Gov. David Ige signed a fifth emergency supplementary proclamation that includes an eviction moratorium -- which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent. Previously, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders were suspended with the closure of the Hawai‘i State Judiciary during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, the supplementary proclamation enhances social distancing requirements, ordering the closure of all state beaches in Hawai‘i and restricting recreational boating, hiking and fishing outings to no more than two people unless the group is from the same residential family. The proclamation also sets more stringent requirements for essential businesses that continue to operate. They include requiring customers to wear face coverings while waiting to enter and while inside an essential business or operation; requiring essential business employees who have contact with customers or goods to wear face coverings; requiring personnel to monitor and enforce six-foot distances between customers and employees; and requiring limits to the number of customers in a facility. Violations of these orders could result in a misdemeanor with fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in prison or both. Gov. Ige issued the original emergency proclamation for COVID-19 on March 4, 2020, followed by these supplementary proclamations: Supplementary proclamation of March 16, 2020 Suspending certain laws hindering state and county responses to COVID-19 Second supplementary proclamation of March 21, 2020: Implementing a mandatory self-quarantine for all persons entering the state, effective 12:01 a.m. March 26, 2020. Third supplementary proclamation of March 23, 2020: Mandating and effectuating social distancing measures throughout the state. Fourth supplementary proclamation of March 31, 2020: Implementing mandatory self-quarantine for all persons traveling between any islands in the state, effective 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2020. The fifth supplemental proclamation continues through April 30. Gov. Ige also signed Executive Order 20-04, which includes enabling the county liquor commissions to allow the sale of unopened beer or wine with food take out or delivery and gives the commissions flexibility to deal with deadlines or other administrative procedures. Executive Order 20-05 strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 threat.

12 News Cases of COVID-19 Eleven (11) adults and one (1) minor are among the dozen new cases of COVID-19 reported by DOH today. There are new cases on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and Maui. Eleven cases are Hawai‘i residents and one is a non-resident. Please note – the number of positive cases is not the same on the following tables because some Hawaiʻi residents have tested positive while outside of the state.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) Kaua‘i District Health Office (KDHO) will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, known as a CASPER survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kaua‘i households. Survey teams will go door-to-door, April 22-24, to 30 census tracts that are weighted towards more populated areas within the county. Seven houses within each tract will be systematically selected and surveyed. Survey teams are comprised of DOH staff with support from the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Medical Reserve Corps, and the American Red Cross. Teams will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing will be observed. Participating households can complete the survey over the phone, if preferred. “We greatly appreciate the participation of Kaua‘i residents in this effort to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and immediate needs of our community,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. Selected households will be asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19, as well as the financial and mental health impacts on people in their households. Team members will have on vests identifying themselves as part of the DOH-CASPER survey team and will carry identification cards. All survey responses are confidential, and names and addresses won’t be collected. The CASPER survey methodology was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to rapidly assess the health and other resource needs of a community after a disaster. The data gathered will help the County of Kaua‘i and Department of Health meet the immediate needs of Kaua‘i families. If you have questions about the CASPER survey, please call: Lauren Guest Hawai‘i State Department of Health Public Health Preparedness Planner Kaua‘i District Health Office (808) 241-3496 PDF: Kaua’i District Health Office to conduct survey to assess COVID-19 Impact on Kauai Households Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/kauai-district-health-office-to-conduct-survey-to-assess-covid-19-impact-on-kauai-households/

Boating, fishing and hiking social distancing requirements expanded Governor David Ige today, issued a Fifth Supplementary Proclamation to his Emergency Rules. This one includes limitations on activities outside homes or places of residence and closes all beaches in Hawai‘i. It became clear that many people are continuing to access beaches, waters, and trails for social and recreational activities without proper social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Such activity contributes to the risk of spread of coronavirus across the state. Under these new rules, all beaches are closed, which means no sitting, standing, lying down, lounging, sunbathing, or loitering on beaches and sandbars.  People can still cross beaches to access the ocean for outdoor exercise like surfing, solo paddling and swimming as long as social distances are maintained. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We encouraged more severe restrictions after our law enforcement officers (DOCARE) and many people noted large groups of people continuing to congregate on beaches in close proximity to one another.  Social distancing requirements are necessary for all of us to practice until COVID-19 is brought under control here in Hawai‘i. The Fifth Supplementary Proclamation does include exceptions which will allow people to still get outside and enjoy nature.” The emergency rules also contain provisions for boating, fishing, and hiking. No more than two people are allowed on any boat in Hawai‘i’s water for recreational purposes, unless they are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.  Both people on the boat are required to maintain physical distancing of six-feet from one another, as is reasonably possible. All boats are required to stay 20-feet from one another. Group hiking on State trails is not allowed, again unless all participants are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. People who want to hike alone, but who want to have another person nearby for safety reasons, are required to maintain a distance of not less than 20-feet from each other. People can actively engage in fishing and gathering to get food.  No groups of two or more people can engage in fishing and gathering in state waters or state lands, unless all in the group are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. DLNR is calling on each individual to take personal responsibility to limit the impact they have on their community and self-exposure to essential activities only. If you feel the need to hike, it’s recommend that you first check the Na Ala Hele website (https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/) for trail updates, and then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) and Hawai‘i Department of Health (https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/) for the most up to date guidelines for personal safety and distancing requirements. Certain DLNR-managed coastal and trail features are deemed unsuitable for visitation due the inability to achieve the desired social distancing recommendations, remoteness of location exacerbating public safety concerns, and known history of issues such as illegal camping and social gatherings. Please try to stay in or near your own ahupua‘a of residence for your outdoor exercise. For a complete list of closed state parks visit: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ Violations of the emergency rules are a petty misdemeanor and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, or both. Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/04/17/nr20-047/

The Special Committee will reconvene tomorrow 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 Governor Ms. Linda Chu Takayama, Chief of Staff Department of Human Resources Development Mr. Ryker Wada, Director Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Mr. Scott Murakami, Director 1:15 p.m.               Department of the Attorney General Ms. Clare Connors, Attorney General Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ms. Catherine Awakuni Colón, Director 2:00 p.m.               Department of Transportation – Airports Division Mr. Ross Higashi, Deputy Director Hawaii Tourism Authority Mr. Chris Tatum, CEO 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 live stream online at [olelo.org/49]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.

The City and County of Honolulu is pleased to announce that Kalihi Kai Urgent Care is again conducting drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Friday, April 17, at Geiger Community Park in ʻEwa Beach, located on the corner of Kapolei Parkway and Kahiuka Street. Testing begins at 8 a.m. and will run till 2 p.m. Participants should follow the posted signs to the test area. All who attend will first be screened for symptoms and asked to provide personal information and contact numbers so results can be made known to them. Quarantine protocol for tested patients follows the State Department of Health recommendations. To view the guidelines, head here. For more information on this testing, please call Kalihi Kai Urgent Care at (808) 841-2273.

WHO: Senator Laura H. Thielen Senator Jarrett Keohokalole Representative Chris Lee Representatives Scot Z. Matayoshi Representative Lisa Kitagawa City Councilman Ikaika J. Anderson WHAT: Windward O'ahu Virtual Town Hall: Public Health WHEN: Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Live streaming on Zoom at: www.windwardmenu.com/townhall and Facebook live on all hosting elected officials’ pages Speakers will include Lt. Governor Josh Green discussing the state’s COVID-19 efforts; Dr. Joshua Evans on keeping multi-generational families safe; and Kathleen Rhoads Merriam of the State Department of Health on mental health practices during the pandemic. A "Question and Answer" on Zoom and Facebook to follow. Mahalo and we look forward to seeing you all there.

At the Tuesday, April 14, meeting, the Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee asked Attorney General Clare Connors as to whether the State can legally hold a traveler in quarantine, and if that person could be required to pay for their accommodations. She replied yes, but she would have to look into the question of payment. The Special Committee followed up with a question of whether travelers could be required to leave the state immediately if they did not have a designated place of quarantine for the full 14 days. Connors indicated that she believed that the policy was in place to discourage visitors, but felt it would be okay if they were to go back home sooner. The Special Committee expressed concerns that the State may not have the resources to ensure the compliance of travelers, and expressed a preference that they instead be turned away. On the subject of foreclosures and evictions, the Special Committee asked Connors what the State was doing regarding such and what, if any, further action will be taken by the Governor. The Attorney General replied that she expects Governor Ige will take additional action, but is unsure what those actions might be at this time. She said that the Office of Consumer Protection is handling these areas of concern, and has a resource website (http://cca.hawaii.gov/blog/office-of-consumer-protection/) and a dedicated phone line – 808-586-2634 – which is open daily from 8 a.m. until noon. Ross Higashi, Deputy Director of the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation (DOT), reported that, in regards to quarantine procedures, passengers are required to complete forms, including their contact and accommodation information, and have to sign stating they understand the quarantine requirements and that they will adhere to those requirements. Airport staff checks IDs and confirms the information given on the forms. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is reportedly collecting passenger information and doing follow-up by calling each hotel to confirm passenger reservations and checking in with each passenger three times during the 14-day quarantine period. The Special Committee expressed its concerns about the procedures now in place, and Higashi said he will revisit them to ensure that all information about accommodations is confirmed before passengers are allowed to leave the airport, as well as including the tracking of rental cars into the revised procedures. He also said he will follow-up with the HTA to confirm that these checks include passengers staying at private residences, as well as Hawaii residents travelling interisland. Higashi said he is committed to working with the HTA and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to have a daily passenger compliance report generated. In speaking with Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director of the Department of Health (DOH), the Special Committee sought to clarify what specifically was limiting the State’s ability to expand testing. Dr. Anderson explained that the prohibitive factor was not a lack of tests, but in fact, an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment to allow workers to safely administer the tests. The Special Committee followed up asking what policies, if any, exist around universal testing across all laboratories in the state. Dr. Anderson replied that the DOH would look at developing more explicit policies on how outside testing is conducted and what types of medical proof will be necessary to return to work or enter nursing homes, etc. The department would also need to increase its capacity for testing and contact tracing if we are going to reopen the State. Turning to unemployment insurance, Scott Murakami, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), reported that the State has already paid out over $20 million in benefits, paying out over $11 million last week alone. He said the State will likely need to borrow money due to a shortfall of federal funds and programs to cover the difference in existing funds. To decrease the traffic to the centralized Unemployment Insurance portal on the mainframe, DLIR launched three websites on initial filings, biweekly claims, and filing status, based on services needed on April 14. The main unemployment insurance website is now open 24/7, and includes a step-by-step guide and a FAQ section. Murakami said the department created different phone numbers for filers based on the specific services needed which are available on its website. DLIR has also established email addresses specific by county. The Special Committee expressed its desire to Murakami to see more attention be paid to information and service geared towards helping the public navigate the unemployment insurance procedures. Murakami also reported that the department received 18 redeployed employees from the Attorney General’s office and Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) the day before, but those workers were only temporary and available for this week. Committee members expressed their dismay that these workers would only be available long enough to be trained and were unsure how this would be helpful to DLIR. Murakami acknowledged that it was not ideal, but appreciated any help the department is able to receive. He also reported on the expansion of call/claims centers: one at the main branch of the Hawaii State Library with 10 staff members, and another to be opened at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Tuesday, April 21. The team at the library will help with processing, inputting, and monitoring claims, adding more to the team as needed. At the Monday, April 13, meeting, Ryker Wada, Director of the Department of Human Resources Development, reported that, besides the 15 employees from the Attorney General’s office and three from DHRD that were sent to DLIR, an additional 20 category 3 employees will be redeployed next week to DLIR, with 20 more if DLIR can ensure additional training facilities capacity. The Special Committee once again committed Senate staff and space to address the training and facilities concerns. The committee also expressed a desire to redeploy enough staff to DLIR to facilitate an around-the-clock operation of processing claims and dispersing checks to unemployment claimants. Besides DLIR, Wada reported that all other State departments have failed to submit requests for additional staffing needs. He said DHRD is prepared to match the skillset of category 3 employees with those departments’ job descriptions once request are received. While the Departments of Agriculture and Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) have submitted information to the Special Committee using its form, they have not using the forms from DHRD. DHRD contacts each department’s human resources office, who will then notify category 3 employees of their status. Once those employees are redeployed, they will get information on their duties and responsibilities. Back to the subject of monitoring travelers, Rona Suzuki of the Department of Taxation said that DBEDT was the responsible agency for the development of a “safe travels” app through the vendor Tapiki. The original quote of cost was $65,000 (an amount that may be reimbursed by federal dollars) and additional enhancements for Apple and Android platforms are being discussed. The app is already being used by DOT and HIEMA staff operating airport checkpoints and has replaced the paper process using the Agriculture form. Concerning General Excise Tax (GET) payments, Suzuki reported that her department has not changed the deadlines for GET returns and estimated payments, and indicated that it was important for the State to continue its collections as a means of collecting information about the state of the economy. And finally, the Governor’s Chief of Staff Linda Chu Takayama reported on Monday that the State has received 100 Abbott test kits. Each test kit produces five tests in total, and the federal government is controlling the sale and distribution of these rapid test machines. As per their previous discussion with her pertaining to visitor restrictions, committee members clarified that they were not asking Governor Ige to close the airports to non-essential travel, but requested that he join county mayors in writing a letter to President Trump asking that he issue an order to temporarily stop such travel into the State. If the Governor chooses not to, they would hope that he at least make a statement to the public explaining his rationale in not doing so. Chu Takayama indicated that she would take the questions and requests back to the Governor. She also reported that some senators and representatives will be part of an economic recovery committee that the Governor is creating to address the State’s long-term plan going forward. Those involved in public health and the economic sector will also be part of this committee. The Special Committee also asked for the administration’s plan for maximizing the federal funds being provided to the State through the CARES Act. Chu Takayama replied that there is no written plan or organizational chart for dealing with this issue. Parts of this structure were described to be in “various documents.” The federal government was supposed to release additional details on the funding on Tuesday, April 14. Chu Takayama said that Department of Taxation Director Suzuki will be the lead on telling departments what funds are available, and what deadlines they face. The Governor’s entire cabinet will also be involved in this process, as each department will be responsible for maximizing the federal funds available and for tracking any related spending. The Special Committee suggested a written plan and funding matrix be created, and that his information be posted, so the public has access. The committee also asked the Governor’s chief of staff if whether the administration’s lack of timeliness in executing the redeployment of State workers may result in furloughs. She said she could not comment on any future plans regarding that.

The City and County of Honolulu’s TheBus and TheHandi-Van will be participating in the nationwide “Sound the Horn” campaign, to show support for essential public transportation workers across the United States. The campaign is organized through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York City and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to recognize the importance of public transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), together with Amtrak, NJ Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Ferry and other regional bus and other regional bus and ferry operators today launched a coordinated day of action to simultaneously sound their fleets of train, bus and boat horns on April 16 to honor heroic transportation workers across the region. As a tribute to #HeroesMovingHeroes on the front lines of this public health crisis, all trains and buses running in service will give two one-second horn blasts in solidarity with partner agencies. This commemorative moment will take place on Thursday at 9 a.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time (HST), and all TheBus and TheHandi-Van drivers are encouraged to honk their horns with our nation’s transit partners in support and solidarity. Riders are encouraged to use the #SoundTheHorn and #HeroesMovingHeroes on social media to hashtag the event. “Our top-notch front line transit workers truly are heroes moving heroes during this pandemic,” said Jon Nouchi, Deputy Director of the Cityʻs Department of Transportation Services (DTS). “Please join Mayor Kirk Caldwell and our valued transit employees in this moment as they sound their horns in Honolulu to honor transit workers nationwide.” Roger Morton, President and General Manager of Oahu Transit Services says the entire OTS workforce appreciates this symbolic gesture. “We are all in this together and it truly is a case of ‘HeroesMovingHeroes’.  Even today, our frontline transit workers provide about 60,000 daily trips so residents can fulfill their essential roles. I salute all of our transit employees and take pride in the job they are doing during this crisis.” DTS reminds all passengers to limit trips on TheBus and TheHandi-Van to essential trips only, and, starting Monday, April 20, protective face coverings will be required to ride TheBus or TheHandi-Van.

PDF version: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2004090-ATG_Executive-Order-No.-20-05-distribution-signed-1.pdf

Mayor Michael Victorino announces that drive through testing for COVID-19 will be held Thursday, April 16, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center on Moloka'i. Testing was rescheduled due to inclement weather on Tuesday, April 14. All traffic MUST enter Ailoa Street via Kamehameha V Highway, between Kaunakakai Baptist Church and Kaunakakai School. The testing is a joint effort with Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group and the County of Maui. Test kits were also administered through drive through testing on Molokai on April 7. “Dr. Miscovich has continuously stepped up to provide more test kits for our Maui County community,” Mayor Victorino said. “I want to thank him and his staff for working with us to respond to the needs of our Molokai residents as quickly as possible, and for rescheduling the postponed testing.” For questions and information, please call Mayor Michael Victorino’s Molokai Liaison Stacy Crivello at (808) 868-6750.

The Salvation Army of Maui County, working in conjunction with Maui Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), is collecting donations to be distributed to partner agencies for COVID-19 response to communities across Maui County. Information on how to donate is available online at Maui.SalvationArmy.org or by calling (808) 877-6750. Donations that are needed include non-perishable food, fresh food, produce, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves. “The needs in our community continues to grow and we are asking for everyone’s help to assist the people of our islands,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “Mahalo to all our volunteer organizations who continue to serve during these difficult times.” #SalvationArmy #VOAD #MauiSalvationArmy #MikeVictorino #MauiCounty