Reservations Required Beginning March 1 “This new reservation system for Waiʻānapanapa State Park is critical to a larger effort to better manage traffic flow coming into East Maui,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English, whose district encompasses the area around Waiʻānapanapa . “This is a new way to better manage the impacts of tourism on our local communities and I look forward to working with DLNR to implement these types of systems in other areas of my district.” All visitors and commercial operators will need to make reservations to enter the popular Waiʻānapana State Park on Maui, beginning on March 1. Before the COVID-19 pandemic the popular park, located near the end of the famous Hana Highway in East Maui, had seen increased crowding and a glut of commercial tours. This impacted the adjacent rural community and overall visitor experiences. New fees for entry and parking will also be in effect when the reservation system is launched. Entry and parking for Hawaiʻi residents will still be free. Wai’ānapanapa, which means glistening waters, with Pa‘iola, its famous black sand beach and stunning coastal views, will be the second state park in Hawaiʻi to require reservations. It is the first to integrate commercial tours into its reservation system. This follows the successful implementation of the Hāʻena State Park reservation system, which was implemented after the 2018 flood. It is largely credited with bringing serenity back to one of the most impacted regions of the state by implementing a reservation and shuttle system and establishing limits on the number of daily visitors. At Wai’ānapanapa, like at Hāʻena on Kaua‘i, parking spaces will be held back to accommodate Hawai‘i residents. “This balances State Park’s critical need for revenue with the commercial tours paying a fair rate for their use of the park. It enables us to adjust patronage numbers to reduce crowding and impacts on the sensitive resources of the park,” said DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell. “Also, and just as important, we can reduce the impact on our neighbors. As a former resident of Hana, living right next to Wai’ānapanapa, it feels good to support a process that will help my former neighbors. Quality over quantity is our new target in management,” Cottrell added. Initially, reservations will be taken 2 weeks in advance due to continuing uncertainties about COVID-19 rules and restrictions. This window will be extended over time. Reservations must be made in advance and no same-day reservations there will be available. “This new reservation system for Waiʻānapanapa State Park is critical to a larger effort to better manage traffic flow coming into East Maui,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English, whose district encompasses the area around Waiʻānapanapa . “This is a new way to better manage the impacts of tourism on our local communities and I look forward to working with DLNR to implement these types of systems in other areas of my district.” Waiʻānapanapa State Park fees effective March 1, 2021: Out-of-State visitors Parking: $10.00 Walk-in, bike-in or drop-off entry: $5.00 per person Visitors making parking reservations will be required to select a time slot, to spread out visitation across the day. Commercial (PUC) vehicle parking slots: 1-7 Passenger Vehicle: $25 8-25 Passenger vehicle: $50

According to the National Restaurant Association, Valentine's Day is the second-busiest day for restaurants in America, after Mother's Day. And this year, February 14th falls smack-dab in the middle of the President's Day holiday weekend. As the first Valentine's Day celebrated with COVID-19 guidelines, Hawai‘i restaurants have implemented safety protocols and are expecting extra foot traffic over the three-day weekend. As the first Valentine's Day celebrated with COVID-19 guidelines, Hawai‘i restaurants have implemented safety protocols and are expecting extra foot traffic over the three-day weekend. This Valentine's Day, show true affection to your sweetheart, friends and family by taking extra precautions. With the recent detection of an even more contagious COVID variant in the islands, this is not the time to take the virus lightly. If you’ve made reservations for in-person dining this weekend, play it safe and follow these safe practices: • Check the restaurant’s COVID-19 prevention protocols before you go. • Eat outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, if possible. • Wear masks at all times, both indoors and outdoors, except when you are actively eating or drinking. • Avoid crowds and sit at tables spaced at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with, both indoors and outdoors. • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating and when exiting the restaurant. • Minimize the time you spend in the restaurant. The longer you stay, the more you increase your risk. For a romantic meal at home, many restaurants are also offering take-out or drive-thru options. Mahalo to restaurant owners, managers and staff who are keeping Hawai‘i safe by wearing masks, limiting close contact and maintaining clean facilities! For Safe Gathering guidance, visit www.hawaiicovid19.com * A message from your Hawai'i State Department of Health

The Planning Department has launched a web page for public review of project applications pending planning commission review. The page can be found at https://www.mauicounty.gov/2421/Pending-Applications. A link to the Pending Applications page can be found under “hot topics” on the Planning Department’s main web page at https://www.mauicounty.gov/121/Planning-Department. From the Pending Applications page, the public can see complete applications in community plan areas. Each area has a list of project applications available for review. The page is updated regularly. The projects are pending planning commission action. Commission agendas are posted at https://www.mauicounty.gov/1128/Supported-Boards-Commissions. Agendas provide meeting dates and instructions for providing public comment and listening to digital meetings via the bluejeans.com platform. For information on specific applications, contact the staff planner assigned to the project. The department’s Current Planning Division can be reached at (808) 270-8205.

Today, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced that it has completed system updates for the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program that was extended by the Continued Assistance Act (CAA). The PEUC 11-week extension will begin to roll out on Feb. 16 with a phased implementation. “We’re pleased to have fully restored the PEUC program that so many workers in our state are depending on. These are vital programs that have helped Hawaii residents to provide for their families as we continue to navigate COVID-19,” said DLIR Director Anne Perreira-Eustaquio. “While this is a huge step forward, we know there’s still more work to do to ensure everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to.” The CAA allows PEUC claimants an additional 11 weeks of benefits payable for the week ending Jan. 2 through March 13 and a phaseout to April 10, 2021. Payments will also include the additional $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) weekly benefit. The DLIR will begin processing approximately 68,000 potential eligible claims beginning on Feb. 15 until all potential eligible claims are available and processed. The department will run batches of approximately 5,000-10,000 claims on a nightly basis. Once a claimant’s monetary determination has been established, they will be able to file weekly claim certifications going back to the week ending Jan. 2, 2021. Claimants will receive a monetary determination by mail notifying them that an additional 11 weeks of benefits have been added. For more detailed information and FAQs please visit:https://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/main/cares-act-extension-update-2-11-21/.

Offering job opportunities for qualified applicants The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) through the Workforce Development Council (WDC) along with the Hawai‘i’s four county Workforce Development Boards (WDB), announced ‘Remote Ready Hawai‘i'’, a Hawai‘i Remote Work project powered by MadSkills, dba, Instant Teams. A Hawai‘i based start-up, Instant Teams is a growing leader in the remote workforce space that focuses on improving Hawai‘i’s unemployed workforce’s employment prospects, especially those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This program provides Hawai‘i’s unemployed residents with the opportunity to obtain: • Intensive training for a role as either a remote business development representative or a remote customer service professional. • A paid remote internship through Instant Teams, in line with the training received. • Job placement assistance after course and internship completion. Applicants to this program will be contacted by the American Job Centers beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and must meet the following criteria: • Ability to commit to a 20-hour per week, paid internship, after completing training. • Completion of a written application. • Submission of a video interview. “As Governor Ige stated in his State of the State address, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of the digital economy. In the digital economy, it doesn’t matter where your workstation is located. Hawai‘i’s workers can compete globally from our island home allowing them a higher quality of life” said Mike McCartney, DBEDT director. “This pilot project along with other projects that make up Hawai‘i’s Remote Work Pilot Program represents true collaboration between DBEDT, the State of Hawai‘i WDC, all four county WDBs and American Job Centers to expand remote work opportunities and take these initial steps to increase Hawai‘i’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,” McCartney added. “Remote work for local residents is one important way we can keep families together here in Hawai‘i and stop the export of our talent. Creating remote worker opportunities by connecting our residents to global employment possibilities is one of the keys to opening doors to economic resiliency,” said Leslie Wilkins, chair of the State of Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council. "Three-island Maui County has some of the most remote communities and under-served residents in Hawai‘i with a high concentration of Native Hawaiians.” said Linda Puppolo, Executive Director for the Maui County Workforce Development Board. “Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, there are few opportunities in these communities. By leveraging Maui County Workforce Development resources for recruitment and support, the Remote Ready Hawai‘i partnership offers a crucial opportunity for new career paths that will result in economic resilience and recovery." Added Instant Teams’ CEO and Ewa Beach resident, Liza Rodewald, “We’ve built a successful model in working with mainland companies to build teams of remote workers from military spouses. We are excited to now expand that model and create job opportunities for the residents here in Hawai‘i.” Program participants will be selected based on: • Completed application • Goal alignment • Technical Readiness • Commitment to the program requirements The AJC’s will be contacting possible candidates for these remote work positions beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

Vaccine acceptance rising as more are being vaccinated The majority or 91% of respondents in a recent statewide survey plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine, a strong indication that attitudes about the vaccine are rapidly shifting since administration of the vaccinations first began in mid-December. According to the survey commissioned by the Hawai‘i Department of Health, 55% plan to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and 36% will wait before receiving their vaccinations. The survey, conducted by Anthology Research from Dec. 30, 2020 to Jan. 11, 2021, included 445 adult Hawai‘i full-time residents statewide. Anthology has been tracking resident attitudes and behaviors relating to the pandemic on a regular basis since April 2020. Previous surveys conducted by the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the University of Hawai‘i before the vaccinations were available in Hawai‘i showed about 50% of residents would accept COVID-19 vaccine, while the other half indicated they did not plan to get vaccinated or were still undecided. “This is a positive change in a relatively short time,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “As we anticipated, those who were initially hesitant about getting the vaccine are now much more comfortable as they see family, friends, co-workers and others safely receiving their first and second doses.” The survey also showed more than a third, or 37%, of Hawai‘i residents are less concerned about the impact the virus has on their health, and instead are now primarily focused on the pandemic’s economic and financial impact. Of those who view the threat of COVID-19 primarily in terms of its economic and financial impact, 14% do not plan to get vaccinated. By contrast, of those who view the pandemic as more of a health crisis, 5% indicated they do not plan to be vaccinated. These attitudes represent less than 10% of the population. Age and education also influence views of the vaccine: · According to the survey results, young adults are least likely to get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available to them. Just 35% of those under the age of 35 intend to get the vaccine. This number rises to 51% among those between the ages of 35 and 49, 61% among those between the ages of 50 and 64, and rises to 78% among seniors who are age 65 and above. · Among those with a college degree, 64% intend to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them. By contrast, the percentage drops to 45% among those without a college degree. The survey also showed that those who view the pandemic more in terms of its financial impact were more likely to have experienced overall mental stress and depression over the last six months. About eight in ten, or 82% of respondents, say they experienced a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, or panic attacks over the course of the last six months of the pandemic. More than half, or 52%, of these residents said their symptoms started before the pandemic, and of these, a third felt their condition became worse since the start of the pandemic. The survey also showed the Department of Health’s current campaign, which includes public service announcements under the banners, “Live with No Regrets” and “Let’s Get Back to Real Life,” is reaching 89% of Hawai‘i residents. These TV spots, which focus on social distancing at home and at work, are effective: The majority of survey respondents who are following all suggested COVID-19 guidelines has risen to 65% — the highest percentage since monitoring began in April 2020. For more about the survey, view the survey report.

SENATE INTRODUCES BILL TO PLACE LAND MARKERS HONORING SIGNIFICANT SITES IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA A bill was introduced by Senator Stanley Chang (District 9 -Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kahala and Diamond Head) that would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to place markers around the State to honor significant sites in the life of President Barack Obama. SB 44 would appropriate funds to DLNR to place historical markers at the following locations: 6085 Kalanianaʻole Highway Baskin Robbins on King Street Island Snow Hawaiʻi Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children; Koko Crater Trail Noelani Elementary School Punahou Circle Apartments Punahou School Sandy Beach “President Barack Obama has become a historical figure in our nation’s history and much of his success is credited to his upbringing here in Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Chang. “Placing these historical markers at significant sites special to President Obama is one way that we can honor his contributions and recognize him as a true son of Hawaiʻi.” To learn more about SB 44, click here.

The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to recommend that the Senate consent to the judicial appointments of Christopher Dunn to the District Court of the Second Circuit and James Rouse to the District Family Court of the Second Circuit. The Second Circuit comprises Maui County. Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald made his appointments from the nomination lists that were presented to him by the Judicial Selection Commission on December 17, 2020. He notified the Senate of his appointments on January 15, 2021. Dunn has been appointed to fill the seat vacated by Judge Kelsey Kawano, who is now sitting on the Circuit Court bench. He has 25 years of trial experience, handling a high volume of cases representing privately retained and court-appointed clients in District, Family and Circuit Courts, and administrative proceedings. He has been in his own private practice on Maui for the past 18 years. Dunn is a graduate of the George Washington University Law School, in Washington, D.C., and was admitted to the Hawaiʻi State Bar in 2002. Rouse has been appointed to fill the seat of retired Judge Lloyd Poelman. He is currently employed as a Deputy Attorney General with the Department of the Attorney General handling Family Court matters. Rouse previously served as a Deputy Public Defender in the Office of the Public Defender for almost twenty years, and as an associate with Coates and Frey Law Firm, the Law Office of David Sereno, and in the Maui County Prosecutors Office. He graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law, in San Francisco, and was admitted to the Hawaiʻi State Bar in 1994. The Senate has until Friday, February 12 to confirm the appointments. If confirmed, the term of office for both appointees would be for six years.

Irreplaceable forest parcel will become a Natural Area Reserve * To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/463672961 (HONOLULU) – Nearing the top of the popular Hawai‘iloa Ridge Trail in East O‘ahu look to your right and take in Pia Valley. This 300-acre parcel of rainforest in the southern Ko‘olau mountains will now be protected forever, thanks to a generous donation. The Pia Valley parcel includes habitat for a diverse set of plants and animals. The donation by landowner Patricia Godfrey removes the land from private hands and makes it public land managed by DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). It is expected the area will be designated as the Pia Natural Area Reserve (NAR), which would be accessible by foot and could be visited for recreational uses, hiking, and education. The donated land is east of the trail and extends to the summit ridge of the Ko‘olau. It encompasses upper portions of Pia valley, directly upland of the Hawai‘iloa and Niu Valley subdivisions. Some plants and animals in the proposed Pia NAR are found nowhere else in the world. Patricia Godfrey, the donating landowner, said, “I’m just a tiny link in a chain of many, many people who have worked to keep this land preserved for the animals and plants. It was a lucky moment when I was able to step in and hold the property for the State for a few years.” “This donation of 300 acres is extraordinarily generous,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case. “We are very grateful to the Godfrey family for dedicating this land to the public, allowing the State to protect this watershed, which contains plants and animals known nowhere else.” “This will leave an incredible legacy,” said Christopher Miller, DOFAW’S O‘ahu NAR Manager. “As a NAR, we will strive to keep the native forest as intact as possible. This forest is threatened by invasive species, which can lead to increased erosion, so our efforts to keep the Pia Valley as a native forest will also benefit all those who enjoy Maunalua Bay.” On a recent trip up the trail and overlooking the Pia Valley, DOFAW Watershed Planner Katie Ersbak observed, “The rare, threatened, and endangered species that occupy this valley is why we were very interested in protecting it. As others have commented we hope to bring it into the Natural Area Reserve system, which is a special designation for places high in biological diversity, have rare species in native forests and have watershed recharge value as well.” DOFAW O‘ahu botanist Susan Ching remarked, “We hope to make this beautiful area even better by actively managing the ecosystem for native plants, birds, and animals. The area does have impacts from invasive plants, predators and pigs.” Asked about her impressions of Pia Valley, Godfrey said, “My impressions are that it is priceless…absolutely priceless. I am delighted to have been able to play a part in securing the future of Pia Valley as a protected wilderness. On behalf of myself and my family I would like to thank our state conservationists and all who protect and defend our vital wild lands and the sanctuary they provide for their plant and animal inhabitants.“

1) Are the variants here in Hawai‘i? Multiple variants that cause COVID-19 are circulating globally, and two variants have been detected in Hawai‘i. Specimens from four people in Hawai‘i contained a molecular “clue” associated with the U.K. variant. While scientists are working to learn more about how widely these new variants have spread, Hawai‘i residents and visitors should act as if the variants are already circulating in our state. 2. Should I be concerned about this new U.K. variant? “It’s cause for concern but not panic,” says Dr. Sarah Kemble, acting state epidemiologist. The U.K. variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. State labs are collecting samples from patients across all islands to proactively get a head start. 3. Will the COVID-19 vaccines protect me from the variants? So far, studies suggest that antibodies your body has or will develop through vaccination recognize these variants. This is good news about the effectiveness of the vaccine. Close investigation and more studies are underway. 4. What is the state doing to stop the spread? Vaccinations statewide are underway. As of Thursday, 189,446 doses have been administered. Because some variants are highly contagious, they will affect how many people in Hawai‘i will need to get the vaccine to stop or slow it in its tracks. When it’s your turn to get a shot, don’t hesitate. This has become a race between the virus and the vaccine. 5. Should I wear two masks? It’s recommended that masks have two or more layers, which can be achieved by doubling masks. If you do choose to double mask, make sure the masks cover your mouth and nose and that you can breathe comfortably through them. As our state awaits receiving more vaccine supply for our kūpuna and essential workers, it is more important than ever to rigorously follow safe practices, including wearing a face mask, physical distancing, hand hygiene, gathering safely, and isolation and quarantine. Small actions will make a big difference in limiting the spread of the virus and protecting our communities.

In an effort to address Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, Senator Stanley Chang (District 9 – Hawaiʻi Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kahala and Diamond Head) has introduced a number of bills regarding this critical issue. Among them: SB1 would establish the ALOHA homes program to help develop low-cost homes on state-owned and county-owned land in urban redevelopment sites to be sold in leasehold by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to qualified residents. The bill would also exempt certain land from the definition of public lands; require HHFDC to gain legislative approval before disposing of certain lands; and also require the agency to transfer a number of ALOHA homes units to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). SB5 would create the housing savings account system for all employees in the State. Each employer in the State would be mandated to offer to its employees the opportunity to contribute to a housing savings account through payroll deduction. SB733 would designate all state-owned lands located within one mile of any rail mass transit station as important state lands to promote the development of homes priced below market rates for Hawaiʻi residents who are owner-occupants and own no other real property. The bill would also require all state and county housing policies, tax policies, land use plans, ordinances, and rules to promote the long-term viability of important housing lands. SB740 would create the Department of Housing; and place the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA), Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), the State Office of Planning, and Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) under the Department of Housing for administrative purposes. “This COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for government to take this housing crisis seriously,” said Sen. Chang. “These bills provide innovative solutions to our housing crisis and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we tackle this issue in the months ahead.”

Tragically, heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. It affects Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities. Yet despite being one of the country’s most costly and deadly diseases, it is among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, we recommit to fighting this disease by promoting better health, wellness, and prevention awareness in our communities. Heart disease can impact anyone, but risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By adopting a few healthy habits, each of us can reduce our risk. Avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, making balanced and nutritious meal choices, and staying active can help prevent or treat conditions that lead to heart disease. Adults with heart conditions are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, which makes it even more important to follow these suggestions. We have seen the death rate from heart attacks rise dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because people are delaying or not seeking care after experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore early warning signs like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness. And the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women, an often-overlooked fact that can impact when people seek care. For more resources and information, follow your health care provider’s advice or visit www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease. My Administration is committed to supporting Americans in their efforts to achieve heart health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans cover preventive services like blood pressure and obesity screening at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. By protecting and expanding access to quality, affordable health care, we will work tirelessly to provide all Americans with the care they need to prevent and treat heart disease. We are also committed to closing the racial disparities in cardiovascular health. Despite an overall decline in death rates for heart disease, risk of heart disease death differs by race and ethnicity, and Black Americans continue to have the highest death rate for heart disease. Increased awareness and access to care will help reduce these staggering and unacceptable statistics. This month, we also honor the health care professionals, researchers, and heart health advocates who save our fellow Americans’ lives with their hard work. Every day, they put themselves on the front lines of our fight against heart disease, as well as the scourge of COVID-19. The First Lady and I encourage everyone to participate in National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5th. By wearing red, we honor those we have lost to heart disease, and we raise awareness of the steps we can all take to prevent this devastating disease. Combatting heart disease is essential to improving public health in our Nation, and together we will renew our efforts to make all Americans aware of its signs and symptoms. This month, we recommit to building a healthier future for all. In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as “American Heart Month.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 5, 2021. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/03/proclamation-on-american-heart-month-2021/