 days, but the State hopes to gain an extension like other U.S. states have been given. While the state’s mayors have written the White House about stopping all non-essential travel to Hawai‘i, Governor David Ige is reviewing the possibility that such travel would have unintended consequences. Chu Takayama said that, after analysis, the Governor will issue an opinion. President Trump has stated that he would consider a request to stop travel only if the Governor would agree to the policy. After some comment from Special Committee members, Chu Takayama said she would speak with the Governor about requesting the military cancel upcoming RIMPAC meetings scheduled for June and July. In other highlights, Department of Agriculture Chair Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser reported that, regarding federal emergency assistance for food needs, her department identified USDA programs that can provide emergency food assistance for commodities (in the amount of $1.5 million), the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program ($662,000) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ($2.1 million), all through USDA programs. An additional assistance of $9.1 million is available for providers of specialty crops and for other producers that supply our food distribution system, such as livestock producers. The USDA will be providing details through its website at www.usda.gov/coronavirus. Concerning the state’s critical food and security infrastructure, the DOA has identified that food transportation and cold storage facilities are current weaknesses. The department is reaching out to organizations that may have excess cold storage capacity at this time. Shimabukuro-Geiser also reported that the Hawaii Farm Bureau should get credit for implementing a drive-thru concept for farmers markets. She said that when the markets closed, farmers had already harvested and packed their products, ready for sale. The DOA worked with the Department of Public Safety to purchase some of the products, including frozen ulu and off-grade avocados. While farmers didn’t get the full price, they did get some revenue at an agreed price with state institutions. The DOA is also working to open additional farmers markets while addressing social distancing concerns. The Hawaii Farm Bureau is also looking at drive-thru markets outside urban Honolulu. Turning to the Department of Education, Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said that the Board of Education approved a waiver of high school graduation requirements. The DOE will be releasing details about the requirements and guidance for students and parents today, April 6. The department is also reviewing options to provide appropriate and safe graduation ceremonies for graduating seniors. Still, the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to allow traditional graduation ceremonies to occur. Kishimoto also reported that the DOE and the Hawaii State Teachers Association have signed a letter of agreement outlining their partnership to provide distance learning for Hawai‘i students. Distance learning will likely be required beyond April 30, and the DOE is working on models and plans to continue its efficiency. The department has been in contact with other states regarding their own distance learning programs, and is also providing information to students and parents about additional distance learning resources and programs beyond what the DOE is providing to all students. Students or parents who have questions or concerns are urged to call their school’s main number or the DOE main number. These phone numbers are being monitored, and voicemails will be returned.