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.

Across the state, customers and staff at pharmacies, supermarkets, and take-out food establishments are wearing cloth masks and using physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many local and national chain stores have established controls on how many customers can enter a store at one time. The Joint Information Center has produced a printable store-front poster to further encourage physical distancing, aimed at flattening the curve of new COVID-19 cases. Download the poster here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f3crddhm1dvx1e0/AADYxpbepZ5d_dpKPWFopOJHa?dl=0 “I’m pleased to see how quickly people are responding to the guidance to use face covering in addition to physical distancing and only going out for essential reasons,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We urge all essential businesses to immediately implement physical distancing measures, throughout their operations, not just at the check-out counters. Wearing a cloth or fabric mask complements other critical measures and can prevent spreading the disease to others.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health (DOH) have recommended wearing a cloth face covering in public places, like stores and at takeout food establishments, masks are not a substitute from physical distancing. “Physical distancing is still the most effective way of preventing the spread of this disease in Hawai‘i,” said Anderson. “If you aren’t used to wearing a mask, it’s difficult to remember not to touch your face when putting it on or adjusting it. It is so important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to prevent catching the virus.” The CDC guidance emphasizes that maintaining 6-foot physical distancing remains important for slowing the spread of the virus. Masks are primarily considered an infection source control measure designed to keep sick people from spreading their germs to others. Masks complement physical distancing. They are not a substitute for stay-at-home orders and probably less effective than frequent handwashing and simply staying a safe distance away from other people, who may be infected and not know it. “It’s alright,” Anderson added, “to politely remind others to practice good physical distancing, even when they’re wearing a mask.” # # # PDF: Hawai‘i Department of Health reminds everyone that face masks are no substitute for physical distancing #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #FaceMasks #SocialDistancing

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that the Office of the Mayor will be extending its COVID-19 call center hours, starting Monday, April 6. The call center will operate from 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is (808) 270-7855. The call center hours on Good Friday, April 10, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The call center will be closed on Easter Sunday. The call center is available to answer questions relating to COVID-19 in Maui County. Individuals willing to offer supplies, help and resources are also encouraged to call. For more information on COVID-19, please visit mauicounty.gov and covid19mauinui.com.

(Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi) – Maui Mayor Mike Victorino, Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe) and Representative Lynn DeCoite (D-East Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini) announced tonight that a second case of COVID-19 was confirmed today on Moloka‘i. After the first case was confirmed earlier this week from an employee of the Friendly Market Center, Victorino, English, and DeCoite worked with the market’s owners to facilitate testing for all employees. The second positive test came out of that round of testing. As a result, Friendly Market Center will remain closed until April 20 and employees are going into self-isolation. Mayor Victorino said: “I have been notified that test results for a second individual have returned positive on Molokai. The individual is an employee of Friendly Market Center and is in self-isolation. I have been told that all employees at Friendly Market Center have immediately self-quarantined and that the store will be closed until April 20. Unfortunately, this situation was a strong possibility after the first individual, who also is a store employee, tested positive on Molokai. House Rep. Lynn DeCoite, Sen. J. Kalani English and I have all been working with the local businesses to help sanitize their buildings and surrounding areas. I want the residents of Molokai to know that we will make sure that services and goods will continue to arrive to the island. My primary focus is to maintain essential supplies for Molokai and ensure their health and safety. Senator English said: “By facilitating immediate testing on island and getting the results processed on O‘ahu the next day, we were able to identify a second positive case at the store and take steps to reduce further spread. The Friendly Market will close for 14 days. We are working to ensure the other stores in Kaunakakai have sufficient food and resources for island residents.” Representative DeCoite said: “Tonight we were made aware of the second confirmed case on Molokaʻi. The person is another employee of Friendly Market. Now, more than ever it is important that we all comply with the County and State Stay at Home Orders. We know this is in the Moloka‘i Community. The way we kokua one another is to STAY AT HOME! It is ALL of our responsibility to STOP THE SPREAD by staying home! I know we are all scared and want information. For now, STAY AT HOME. Only send one person to get groceries and supplies for your household. Moloka‘i, we are strong, we are resilient and right now is our chance to show the rest of the state how we can come together by complying with all of the county and state recommendations to protect everyone in our community!” #COVID19 #Coronavirus #Molokai #FriendlyMarket

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. --- HANA HIGHWAY (ROUTES 36/360) --- 1) HAIKU (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the westbound direction in the vicinity of Papaaea Road on Saturday, April 3, through Friday, April 10, over a 24-hour period, for retaining wall work. 2) KAHULUI (NIGHT WORK) Closure of one direction at a time of Hana Highway (Route 36) between Kaahumanu Avenue and Dairy Road on Monday evening, April 6, through Saturday morning, April 11, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving work. Alternating traffic control (contraflow) of open lanes will allow single lane traffic in both directions. 3) HAIKU TO HANA (LOCAL ACCESS RESTRICTION) Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Kapakalua Road and Hāna Town is restricted to local traffic until further notice beginning March 18, 2020. The local access restriction is being put in place to address access and congestion concerns due to roadwork and vehicles along the two-lane highway. --- HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 30) --- 1) LAHAINA Lane closure on Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) in the northbound direction between Kai Hele Ku Street and Aholo Road on Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for road reconstruction and resurfacing. 2) LAHAINA Left lane closure on Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) in the westbound direction at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Lahainaluna Road on Tuesday, April 7, through Thursday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscape maintenance.

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. — HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 1) PAAUILO Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 36 and 38, near Kaumoalii Stream Bridge, on Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for guardrail installation work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). --- KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) --- 1) PAHOA – (24-Hour Work) Lane shift on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) in the northbound direction at the intersection of Keaau-Pahoa Road and Ainaloa Boulevard, on Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10, over a 24-hour period, for construction of the Ainaloa Roundabout. --- MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) --- 1) KAU Closure of single lane at a time on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions in between mile markers 28 and 32.5, on Saturday, April 4, through Friday, April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). --- AKONI PULE HIGHWAY (ROUTE 270) --- 1) NORTH KOHALA Closure of single lane at a time on Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) in both directions between Akana Place and Makapala Road, on Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for waterline removal. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow).

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. — KAMUALII HIGHWAY (ROUTE 50) — 1) KEKAHA (24-HOUR WORK) Emergency single lane closure, effective immediately, on Kamualii Highway (Route 50) in the westbound direction between Kekaha Beach Park and the Kekaha Landfill, over a 24-hour period, for drainage embankment repairs due to erosion from recent storms. The lane will remain closed until further notice. Alternating traffic control will be directed by flagmen and traffic control signs will be placed to provide advance notice to the public. — KUHIO HIGHWAY (ROUTES 56/560) — 1) KILAUEA Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in the eastbound direction, in the vicinity of mile marker 25, on Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., for tree clearing and slope stabilization work. 2) HAENA Shoulder closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 560) in the northbound direction, between mile markers 9.562 and 9.572, on Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for tree trimming.