Please be sure to watch the great video on Hawai‘i County’s COVID-19 Prevention and Education Task Force at work on the “Seniors Living in Paradise,” which airs throughout the month of April on Spectrum Cable Channel 129. The segment appears as part of the program, whose daily air times from April 1 - April 30 are: · 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. · 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can also watch the show on KTA Superstores’ website: www.ktasuperstores.com Click on Community, Living in Paradise. Na Leo TV produced a terrific longer version of this presentation, which features Assistant Fire Chief Lance Uchida and State Department of Health public information officer Jason Dela Cruz. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/DE8tenqA8iI It’s also posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s Facebook and Twitter. Mahalo plenty for doing such a great job, everyone.

Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020, the County of Maui Department of Transportation is suspending three Maui Bus commuter routes and adjusting schedules for others due to significant decreases in passengers caused by COVID-19. The following commuter routes will be suspended until further notice: Makawao-Kapalua Commuter. (Upcountry riders will need to catch the bus from the U-Haul facility in Kahului.) Kihei-Kapalua Commuter. (Kihei riders will need to catch the Wailuku-Kapalua Commuter #2 from Maalaea to West Maui.) Wailuku-Kapalua Commuter #3 The following commuter routes will have changes until further notice: Haiku-Wailea commuter will not provide service to and from Haiku or Paia. The first point of pick-up will be at the U-Haul facility at the former K-Mart location. Haiku & Paia riders will need to catch this bus from the U-Haul facility in Kahului. Wailuku-Kapalua Commuter #2 will have minor time changes in the afternoon pick-up from Kapalua. This #2 bus will also service Maalaea on both the AM and PM runs. Kihei riders will need to catch this bus from Maalaea to West Maui. To view the full adjusted commuter route schedule, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/608/35097/Maui-Bus-Commuter-Service. Maui Bus commuter fares are $2.00 per boarding. Monthly passes are also available for $45.00. For more information, please contact the Maui County Department of Transportation at 270-7511.

Federal programs for small businesses as well as step-by-step instructions on how to apply for assistance due to impacts from COVID-19 are available on Maui Economic Development Board Inc.’s (MEDB) website at www.medb.org. The information and assistance is part of a joint effort between the County of Maui, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and MEDB. “We’re trying to stay up-to-date with the federal legislation and programs so we can continue to help our local businesses,” said Leslie Wilkins, President and CEO of MEDB. “We have a dedicated team, led by Business Development Director Gerry Smith, answering questions and will be updating our website with more resources and information. “We want to remind our small businesses that the SBA Loan application process has been changing daily, so please continue to check MEDB’s website, where we will post any SBA updates.” On Monday, Mayor Michael Victorino introduced businesses to the step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the SBA 2020 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Program. About 500 people attended the live webinar, which was recorded for current viewing. To watch the webinar, visit https://www.crowdcast.io/e/medb-sbdc-eidl. “I want to mahalo MEDB and SBDC for providing this resource to our business community, so we may face these challenges together,” Mayor Victorino said. For more information and one-on-one assistance, contact Maui Economic Development Board Inc. at info@hightechmaui.com or call (808) 270-6803.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell today, announced that a letter will be submitted to United States President Donald Trump asking him to stop all non-essential travel coming to Hawai‘i in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). This comes a day before Hawai‘i Governor David Ige’s statewide fourteen day mandatory quarantine goes into effect for all interisland travelers. The interisland order expands the Governor’s March 26 quarantine order for all out-of-state passengers. “I am fully onboard with Governor Ige’s strong and deliberative quarantine measures,” said Mayor Caldwell. “But putting a complete stop to all non-essential travel coming into our state is critical to stop the spread of this virus, especially since a majority of Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 cases are travel related.” In addition, Mayor Caldwell issued the closure of private golf courses/clubs, tennis courts/clubs, and similar sport facilities on O‘ahu to further promote social distancing. This is effective Wednesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. and will continue through 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. To view the full Emergency Order No. 2020-03, click here. Mayor Caldwell also reemphasized today that bars and restaurants must remain closed to dine-in customers until April 30. This complies with the Mayor’s Stay at Home Order and Governor Ige’s State of Emergency Proclamation. Starting tomorrow, TheBus will be running on a holiday schedule Monday through Friday. Please use TheBus for essential travel only and if you’re sick, stay at home. For more information on TheBus, visit https://www.thebus.org/. In addition, the City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 information call center will remain open for the rest of this week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. O‘ahu residents are encouraged to visit the website, oneoahu.org to get answers to frequently asked questions about Mayor Caldwell’s Stay at Home Order. If they do not find an answer to their questions on the site, residents can call the 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov.

Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 requests Governor Ige to put into place a public health alert network system In a letter dated March 31, 2020 addressed to Governor David Ige, the members of the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 requested that his administration and the Department of Health “put in place as soon as possible a public health alert network system to provide critical information and reminders about COVID-19.” The Special Committee feels that more aggressive messaging to the public is needed as the rules and guidelines for social distancing and sheltering-in-place are not being seriously followed in light of the alarming growth of the pandemic in the U.S. Text alert systems have been implemented in two counties in Southern California, San Diego and Los Angeles. “Public Safety Alerts are critical to remind both residents and visitors that in order to save lives, stay home,” the letter to the Governor reads. “This includes reminding everyone that beaches, trails, recreation areas, and other public spaces are closed. Social distancing is one of the few tools currently available to fight the spread of the virus.” The Special Committee points out in the letter that South Korea officials found that emergency texts sent three to five times a day were effective in reducing community spread, as the text messages detailed exact locations and movements of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Regular reminders and instructions were also sent out early on on how to prevent the virus from spreading, with instructions on social distancing, hand washing, coughing etiquette, and how to care for seniors. Because of those efforts, South Korea has managed to significantly slow the number of new cases and “flattened the curve.” Also in the letter, the Special Committee asks that Governor Ige -- including the Department of Health and other appropriate members of his administration -- to schedule a daily briefing to provide the public with information on COVID-19. “This will help in assuring that the community is receiving the same information on a timely basis. “The committee requests a response on the strategy and timeline to establish this text alert system and the confirmation on scheduling a daily public briefing by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1,” with the Special Committee’s emphasis on timeliness in bold. The letter is signed by Senate Special Committee members Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Michelle Kidani, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Sharon Moriwaki, and Senator Kurt Fevella.

Mayor Michael Victorino provided guidance to Maui County residents on the inter-island travel quarantine policy issued by Gov. David Ige. The policy will go into effect statewide beginning April 1, according to the Governor’s supplemental emergency proclamation issued today. “Essential work and health related travel is especially critical in our County, as our unique community spans three islands,” Mayor Victorino said. “Due to reductions in flights, I spoke with Hawaiian Airlines today about transportation for our residents who may need medical treatment on Oahu or have to respond to emergencies. I am committed to working with the State and airlines to balance necessary travel for essential personnel and the protection of our people, especially on Molokai and Lanai.” Starting April 1, inter-island travelers will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival on any island. This includes travel to and from Lanai and Molokai. Travelers arriving by airline will be required to complete an inter-island declaration form provided by the State. In addition, all travelers will receive an order from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency related to their status. For any questions related to exempt activities, please email covidexemption@hawaii.gov The mandatory 14-day inter-island travel quarantine WILL apply to: Individuals returning home from non-essential travel to other islands. Essential travel is limited to individuals performing the services outlined below. The mandatory 14-day quarantine will NOT apply to any person or activity deemed essential under the stay at home order, including the following: Infrastructure personnel, including those who service public and private water, wastewater, sewer systems and utilities. Construction workers Law enforcement, first responders and emergency services personnel Emergency management personnel Doctors, nurses and all healthcare providers Individuals receiving medical treatment, such as chemotherapy Agricultural workers Individuals providing essential food or supplies Maintenance service providers necessary to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and businesses, including plumbers, electricians, and exterminators. Media and communications personnel Those listed above are required to: Wear a mask as appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during travel Practice social distancing While not performing essential duties, all individuals must adhere to the statewide stay at home order and Public Health Emergency Rules issued by the County of Maui. This includes essential workers staying at their accommodations anytime they are not at work or performing essential activities. To review county rules, please visit mauicounty.gov To review inter-island quarantine information, please visit the state website at https://hawaiicovid19.com/

Gov. David Ige today signed a fourth supplementary proclamation that requires all residents and visitors traveling between any of the islands in the State of Hawai‘i to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine mandate takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wed., Apr. 1. All who travel inter-island will be required to fill out and sign an Interisland Declaration Form. It will include: Name; residential address; contact telephone number; and destination information. They must also indicate the purpose of their travel. People traveling inter-island to perform essential functions are subject to self-quarantine while traveling, except when performing essential functions. Self-quarantine means travelers must remain in their hotel rooms, order food delivery, and not receive visitors. When they return to their island residence, they are not subject to quarantine, but are required to wear appropriate protective gear – primarily masks – and follow all social distancing requirements. Those traveling for medical or health care are not subject to self-quarantine, as long as they wear appropriate protective gear and follow social distancing requirements. Violations of this order could result in a misdemeanor with fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in prison, or both.

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation announced on Tuesday that amid the COVID-19 pandemic the Hilo Municipal Golf Course will be closed until further notice, effective on April 1. Golf Course staff will continue to work throughout this closure period maintaining and improving the golf course for when it reopens for play. “The purpose for this closure is manifold, but primarily addresses public and personnel safety issues that have surfaced while we accommodated the continued play of golf over the first six days of Governor Ige’s Stay-At-Home order,” said Roxcie Waltjen, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We will continually assess the appropriate date for reopening of the facility along with any modified policies that must be implemented in order to do so safely and responsibly for all those impacted” Waltjen said. Additionally, the golf pro shop and driving range at the course will be closed until further notice effective April 1. The restaurant at the course was closed indefinitely on March 25. For further information, please contact the Hilo Municipal Golf Course starters office at 808-959-7711 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HawaiiCounty #HiloGolfCourse #StayAtHome

Office of the Governor: Inter-island Travel Now Requires 14-Day Self-Quarantine During today’s news briefing, Governor Ige announced that anyone traveling between islands will now be required to self-quarantine in their home or other lodging for 14 days. This does not apply to those who are considered essential workers, but they are required to wear personal protective equipment during flights.This mandatory rule takes effect at midnight, Wednesday, April 1 and continues until April 30. It is intended to further stop community spread of the coronavirus in Hawai‘i. The governor reiterated his top priority is the health and safety of Hawai‘i’s people and said it is “more important than ever to continue to practice social distancing. We cannot let our guard down.” Hawai‘i to Receive at Least $4 Billion in Federal Aid Under CARES Act U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (by phone) and Congressman Ed Case joined Governor Ige for today’s briefing to announce the federal government’s CARES Act will provide a minimum of $4 billion to Hawai‘i. Among the benefits provided by the infusion of funding are increased unemployment payments and a whole host of other benefits to bolster businesses and individuals suffering economically during the crisis. Additional federal aid is expected in the future. https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-at-least-4-billion-in-federal-coronavirus-relief-funding-additional-federal-aid-expected Governor Ige Issues Executive Order Suspending Certain State Laws During Crisis On Sunday, Governor Ige signed Executive Order No. 20-02, which suspends certain state laws in order for county and state agencies to engage in emergency management functions. This suspension applies to: firearms registrations wages and hours for government contractors charter school rules controlled substances registrations & dispensing child-care licensing criminal history record checks tele-health notary publics sex offender registrations certain employment and workers compensation laws http://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-06/ Lt. Gov. Green continues to work with Governor David Ige, General Kenneth Hara and the healthcare community to evaluate Hawai‘i’s healthcare capacity and prepare for any possible surge in COVID-19 cases and individuals needing hospitalization. Updated hospital capacity as of March 30, 2020: Number of OHCA licensed beds 2,757 Number of ICU beds 338 Number of ventilators 534 Number of beds excluding ICU beds 2,419 Number of beds occupied-32% 893 Number of ICU beds occupied-37% 126 Number of ventilators in use-11% 58 * Source: Healthcare Association of Hawaii Department of Health: Total Number of COVID-19 Cases Increases by 29 DOH reports 29 positive test results today for a total number of 204 cases in Hawai‘i since Feb. 28. One (1) of today’s cases is a pediatric patient and the remainder are adults (28). †Some counts may be higher because of cases previously classified “unknown” being re-classified to other categories. Pending/unknown information will continue to be reconciled as DOH completes investigations. In total, of all cases reported to-date, 175 are Hawai‘i residents, twenty (20) are non-residents, and place of residence for nine (9) people is unknown. * If a person was tested both by clinical labs and SLD, the test by clinical labs will be included while the test by SLD will be removed DOH can capture “Unique Individuals.” The table uses investigations generated through electronic laboratory reports .  It does not include non-electronic lab reports. https://hawaiicovid19.com Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: Airline Arrivals Continue to Drop The number of passengers flying into Hawai‘i continues to drop in light of the state’s 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for all incoming passengers.  Sunday, the fourth day of the rule, saw 826 people arriving at State airports. Compared to March 2019, on average more than 30,000 people arrived in the state each day. https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/news-releases/2020/hawaii-passenger-arrivals-by-air-4/ Department of Transportation: No Stopping Allowed for Arriving Passengers The DOT is reiterating that self-quarantined arriving passengers are not allowed to stop off anywhere, including grocery or big box stores before going home or to their lodging. There are numerous services available that will deliver groceries to people in self-quarantine. Hawai‘i Community Development Authority: Kolowalu Parks Closed The HCDA has closed its Kolowalu Parks on Queen Street in Honolulu to facilitate social distancing and reduce the risk of the potential spread of Covid-19.  The parks will be reopened once the novel coronavirus is no longer a threat. Department of Human Services: Aggressive Actions Underway to Protect People and Families DHS’s leadership and community stakeholders are working to ensure that all services of the agency are continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, though with modifications. Like all state agencies and many businesses this mean limiting face-to-face contact with people, especially those vulnerable to the novel corona virus. The operational modifications impact programs like: Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Kupuna services Child-care facilities and homes Child welfare Adult protective services Health care coverage Support for people with disabilities Support for the houseless population. https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/blog/department-of-human-services-works-to-protect-and-continue-benefits-and-services-during-the-covid-19-crisis/ Department of Education: Grab-and-Go Program Ensuring Keiki are Fed In the first week of Grab-and-Go school meal distribution, nearly 16,000 breakfasts & 30,000 lunches were served to children at 38 school sites (not including the Kuhio Day holiday). Eight more school distribution sites are starting this week, increasing the total number of school sites to 46 on Wednesday, and more locations are being planned. The sites provide meals to all children 18 and younger. They do not have to attend the school site location but must be present to receive meals. See details and locations at: https://bit.ly/2UsONM0 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidIge #DOE #HealthCare

The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 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: 1:00 PM                Hawaii Emergency Management Agency MG Kenneth Hara, Incident Commander 1:30 PM                Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Administrator Dennis Ling, Business Development and Support Division 2:00 PM                Small Business Administration Ms. Jane A. Sawyer, District Director, US Small Business Administration Hawaii District Office 2:30 PM                Department of Human Resources Development Director Ryker Wada Watch via: `Ōlelo Channel 49 YouTube livestream: https://youtu.be/WzLv5jCs0TA 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. #COVID19 #Coronavirus

PDF: Shovel Ready Capital Improvement Project PDF: Shovel Ready Capital Improvement Project #COVID19 #Coronavirus #ShovelReady #CIP

The Queen's Health Systems: Our highest priority at The Queen's Health Systems is the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, physicians and staff. It's important to us to keep you informed during this period of COVID-19 concern. COVID-19 is spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands, or contact with an infected object or surface. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people with these symptoms have the common cold or influenza, and not COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well and you’re able to manage your symptoms, stay home and self-isolate. If you start feeling worse, need a higher level of care, have recently traveled to a high-risk country, or have been exposed to a patient with COVID-19, call one of our hospitals or clinics first – before you arrive – so we can take precautions and initiate care for you immediately upon your arrival. As always, if you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. Queen’s has created a COVID-19 task force to proactively ensure the highest level of patient care and hospital safety. Our staff members have been trained in the latest CDC safety protocols, and have the necessary equipment and training to safely treat COVID-19 patients. .