LEGISLATURE TO CONVENE JOINT INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING WITH STATE, COUNTY, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES TO ADDRESS RED HILL WATER SITUATION The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be convening a joint informational briefing with various state, county, and federal agencies to discuss the protection of Oahu's water system. The briefing will take place on Friday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. via videoconference. WHAT: Joint Informational Briefing on Red Hill Water Situation WHO: Senate Committee on Health Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Senate Committee on Agricultural and Environment House Committee on Health, Human Services & Homelessness House Committee on Corrections, Military & Veterans House Committee on Energy & Environment Protections Rear Admiral Blake Converse, Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Rear Admiral Dean Vanderlay, Commander, Navy Engineering Systems Command Pacific (NAVFAC) Captain Michael McGinnis, Pacific Fleet Surgeon Dr. Libby Char, Director of the State Department of Health Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director of Environmental Health Administration Honolulu Board of Water Supply WHEN: Friday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. WHERE: via Videoconference The hearing notice can be found here: https://bit.ly/3rRB428. To view the informational briefing, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeD28S1Y7ag. For further information, please contact the Committee Clerk at 808-587-7215.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) reports two additional confirmed Omicron variant COVID-19 cases and several possible points of exposure in Hawai‘i. “It is imperative that all Hawai‘i residents work together to limit the spread of the Omicron variant,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “These additional cases and points of exposure show that Omicron is in our community, and the best thing we can do is to get vaccinated, continue to wear a mask and get tested if you feel ill or had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.” DOH’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirmed two additional Omicron variant cases, both in O‘ahu residents. Neither of these cases reported travel outside of the state. Both of the cases confirmed today were fully vaccinated and reported mild to moderate symptoms. Neither is hospitalized. Possible links to the case confirmed last week are being investigated. SLD is also in the process of sequencing an additional eight COVID-19 specimens received since Friday with a “molecular clue” suggesting possible Omicron variant. SLD is also performing enhanced molecular surveillance of neighbor island specimens this week to look for Omicron, but at this time, no Omicron cases have been confirmed outside of O‘ahu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has notified DOH that Hawai‘i residents were on the attendee list at a New York City anime convention associated with Omicron variant cases reported in other states. The exact number of attendees has not yet been confirmed, but a dozen or more Hawai‘i residents may have attended the convention. DOH will be contacting convention attendees who have returned to the state to assess for symptoms and to ensure access to testing. DOH is also issuing guidance to members of an O‘ahu church because of the imminent health threat posed by the Omicron variant. Members of Christ Embassy Hawai‘i and members of the public who attended events organized by Christ Embassy on or after November 23 are being urged to test for COVID-19. While the church is headquartered in Waipahu, events related to the organization are held across O‘ahu. Events include a recent outreach event in Kalihi near the Mayor Wright Homes. “DOH only discloses case locations when there is an imminent risk to public health. Based on the findings of our investigation, we believe disclosure is warranted to prevent further transmission of the Omicron variant,” Dr. Kemble continued. One person who tested positive for the Omicron variant is believed to have attended Christ Embassy events and DOH has reason to believe that there are several more positive cases associated with the church. Several members of Christ Embassy church recently traveled to a country identified by the CDC as having a high risk for Omicron variant cases. Individuals who attended Christ Embassy events since November 23 should get tested for COVID-19. They should also closely monitor themselves for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or loss of taste or smell. If symptoms develop, they are advised to self-quarantine and seek medical consultation, for more on symptoms: hawaiicovid19.com/symptoms. DOH continues to attempt to make contact with Christ Embassy leadership. DOH asks for your help and cooperation. If you are contacted by DOH, please assist our contact tracers to prevent spread of COVID-19. DOH staff will work with anyone who tests positive to minimize their risk of exposing others and can assist with accessing care, including monoclonal antibody treatment to decrease severity of illness. For more, view hawaiicovid19.com/contact-tracing. PDF: 2 New Omicron Variant Cases, DOH Alerts Public to Possible Exposure Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/2-new-omicron-variant-cases-doh-alerts-public-to-possible-exposure/

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is issuing an order to the United States Navy to suspend operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, take measures to treat contaminated drinking water at the Red Hill shaft, and safely remove fuel from the 20 underground storage tanks at Red Hill. “I appreciate the Navy’s announcement that it has temporarily suspended its fuel operations at Red Hill. Hawaii’s wellbeing and the safety of our residents, including military families, must come first. We cannot have national security without ensuring public health and safety. There are still really important questions that need to be answered and the Order being issued by the Department of Health will help all parties get there. We are actively engaged in getting to the bottom of the issue as quickly as possible and as safely as possible,” said Gov. David Y. Ige. “The Department of Health is taking action to fulfill our mission of protecting human health and the environment,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “The Navy’s contamination of drinking water has impacted all O‘ahu residents—military and civilian—and we must take appropriate steps to safeguard the drinking water we all share as a community.” The Navy is ordered to: • Immediately suspend operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks, including fuel transfers. The Navy must continue to maintain environmental and monitoring controls. • Take immediate steps to install drinking water treatment system(s) at Red Hill Shaft to ensure distribution of drinking water conforms to the standards prescribed by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and applicable federal and state regulations. This action should also minimize movement of the contaminant plume(s). • Submit a workplan and implementation schedule within 30 days, prepared by a qualified independent third party approved by DOH, to assess the operations and system integrity to safely defuel the Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks. Upon DOH’s approval of the assessment, workplan and implementation schedule, the Navy must make necessary corrective actions to address any deficiencies as expeditiously as possible. • Within 30 days of completion of required corrective actions, remove fuel from the Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks at the Red Hill facility. • Within 30 days of receipt of this EO submit a workplan and implementation schedule, prepared by a qualified independent third party approved by DOH, to assess operations and system integrity of the Red Hill facility to determine design and operational deficiencies that may impact the environment and develop recommendations for corrective action. Upon the Department’s approval, the Navy must perform work and implement corrective actions as expeditiously as possible. Click here to read the full Emergency Order. The State is in the process of serving the Navy with the order and the Navy can request a hearing on the order within 24 hours of service. The DOH appreciates the Navy’s voluntary suspension of the underground storage tank operations at Red Hill. This emergency order ensures the suspension remains in place until independent evaluators can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to protect drinking water. On Sunday, November 28, DOH was notified that Navy water system users on O‘ahu reported fuel-like odors in tap water. Further investigation revealed that drinking water tested positive for petroleum components and DOH has received more than 500 complaints to date. The Navy identified that a drinking water source at the Red Hill shaft was contaminated. The emergency order also identifies historical releases and other information that shows that the Red Hill underground storage tank system presents a threat to drinking water and human health. Until there is adequate evidence to show that water is safe to drink, DOH recommends all Navy water system users should avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene. Navy water system users who detect a fuel-like odor from their water should also avoid using the water for bathing, dishwashing or laundry. This recommendation applies to users of the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water system, including the Aliamanu Military Reservation, Red Hill and Nimitz Elementary Schools and military housing.

Gov. David Ige signed an emergency declaration for the entire State of Hawai‘i as heavy rains from a Kona Low weather system are causing flooding leading to damage to public and private property. The emergency declaration gives the governor the authority to spend state funds as appropriated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors in the State of Hawai‘i. The declaration supports state and county efforts to provide quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by flooding and other effects of the heavy rains. The disaster emergency relief period continues through Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

Last night, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) completely shut down its largest water source on O'ahu, Hālawa Shaft, due to reports from the Navy regarding contamination at their Red Hill well. On Tuesday, November 30, when the BWS heard about the Red Hill well being shut down on Sunday night, they immediately reduced pumping capacity by 50%: 10 million gallons per day to 5 million gallons per day. While this reduction did not impact customers’ use, it did signal serious concerns from the utility. “We are deeply concerned that we were not notified immediately by the Navy regarding the shut down of their Red Hill water source,” stated Manager and Chief Engineer Ernest Lau. “We have data that shows when they stop pumping at Red Hill, water starts moving in the direction of our Hālawa Shaft due to our pumping. In an abundance of caution, we must shut down Hālawa Shaft until further notice.” The BWS will make up the 20% supplied by Hālawa Shaft by upping pumpage from other resources. They do not anticipate any major impact at this time and, as always ask customers to implement good water conservation practices. They will monitor water consumption closely and if anything should change, they will alert the public immediately. If there are any questions, please call (808) 748-5041 or email contactus@hbws.org. Source: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/news-events/news-releases/2021/halawa-shaft-shutdown

Agreement with Expedia Group has enabled effective regulation of vacation rentals by eliminating illegal operations and stabilizing Kaua‘i’s visitor industry Mayor Derek Kawakami today provided an update on the County’s vacation rental regulation and enforcement program established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and global travel platforms, including Expedia Group, parent company of Vrbo.com. The agreement, signed on June 25th, 2020 and fully implemented in August has helped to eliminate illegal vacation rentals on the island. “With a combined effort of increased enforcement, as well as partnerships with third-party platforms such as Expedia, the Kaua‘i Planning Department estimates that illegal vacation rentals on Kaua‘i have gone from roughly 1,500 in 2017 down to less than 50 today,” reports Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Our successful collaboration with Expedia Group highlights what can be done when we work together to protect our community while welcoming responsible vacation owners and their guests.” The partnership was designed to help the County track and regulate vacation rentals while allowing responsible property owners to operate and continue contributing to the local economy. The cornerstone of the program’s success has been the implementation of a mandatory field on all listings for displaying the government-issued Tax Map Key number (TMK). Vacation rental listings were given 60 days after implementation to provide a TMK number or risk being deactivated. “I’m proud of County staff who’ve worked tirelessly to implement an effective and efficient enforcement program,” said Planning Director Kaʻāina Hull. “Our partnership with Mayor Kawakami and the team at Expedia Group has drastically curtailed illegal rentals without draining valuable County resources.” Besides the requirement of including TMK numbers, the agreement requires Expedia Group to provide monthly reports of all properties on its sites and remove listings that County staff identify as illegal. The program has had incredible impact while saving valuable resources for the County—cutting the need for additional enforcement staff in half. Ann Simons, Hawaii Government Affairs Manager at Expedia Group added, “Collaboration is a cornerstone of Expedia Group’s engagement in public policy efforts around the globe. This agreement and the close cooperation between us, our hosts and the county that followed, is a perfect example of the progress that can be made when all stakeholders come together. Mayor Kawakami and his team’s leadership on these efforts has been instrumental in advancing policy that truly benefits Kaua‘i.”

The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant, has been detected in the islands. “This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. On Monday, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) identified a specimen with a molecular clue indicating it may be Omicron. The State Laboratories Division performed expedited whole genome sequencing and today determined the specimen is the Omicron variant. The COVID-19 positive individual is an O‘ahu resident with moderate symptoms who had previously been infected with COVID-19, but was never vaccinated. This is a case of community spread. The individual has no history of travel. The Omicron variant has been detected in at least 23 countries and at least two other states. “Throughout the pandemic, DOH’s state lab has been a leader in conducting COVID-19 genomic sequencing, which is how the Omicron variant was identified. Our surveillance system is working. This announcement serves as a reminder to be extremely careful to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially during the holiday season,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) has worked closely with the Department of Health since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Dr. Chris Whelen, Vice President and Technical Director for Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics. “When we detected the spike gene drop-out, which is a molecular clue that the virus might be the omicron variant, we immediately reported it to DOH State Laboratories and sent them the sample for sequencing.” Anyone contacted by a case investigator from DOH is asked to please cooperate in an effort to slow the transmission of COVID-19. Anyone with symptoms is asked to get tested and avoid other people. Unvaccinated people who come in close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals are advised to get tested. Information on free testing and vaccines is available at https://hawaiicovid19.com/. # # #

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) and Representative James Kunane Tokioka (House District 15 – Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Omao) announced that additional capital improvement project monies have been released by the Governor to finance additional updates for the $1,500,000 master plan and noise compatibility program update at the Līhuʻe Airport. “These CIP monies are critical in helping to update the Department of Transportation – Airports Division’s (HDOT-A) 1989 Līhuʻe Airport Master Plan and the 1991 Part 150 Noise Exposure Map and Noise Compatibility Study,” said Senate President Kouchi and Representative Tokioka. “We want to thank our legislative colleagues and the Governor for their support.” For more information, visit https://www.lihmasterplan.com/.

SENATOR DONNA MERCADO KIM ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE NAVY’S JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM WATER SYSTEM Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 - Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Hālawa and ‘Aiea) issued a statement today regarding the potential water contamination of the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water system: “I am very disappointed in the Department of Health (DOH) and the United States Navy for the lack of transparency and accountability in distributing timely information to the public on this serious matter. The conflicting information released by both agencies is frustrating and has caused much confusion and distress for residents in my district, many of whom are being affected by this potential contamination. Despite multiple attempts to gather accurate information to share with my constituents, I have not received clear guidance from any agency on what areas receive water from the JBPHH water system. Public health and safety must remain a top priority and I strongly urge DOH and the Navy to distribute accurate information to the public as soon as possible. With Red Hill, Nimitz, Mokulele, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor Kai, Hickam and Iroquois Point elementary schools also impacted, I urge the Department of Education to consider measures to keep students and teachers safe.”

SENATOR LYNN DECOITE RELEASES PUBLIC RESOURCES FOR MAUI COUNTY RESIDENTS DEALING WITH DEER ISSUES Maui County – In collaboration with State and County agencies, Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) is working to provide the public with information and resources on who to contact regarding axis deer issues. See below for issues relating to: Injured, live deer – Deer that have been injured, for example by vehicle strikes, and are still alive, pose a threat to public safety. In the event a live injured deer is encountered, do not approach the animal. Immediately call: During regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 7:45 – 3:30 pm, Call the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Maui Branch Office (DOFAW) at (808) 984-8100 After hours and weekends, call the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) at (808) 873-3990 or Maui Police Department Dispatch (MPD) at (808) 244-6400. DOFAW will immediately dispatch a trained specialist to safely secure and capture the animal. Dead deer – Proper disposal of dead deer and carcasses is the responsibility of the landowner. Carcasses should be buried or removed. If burial or removal is not possible, the carcasses may be covered with lime, Available at local garden and hardware stores. In the event a deer carcass is found in need of disposal, contact: Private lands: Contact the landowner. Government property: Contact the responsible government agency that manages the particular property. State highways: Contact the Department of Transportation, Highways Division at (808) 270-7466. County roads: Contact the Department of Public Works at (808) 270-7869. Nuisance deer – Deer are wild animals that are both a resource and a potential pest. For problems with deer on: Private lands: Landowners are responsible for any deer found on their lands. State wildlife laws do not limit the seasons, days, or numbers of deer that may be harvested on private lands when in compliance with applicable hunting regulations and state firearms laws. In cases where harvest is not possible, landowners may wish to employ professional wildlife control contractors or fence their property to prevent deer from entering. Government lands: The managing agency is responsible for deer on government lands. Government land managers in need of assistance may contact DOFAW for interagency technical assistance or advice. “I want to thank the Governor again for his support in granting my request to issue an emergency proclamation to assist Maui County in dealing with the drought situation and the effect that it is having on the deer population,” said Senator DeCoite. “I hope that these resources and information are beneficial to the public as we continue to work towards finding a more permanent solution moving forward.” ###

Members of the Hawaiʻi State Senate will be visiting with students and educators from the Papahana ʻo Kaiona Alternative Learning Program (Papahana ʻo Kaiona) to learn more about disrupting the pathway to prison and ensuring smooth transitions into the community post-secondary education. Native Hawaiians accounted for roughly 48% of the Alternative Learning Program population in School Year 2020-2021, consistent with the high representation (25%) of Native Hawaiian youth arrests in 2020. Senators will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities and experience a day as a Papahana ʻo Kaiona student. WHAT: Senate Site Visit To Papahana ʻo Kaiona Alternative Learning Program WHEN: Monday, November 29, 2021 WHERE: Kaʻala Cultural Learning Center 85-1753 Waianae Valley Road, Waiʻanae, HI 96792 TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines authorizing use of a single booster dose for all individuals 18 years of age and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet later today to discuss further clinical recommendations. “Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has worked to make timely public health decisions as the pandemic evolves. COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be the best and highly effective def ense against COVID-19. Authorizing the use of a single booster dose of either the Mo derna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older helps to provide continued protection against COVID-19, including the serious consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. Prior to today’s authorizations, a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines was authorized for administration to individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19 and individuals 18 through 6 4 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Today’s action expands the use of booster doses of both vaccines to include all individuals 18 years of age and older at least six months after completion of the primary vaccination series of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or at least two months after completion of primary vaccination with the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. “The FDA has determined that the currently available data support expanding the eligibility of a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 18 years of age and older,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Streamlining the eligibility criteria and making booster doses available to all individuals 18 years of age and older will also help to eliminate confusion about who may receive a booster dose and ensure booster doses are available to all who may need one.” Data Supporting Effec tiveness The EUA for a single booster dose for individuals 18 years of age and older for the Moderna (administered as half of the dose of a primary series dose) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines is based on the FDA’s analysis of immune response data that supported use in the previously authorized populations for boosters. For the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine booster dose, the FDA analyzed the immune response data from 149 participants 18 years of age and older from the original clinical studies who received a bo oster dose at least six months after their second dose and compared it to the immune responses of 1,055 study participants after completing their two-dose series. The antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus 29 days after a booster dose of the vaccine demonstrated a booster response. For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster dose, the FDA analyzed the immune response data from approximately 200 participants 18 through 55 years of age who received a single booster dose about six months after their second dose. The antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus one month after a booster dose of the vaccine when compared to the response one month after the two-dose primary series in the same individuals demonstrated a booster response. FDA Evalu ation of Benefits and Risks Since Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech initially submitted safety and effectiveness data on a single booster dose following primary vaccination to the FDA, additional real-world data have become available on the recently increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and on the risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) following vaccination with these vaccines. These additional data enabled the FDA to reassess the benefits and risks of the use of these vaccines in the general adult population. The FDA has determined that the benefits of a single booster dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis in individuals age 18 years of age and older when used following completion of primary vaccination to provide continued protection against COVID-19 and the associated serious consequences that can occur including hospitalization and death. Both Pfizer and Moderna are conducting post-authorization/post-marketing studies to assess known serious risks of myocarditis and pericarditis. In addition, the FDA and the CDC have several systems in place to continually monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and allow for the rapid detection and investigation of potential safety concerns. The fact sheets for both vaccines for recipients and caregivers and for healthcare providers contain information about the potential side effects, including the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis. The most commonly reported side effects by individuals who received a booster dose of the vaccines were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain and chills. Of note, swollen lymph nodes in the underarm were observed more frequently following the booster dose than after the primary two-dose series. The FDA did not hold a meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on these actions as the agency previously convened the committee for extensive discussions regarding the use of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines and, after review of both Pfizer’s and Moderna’s EUA requests, the FDA concluded that the requests do not raise questions that would benefit from additional discussion by committee members. The amendments to the EUAs were granted to ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.