PLEASE NOTE:Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. --- HANA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 360) --- 1) HAIKU (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the northbound direction in the vicinity of Papaaea Road on Saturday, March 28, through Friday, April 3, over a 24-hour period, for retaining wall work. 2) 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.

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. To view a map of lane closures scheduled on state roadways for Oahu, please click the following link https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/ --- H-1 FREEWAY --- 1) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in both directions between the Keeaumoku Street overpass and the Punahou Street overpass on Sunday, March 29, through Monday, March 30, from 4 p.m. through 12 midnight, for repaving work. 2) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of the southbound Likelike Highway onramp to the westbound H-1 Freeway on Sunday night, March 29, through Monday morning, March 30, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for paving and striping work. Motorists are advised to continue south on Kalihi Street, take a right onto North King Street, a right onto Ola Lane where they may enter the westbound H-201 Moanalua Freeway. 3) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on the eastbound Airport offramp (Exit 16) to Paiea Street/Aolele Street on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 4) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of the Middle Street offramp (Exit 19A) from the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for repaving work. Motorists are advised to take the Likelike Highway offramp (Exit 20A), take a left at North School Street and continue onto Middle Street. 5) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Two lane closures on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction in the vicinity of the Gulick Avenue overpass on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, March 30, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for repaving work. 6) KAPOLEI (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Makakilo Drive overpass and the Campbell Industrial Park/Barbers Point Harbor offramp (Exit 1) on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., for the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project. Motorists will be directed to Makakilo/Kapolei/Kalaeloa offramp (Exit 2) as an alternate route. For more information, visit the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project website at https://www.buildkapolei.com/ 7) KAPOLEI (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction between the Kapolei/Ewa offramp (Exit 3) and the Makakilo Drive overpass, on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., for the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project. Motorists will be directed to the Kapolei/Ewa offramp (Exit 3) as an alternate route. For more information, visit the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project website at https://www.buildkapolei.com/ 8) PEARL HARBOR (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on the Nimitz Highway/Hickam AFB offramp (Exit 15) from the H-1 Freeway in the eastbound direction on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. --- H-201 MOANALUA FREEWAY --- 1) MOANALUA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Right lane closure on the H-201 Moanalua Freeway in the westbound direction between the Middle Street overpass and the Funston Road overpass on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., for lighting improvements. 2) MOANALUA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on the H-201 Moanalua Freeway in the westbound direction between the Middle Street overpass and the Funston Road overpass on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for repaving work. --- KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY (ROUTES 80/83/99) --- 1) HALAWA TO JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM (HART JURISDICTION) Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) between Aloha Stadium and Center Drive is City Maintained State Highway. Lanes may be closed as needed on Kamehameha Highway in both directions between Center Drive and Salt Lake Boulevard, on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, 24 hours a day. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 2) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) in the eastbound direction between Center Drive and Nimitz Highway on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 3) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) in both directions between the H-1 Freeway and Dillingham Boulevard on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, over a 24-hour period, for The Rail. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 4) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Lane closure on Kamehameha Highway in both directions between Puuhale Road to Middle Street on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, over a 24-hour period, for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. --- NIMITZ HIGHWAY (ROUTE 92) --- 1) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Nimitz Highway (Route 92) between Richards Street and Awa Street is City Maintained State Highway. Lane closures on Nimitz Highway in both directions between River Street and Richards Street over a 24-hour period, seven days a week. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 2) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Nimitz Highway (Route 92) between Elliott Street and Sand Island Access Road is City Maintained State Highway. Lanes closed in the eastbound direction between Elliott Street and Aolele Street on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and from Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lanes closed in both directions between Sand Island Access Road and Lagoon Drive on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 3) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Nimitz Highway (Route 92) in both directions between Alakawa Street and Kalihi Street on Sunday night, March 29, through Monday morning, March 30, from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., for sewer improvements. 4) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Nimitz Highway (Route 92) between Awa Street and Halekauwila Street is a City Maintained State Highway Lane closures on Nimitz Highway (Route 92) in both directions between Alakea Street and Awa Street on Sunday, March 29 through Friday, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299 --- KALAELOA BOULEVARD --- 1) KAPOLEI (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of Kalaeloa Boulevard in the northbound direction between Kapolei Parkway and Farrington Highway on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., for the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project. Motorists will be detoured to Kapolei Parkway. For more information, visit the Kapolei Interchange Complex Phase 2 project website at https://www.buildkapolei.com/ --- AOLELE STREET --- 1) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of Aolele Street in the eastbound direction in the vicinity of the Airport toll booths on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., for The Rail project. Motorists will be detoured to Rodgers Street. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299 2) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Aolele Street in both directions between Aolewa Place and Lagoon Drive on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for The Rail project. Traffic will be detoured. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299 3) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure and traffic shift on Aolele Street in both directions between Nimitz Highway and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, over a 24-hour period, for The Rail project. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299 --- KAUA STREET --- 1) MOANALUA (WEEKEND/NIGHT CLOSURE) Lane closure on Kaua Street in the westbound direction between Middle Street and Funston Road on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 9 pm. to 4 a.m., for resurfacing work. --- NORTH KING STREET --- 1) MOANALUA (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closure on North King Street in the westbound direction between Middle Street and Kikowaena Street on Sunday, March 29, through Friday, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for repaving work. --- MIDDLE STREET --- 1) KALIHI (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Lane closures on Middle Street in both directions in the vicinity of North King Street on Sunday night, March 29, through Friday morning, April 3, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for repaving work. Traffic will be contraflowed. --- UALENA STREET --- 1) HONOLULU (WEEKEND/NIGHT WORK) Closure of Ualena Street in both directions between Ohohia Street and Lagoon Drive on Saturday, March 28, and Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for The Rail project. There will be no street parking along the travel lanes and the sidewalk will be closed. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299

UPDATE: March 26, 2020: COVID-19 UNEMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) today summarized changes to date to the unemployment insurance law due to COVID-19. The changes include the following: • Waived the one-week waiting period • Suspended the requirement to search for three jobs weekly ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 23, 2020: The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced the establishment of a new webform for filing unemployment claims that is available 24/7. Individuals can file claims by using a new online webform and choosing to either file a new claim or continue an existing claim. “Simplifying the web-based application process and establishing an internal phone bank will allow individuals to file claims on a timelier basis,” said DLIR Director Scott Murakami. “I sincerely apologize for the difficulties our community has encountered with our online site for filing claims, but please do not come into our offices as we need everyone’s help to ensure the safety of the community and our staff.” The safest, and most efficient way to apply for unemployment benefits is through the new webform at https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/. The State will backdate claims and deposit unemployment benefits for eligible individuals that were unable to file their claims due to the overload on the online filing system. Individuals filing claims will need an account for depositing funds into (savings or checking), financial institution routing number, and an account number. To be best prepared, please have the contact information and dates of employment for all of your employers over the past 18 months. The department is still taking appointments and resetting passwords during normal business hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Password reset: (808) 762-5751 Phone appointments: (808) 762-5752 The local unemployment offices remain closed to walk-in and in-person services to help arrest the spread of COVID-19. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for (808) 586-8866

Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again on Monday, March 30, at War Memorial Gym parking lot (700 Halia Nakoa Street in Wailuku). Persons with respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with other ill persons must call to make an appointment. Callers will be screened to see if they are eligible for testing and will be given further instructions. To make an appointment, call (808) 270-7228. Calls will be answered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 27. If the phone line is busy or there’s no answer, do not leave a voicemail. Call alternate phone numbers: (808) 500-8118 (808) 500-8117 (808) 500-8120 A total of 162 samples were taken over the course of two days at the drive-through testing site, earlier this week. Monday’s drive-through testing, which will have 100 test kits, is a collaboration between the Hawaii Department of Health Maui District Health Office, the County of Maui, Kaiser Clinics, Maui Memorial Medical Center and Clinical Labs of Hawaii. The goal of the drive-through testing is to help prevent overloading Maui Memorial, which should only be called by people with severe symptoms. Testing may also help to identify and ultimately decrease clusters of disease within the community. The Maui District Health Office notes that as test results come in (expected early next week), there may be a spike in the number of new reported COVID-19 cases. The public is advised that most people who have the virus can recover at home without medical intervention. However, carriers of any virus, including influenza, should avoid all contact with others until symptoms subside in order to avoid spreading the disease. Due to the limited number of test kits, future drive-through testing periods will be announced when they are available. For more information about COVID-19 virus prevention, visit HawaiiCOVID19.com or call 2-1-1. #MauiCounty #MikeVictorino #COVID19 #Coronavirus #WarMemorialGym

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) is working with the Department of Health (DOH) after a fire gutted state offices that house the Wahiawa Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program early Tuesday morning. The fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages to the wooden structure and $100,000 to its contents. In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the Senator said that“these offices helped the WIC serve nearly 3,000 of our pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum mothers and their children under the age of 5 with food, nutritional education, and health and social service referrals. “I am deeply disappointed that such a critical service has been disrupted,” he said. “My office and I are working with the DOH to assess the situation. According to the department, the WIC staff will individually update their clients on the plan to ensure services. “The main goal is to keep dollar benefits flowing, especially during a time like now,” Senator Dela Cruz said. He said that the DOH is relying on the Department of Accounting and General Services to help find a new office space for the clinic. The Senator said updates will be provided. Because of the suspicious nature of the blaze, the Honolulu Police Department has launched an arson investigation. Senator Dela Cruz is asking that if anyone has information about this case to please contact Crimestoppers at 955-8300. The public can also submit anonymous tips to [honolulucrimestoppers.org]honolulucrimestoppers.org or use the P3 Tips mobile app.

Coronavirus Update: FDA and FTC Warn Seven Companies Selling Fraudulent Products that Claim to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 FDA NEWS RELEASE: March 9, 2020 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products.  These products are unapproved drugs that pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law.  The FDA and FTC are taking this action as part of their response in protecting Americans during the global COVID-19 outbreak. The warning letters are the first to be issued by the FDA for unapproved products intended to prevent or treat “Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19). “The FDA considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent COVID-19 products to be a threat to the public health. We have an aggressive surveillance program that routinely monitors online sources for health fraud products, especially during a significant public health issue such as this one,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “We understand consumers are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and urge them to talk to their health care providers, as well as follow advice from other federal agencies about how to prevent the spread of this illness. We will continue to aggressively pursue those that place the public health at risk and hold bad actors accountable.” “There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam.” The FDA is particularly concerned that products that claim to cure, treat or prevent serious diseases like COVID-19 may cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment, leading to serious and life-threatening harm. The FDA and FTC jointly issued warning letters to Vital Silver, Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd., Xephyr, LLC doing business as N-Ergetics, GuruNanda, LLC, Vivify Holistic Clinic, Herbal Amy LLC, and The Jim Bakker Show.  The products cited in these warning letters are teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver. The FDA has previously warned that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. The FDA and FTC requested companies respond in 48 hours describing the specific steps they have taken to correct the violations. Companies that sell products that fraudulently claim to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 may be subject to legal action, including but not limited to seizure or injunction. There are currently no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. Although there are investigational COVID-19 vaccines and treatments under development, these investigational products are in the early stages of product development and have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness. In addition to following up with companies that fail to make adequate corrections, the FDA and FTC will continue to monitor social media, online marketplaces and incoming complaints to help ensure that the companies do not continue to sell fraudulent products under a different company name or on another website. An FDA cross-agency task force has been established and dedicated to closely monitor for fraudulent products related to COVID-19. The task force has already reached out to major retailers to ask for their help in monitoring their online marketplaces for fraudulent products claiming to combat coronavirus and other pathogens. The task force has already worked with major retailers and online marketplaces to remove more than three dozen listings of fraudulent COVID-19 products. Several have already agreed to monitor their marketplaces for COVID-19 claims. The FDA reminds consumers to be cautious of websites and stores selling products that claim to prevent, mitigate, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19. Fraudulent COVID-19 products may come in many varieties, including dietary supplements and other foods, as well as products purporting to be drugs, medical devices or vaccines. Products that claim to cure, mitigate, treat, diagnose or prevent disease, but are not proven safe and effective for those purposes, defraud consumers of money and can place consumers at risk for serious harm. Using these products may lead to delays in getting proper diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and other potentially serious diseases and conditions. The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of COVID-19 products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-update-fda-and-ftc-warn-seven-companies-selling-fraudulent-products-claim-treat-or #FDA #FTC #Coronavirus #COVID19 #ConsumerAlert #PublicServiceAnnouncement

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (D-Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona, Hawai‘i Island) announced that $250,000 in general obligation bond funds were released by Governor David Ige for a Capital Improvement Project in the name of the Kahilu Theatre Foundation. The funds are for improvements and renovations to the theatre located in Waimea. #KahiluTheatre #CapitalImprovementProject #LorraineInouye #HawaiiSenate #DavidIge

Senate committees will hold hearings over the next two days on bills that crossed over from the House of Representatives that are part of the 2020 Cost of Living Initiative to provide real economic benefits for Hawai‘i’s families and individuals as part of our collective kuleana. The bills, as part of this joint legislative package, aim to provide all children who are 3- to 4-years-old, or will be eligible for kindergarten within two years, with access to learning through an early learning program; and increasing the minimum wage rate, along with making the state earned income tax credit refundable and permanent, and an increase and amending the refundable food/excise tax credit by basing the amount of the credit on a taxpayer’s Hawai‘i earned income, rather than federal adjusted gross income. The Senate Committee on Education will hold a hearing on House Bill 2543, House Draft 1 relating to access to learning at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in conference room 229. The Senate Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts will hold a hearing on House Bill 2541, House Draft 1 relating to helping working families at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020, in conference room 224. #HawaiiSenate #CostOfLivingInitiative #Education

The 12th annual Art at the Capitol event at the State Capitol has been cancelled as a precaution to help reduce the spread of #COVID19. The event was to be held on Friday, April 3. ##Coronavirus #HawaiiStateLegislature #HILeg2020 #ArtAtTheCapitol

FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Commissioners announced today that the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FESTPAC) is rescheduled for June 18-27, 2021. Hawaiʻi was set to host FESTPAC 2020 this June—but growing global concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak prompted event organizers to postpone the 11-day event citing the health and safety of Hawaiʻi residents and festival participants. “History will be witnessed in Hawaiʻi in 2021. When our Pacific Island cousins come here, they will experience the welcoming, unifying, life-changing experiences they have graciously shared with our delegations over the decades,” said Senator J. Kalani English, FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Commission Chairman. “We continue to work with our sponsors and supporters to ensure that FESTPAC Hawaiʻi will be a truly transformative and dynamic festival.” FESTPAC is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different Pacific Island nation. The South Pacific Arts Festival was started by the Pacific Community (SPC) in 1972 as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The name and participating nations have evolved into the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture we know today. The festival has only been postponed once before—in 1984—when political unrest forced the festival to be moved from New Caledonia to French Polynesia. In 2016, Guam hosted the 12th FESTPAC, which drew a reported 90,000 visitors. Hawaiʻi organizers expect the festival—made up of 28 nations and as many as three-thousand delegates—will draw tens of thousands of visitors to the islands. Updates for FESTPAC Hawaiʻi will be posted at www.festpachawaii.org. #FESTPAC #FESTPAC2021 #PacificCommunity #SPC #Hawaii

Senate President Ron Kouchi announced today that the Senate will take measures to implement “social distancing’ in accordance with the best practices recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All essential functions of the Hawai‘i State Senate will continue. No one who works at the Hawai‘i State Capitol has reported showing any symptoms of COVID-19 at this time. “As we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation, the health and welfare of all of our Senate staff, their families, and those who do business at the Capitol continue to be our primary concern,” said Senate President Kouchi. “We are following guidance and information from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and state and city health officials with priorities to protect our employees and help mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.” Effective immediately: All scheduled floor presentations honoring members of the community have been postponed. Upcoming Senate- and Legislature-sponsored events scheduled in conference rooms and the Capitol grounds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they should continue or be postponed. Legislators and staff have been asked to avoid physical greetings such as handshakes and hugs. Many offices have posted signs on office doors asking for the public’s cooperation with these practices. Cleaning and sanitation of all rooms open to the public has increased. Hand sanitizer dispensers are now be available in common areas on each floor of the Capitol. While committee hearings remain open, the public will be urged to submit written testimony electronically and watch select hearings online to achieve “social distancing” and avoid spreading the virus. The amount of seating in the conference rooms will be reduced to allow those who attend hearings in person to maintain a reasonable distance from each other and keep the total number of occupants to a minimum. Televisions will be placed outside of hearing rooms and testifiers will be encouraged to remain outside until the bill they are interested in is up for consideration. The Senate will be implementing crowd control measures to ensure the orderly flow of testifiers in and out of the conference rooms during hearings. Signage will be posted on all conference room doors requesting the public's cooperation with these new procedures. Live streaming of all Senate floor sessions and select committee hearings will be available on YouTube and Facebook Live to allow the public to monitor proceedings from their homes or offices. In addition, the Senate President is working on guidance related to personnel issues that may arise from this rapidly evolving and unpredictable situation, including how to handle sick employees, leave policies, travel guidelines, telework, and other employment-related issues. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HawaiiSenate #RonKouchi

No Direct Incoming Flights to Hawaii from Europe The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation confirmed there are no direct, incoming flights from Europe to the U.S. The 30-day federal ban on flights from Europe except the United Kingdom begins Friday, March 13, at midnight. Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19 Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19: Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state Text 877-275-6569 Email info211@auw.org Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov Media Reports on Canadian Visitor to Hawaii The Department of Health (DOH) has reached out to its federal partners regarding media reports of a Canadian visitor who, upon return to Canada, was confirmed positive for COVID-19. DOH has not received any information on this individual to this point. Tours Temporarily Suspended at Kalaupapa National Historical Park DOH has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park until April 11, 2020 as a public health measure to protect the vulnerable population of patients. Community Surveillance Initiative The Hawaii Department of Health is launching a statewide surveillance testing program to identify cases of community spread of the coronavirus. This additional layer of testing helps detect COVID-19 cases earlier so that appropriate steps can be taken to contain the virus. About 200 COVID-19 tests will be conducted each week under the program. Samples collected for influenza testing from patients with respiratory symptoms will be randomly selected and also tested for COVID-19. These samples are collected by healthcare providers in doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings. The information will help responders understand the scope if such a spread when it occurs. Continued Contact Follow-Up The Department of Health is conducting contact tracing and follow-up on the cases associated with the Grand Princess cruise ship in addition to the traveler who had recent travel to Washington State via Hawaiian Airlines. Healthcare workers exposed to the individual without proper precautions are being monitored for symptoms for 14 days. Precautions for seniors Seniors are at a greater risk for COVID-19, especially those who have underlying health conditions. Older adults and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid non-essential travel, including cruises. Neighbor island residents with scheduled medical treatment or follow-up care on Oahu should consult with their doctors. Seniors should avoid large crowds, wash their hands often, and keep medications and groceries on-hand. For the latest situation reports from the World Health Organization, visit who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports. World Health Organization (WHO) Reports For the latest situation reports from the World Health Organization, visit who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports. DOH advises people who think they may have symptoms of COVID-19 to contact their healthcare provider in advance of going to a medical facility. Tell your provider about your symptoms and any recent travel. Healthcare providers will discuss any possible cases of COVID-19 with DOH to determine if testing is needed. Consider utilizing tele-health services, if available. Avoid traveling or leaving home if you are sick, except for visiting your doctor after contacting them in advance. Second positive case on Oahu On March 8, DOH tested a second presumptive positive test result for an elderly adult who is hospitalized in serious condition on Oahu. The individual felt ill on March 2 in Washington State and traveled home to Honolulu on March 4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified and trace back investigations are being conducted. The Oahu hospital has taken protective and preventive measures and is working with healthcare workers to ensure health and safety. Information is still being gathered and as more information becomes available, the public will be advised. The first presumptive positive case was announced March 6. That individual was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise in Mexico from Feb. 11-21. After arriving in Mexico, the individual traveled home to Honolulu with no symptoms. While home in Honolulu, the individual became ill on March 1, sought medical care and was tested on March 6. The individual is currently isolated at home and is being monitored daily by DOH. The department is conducting a detailed trace investigation to identify, notify, and provide guidance to all close contacts as quickly as possible. Grand Princess cruise ship To date, there have been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (19 crew members and 2 passengers) on the Grand Princess cruise ship that made port calls to Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai on Feb. 26, Honolulu Harbor on Feb. 27, Lahaina, Maui on Feb. 28, and Hilo on Feb. 29. The ship is currently held off the coast of California and additional testing of all passengers and crew is pending. The Department of Health is working closely with the CDC to notify any passengers in Hawaii and trace all close contacts. The public is advised that exposure risk to tour operators and other hospitality services who interact with visitors on cruises is low. Companies should work on finding out which specific employees actually had close contact (close personal face-to-face contact for more than 10 minutes) with Grand Princess cruise passengers. DOH is contacting companies to gather this information. Companies are advised to notify their workers that there have been individuals from the Grand Princess cruise who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and the overall risk to hospitality workers is low. State Laboratories Division testing The Hawaii Department of Health is capable of conducting in-state testing for up to 250 individuals per week for COVID-19. Results can be ready within 24-48 hours of a sample being collected. This enhances the state’s prevention and mitigation response capabilities to further safeguard the health of people in Hawaii. It is anticipated that private and clinical labs in California and Hawaii may have testing capability in a few weeks. COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 11, 2020 (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Presumptive Positive or Confirmed Case(s) 2 Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending) 6 Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative) 28 Number of Persons Under Quarantine 0 Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision 39 Of the 39 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision, 34 are on Oahu, 4 are on Maui, and 1 is on Kauai. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH. Presumptive Positive: A presumptive positive result is when a patient has tested positive by a public health laboratory, but results are pending confirmation at CDC. For public health purposes, a presumptive positive result using the CDC test is treated as a positive. Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory. Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending. Quarantine: Individuals are required to remain in a designated location and separated from others. They are actively monitored by Department of Health staff. Quarantine is enforceable by law. Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff. Guidance for schools and childcare programs The CDC recently posted interim guidance for administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19. School closures have taken place in Japan and South Korea. Business continuity planning State and county agencies are actively preparing for continuity of business operations to deal with the potential impact of COVID-19. The goal is to enable ongoing operations during a public health emergency. To address concerns about workers who have traveled to China, DOH developed a list of frequently asked questions and answers to guide local businesses. National travel advisories Before traveling, review Travel Advisories and Alerts for destination(s) at www.travel.state.gov/destination. The State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide specific advice to travelers on their websites. Preventing the spread of misinformation and disease The Department of Health is committed to sharing information as it becomes available. People are urged not to spread misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed, and keep updated and informed on the situation. Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from illnesses, including COVID-19. Keep in mind that supplies are limited and we need to make sure there are enough masks for our front-line health care workers. If you are sick then wear a mask to protect the people around you. Prepare for the possibility that people may want to stay home or may be asked to stay home to prevent the spread of illness. If you have daily medication needs, have more than a week’s supply on hand and have as much on hand as your insurance will allow you to have. Not everyone can afford to stock up on supplies or has the space to store them, but anything you can arrange in advance means one less inconvenience or one less trip to the store while you are sick. Make family plans for the possibility of school or day care closures. Do some contingency planning in advance at the family level. Sign up for public notifications at health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates. Screening of arriving passengers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu Foreign nationals who have traveled to mainland China and Iran within the last 14 days are being denied entry into the U.S. This includes not only people with a China or Iran passport, but all foreign nationals per Department of Homeland Security guidance. The exception is U.S. citizens, legal permanent U.S. residents or their immediate family. Enhanced screening procedures are in place at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for passengers who have traveled to China and Iran within the last 14 days. Airport passenger screening continues to be conducted by federal authorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #WorldHealthOrganization #DailyUpdate #HawaiiSenate