Statement by Governor David Y. Ige: “On the day of President Biden’s inauguration, we welcome his executive order bringing the United States back into the world community by rejoining the Paris Agreement. The climate crisis is a global challenge and a global opportunity, one for which the United States is ready to resume its mantle thanks to the persistent leadership of Hawaiʻi and our fellow states. Hawaiʻi is a national leader in climate action, embracing the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement in law and igniting a race to 100% renewable electricity among the states and around the world. Even with the most dire economic conditions since World War II, Hawai‘i is on track to become a resilient, carbon-free economy. We stand ready to work with President Biden and his new administration.”

The County of Kaua‘i Department of Finance will hold a Public Hearing on Feb. 8, on the proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations relating to Home and Related Exemptions. The Public Hearing will take place at 5 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 8, via the Microsoft Teams audio and video teleconferencing platform. The Department of Finance proposes to amend its existing Rules and Regulations to reflect newly adopted law which requires those applying for a home exemption to adhere to the following: 1. Occupy the applicable property as their primary residence for more than 270 days of the tax year; 2. Submit an N-11 Hawai‘i State Residential tax return as a resident of the State of Hawai‘i with a reported address in the county the year prior the effective date of the exemption; and 3. Provide a copy of their Hawai‘i state driver’s license, Hawai‘i state identification, or resident aliens possessing a valid resident alien card (green card). These are new requirements to obtain the homeowner’s exemption for property tax purposes. The proposed rules and a full copy of the Public Hearing notice are available at the Department of Finance Real Property Assessment Division in the Līhu‘e Civic Center, Moikeha Building, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A 454, Līhu‘e, during normal business hours. It is also available on the Department of Finance’s website, www.kauai.gov/realproperty. Copies of the proposed amendments may also be mailed to any interested person who calls the Department of Finance at 241-4224. All interested persons who wish to present their testimony on Feb. 8 may do so via the Microsoft Teams audio conferencing platform by calling 1-469-848-0234, Conference ID 692 876 534#. If you wish to participate via video teleconference, you may do so via the Microsoft Teams video teleconferencing platform and it shall be the responsibility of the testifier to ensure the Microsoft Teams software is downloaded prior to the hearing. Anyone interested in providing oral testimony by video teleconference must register with the Real Property Assessment Division at least two hours prior to the hearing by sending an email to rpassessment@kauai.gov or by calling (808) 241-4224, and provide your name, phone number, and email address. A link to the video teleconference will be emailed to you following your registration. Advance registration is not required if you wish to participate by audio conference only. Testimony may be submitted any time up to and including the date of the public hearing, or at the public hearing itself. Written testimony may be submitted to the Real Property Assessment division by email to rpassessment@kauai.gov, by facsimile to (808) 241-6252; or by mail to the Real Property Assessment Division, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A-454, Līhu‘e, HI 96766. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Finance at (808) 241-4224 or rpassessment@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

The Hawaii State Senate will convene its 2021 session on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of the Hawai‘i State Capitol. In light of the City and County of Honolulu’s current COVID-19 restrictions, the State Capitol will not be open to the general public and there will be no speeches or usual opening day festivities. The proceedings will be streamed online at http://youtube.com/hawaiisenate.

County of Kaua'i" Kūhiō Highway in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge remains closed as a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Kaua‘i has been extended. Ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution. For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency. A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. The warning may be extended, dropped or modified as conditions develop. For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo

Another holiday weekend mass gathering in a State Park has promoted further warnings to party organizers and participants. Saturday night, DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers broke up a gathering of an estimated 200 people at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline in east O’ahu. No one was arrested or cited as officers concentrated on getting people out of the park prior to a planned bonfire. Following this incident and numerous other, in State parks during the coronavirus pandemic, DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla had this stern warning. “People are putting themselves and others at risk of getting seriously ill or even dying from COVID-19 by attending any of these so-called ‘super spreader’ events.” Few if any of the participants were wearing masks and no one appeared to be practicing social distancing. Under current COVID rules on O’ahu, it’s illegal to gather in groups of more than five. At all times, large gatherings in any State park is against the law without a permit from the DLNR Division of State Parks. A bar table was set up at Kaiwi. Alcohol is prohibited in all State parks as is having open fires on a beach. In addition to the COVID-19 rules violations, people attending these beach parties risk endangering or destroying protected and sensitive natural or cultural resources. Portions of Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline contain endangered plant and insect species and the coastline is a frequent resting area for critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals and their pupping. They can be disturbed or threatened by large groups of people and close human interaction. Of equal and critical concern is the lack of any restroom facilities at Kaiwi. These large groups add human waste to the degradation of what should be pristine natural resources “It’s frustrating,” Redulla added, “that these events are promoted on social media without any thought to whether they’re legal or to the impacts on Hawai’i’s sensitive landscapes, flora and fauna.” Numerous tips about last night’s gathering came in via the DLNRTip app, which Redulla said is a great way for people to contribute their “eyes and ears” in support of protecting the state’s precious natural and cultural resources. Many of the partiers are young adults and many self-identified as being in the military. Sections and entire State parks on Maui and Kaua’i have been closed during the pandemic after repeated warnings to large semi-organized groups of beach goers to stop breaking the laws and rules. “Unfortunately, these repeated actions of a few that feel they are entitled to ignore the rules are now frequently forcing access restrictions and impacting the quality of all to enjoy our State Parks,” said DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell. In addition to diverting limited law enforcement and park maintenance personnel to perform pertinent and recurring duties, managers are spending an increasing amount of time responding to unacceptable and illegal behavior. “Sadly, this selfish behavior forces temporary closures as we struggle to develop more stringent management strategies, but these recurring large parties and gatherings are easily and rapidly promoted on social media, so unfortunately this is likely to continue. There is a balance between public access, respect of others and sensitive natural and cultural landscapes” Cottrell concluded. Anyone who sees suspected illegal activity in State Parks, small boat harbors, or on trails and forests under DLNR jurisdiction is urged to call 643-DLNR or use the free DLNRTip app.

The man behind the illegal “kanaka” garden at Wailoa River State Park in Hilo was arrested at Iolani Palace in Honolulu this morning. 64-year-old Gene Tamashiro of Hilo is charged with entering a closed State Park and violation of the State’s COVID-19 rules. Prior to his arrest, Tamashiro, and a group of about a dozen supporters gathered in the mall between the State Capitol and the palace. Tamashiro had already informed the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) that he intended to enter the palace grounds if he wasn’t given permission to gather to mark the anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Iolani Palace has been closed on Sunday’s, since nearly the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. DOCARE had a heavy presence on the palace grounds, as officers monitored locked gates for anyone attempting to trespass. At 10:30 DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla spoke to Tamashiro and his group and explained that without a permit from the DLNR Division of State Parks they would not be allowed to enter the grounds. Tamashiro produced a long scroll of documents which he claims show the illegal overthrow of the kingdom and questions the legality of ownership of the palace by the State of Hawai‘i. Tamashiro had a cordial 10-minute long discussion with Redulla. In earlier conversations he’d been informed that he needed a permit to hold an event at the palace. Tamashiro then announced his intention to jump the palace’s ornate fence. Once on the palace grounds, he was immediately handcuffed and led away. He was transported by deputy sheriffs from the Dept. of Public Safety for booking. At this time, he’s being held on $2,500 bond. Ten days ago, Tamashiro was cited in Hilo by DOCARE for three Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) violations associated with the illegal planting of the garden in the middle of Wailoa River State Park. He and his supporters had been given a Cease and Desist order two days in advance.

Section of parking lot off-limits to public use on Jan. 18, Feb. 7, and Feb. 22 To assist with the safe passage of American Samoa residents back to their island home, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is coordinating with the City and County of Honolulu to facilitate safe travel and quarantine arrangements as part of the repatriation process. Approximately 800 American Samoan residents are anticipated to transit through Honolulu, be tested for COVID-19, and quarantine en route to their previously shuttered island home. This process involves a the use of a section of the Waikīkī Shell parking lot on Monsarrat Avenue while the American Samoan residents await check-in at the nearby Waikīkī Sands Hotel for their mandated quarantine. As a result, part of this parking lot will be off-limits for public use from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Jan. 18, Feb. 7, and Feb. 22. Additional restriction may be necessary if the need arises. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our island community as we provide these public facilities to assist are American Samoa ‘ohana in their much anticipated journey back home. If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please call DPR at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov

Mokulele Airlines Expands at Molokai & Lāna‘i Ohana’s Exit Provides Unprecedented Opportunity to Serve Airline adds two more daily departures at Lāna‘i to complement hourly service at Molokai Mokulele Airlines is set to become the sole airline serving Molokai and Lāna‘i beginning Friday when Ohana by Hawaiian suspends operations. The planned departure of Ohana was accelerated when the federal Department of Transportation agreed with Hawaiian Airlines that Mokulele is capable of providing the needed service to the communities. Ohana’s last flight is today. Mokulele, a local airline for over 25 years, mergedbrands with Honolulu-based Makani Kai Air in June of this year as a result of decreased demand brought about by the state restrictions on air travel. The combined entity has stabilized the commuter airline market in Hawai‘i and positioned Mokulele to be able to withstand the hardships caused by the quarantines. “Mokulele Airlines has gone beyond normal business practices to serve Molokai and Kalaupapa during the pandemic,” said Richard Schuman, Executive Vice President of Mokulele. “Prior to COVID, we were offering departures to and from Molokai every half hour, and we are ready to rebuildto that scheduleas the demand increases.” Mokulele started serving the island of Lāna‘i in 2019, with direct flights from Kahului. Honolulu service to Lāna‘i was initiated in 2020 with two daily departures. “We are monitoring the demand on a daily basis and are adding extra daily flights as needed,” said Schuman. “We added a new Honolulu-Lāna‘i frequency earlier this week to meet the growing demand and then another one just this morning.” By Monday, January 18, the number of daily departures from Lāna‘i will have increased to seven per day. “We have plenty of planes and plenty of pilots that are ready to serve. Should the demand dictate, we could offer flights from the Lāna‘i airport every hour!” Mokulele has worked to address concerns from the community following the announcement of the planned exit of Ohana Airlines last October. In the past, there have been some challenges transporting passengers with limited mobility. To solve that issue, Mokulele commissioned the construction of wheelchair lifts to ease the boarding process for these passengers. Lifts are now in place and have been used over the last two months. In addition, Mokulele is completing an alternative boarding procedure and seating configuration designed to accommodate persons-of-size. As a result, Mokulele can now transport passengers weighing up to 400 pounds. Booking of fights for passengers-of-size and limited mobility must be done by calling Mokulele’s Call Center at (808) 495-4188. Mokulele Airlines now serves more airports in Hawai‘i than any other carrier and has the most daily departures of any airline in the state. Mokulele is also the only Hawaiian airline not to have furloughed any employees since the start of the pandemic. Passengers having furtherquestions are encouraged to contact the 24/7 Customer Service Center.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19. This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans. Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, and there is evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants. With the US already in surge status, the testing requirement for air passengers will help slow the spread of the virus as we work to vaccinate the American public. Before departure to the United States, a required test, combined with the CDC recommendations to get tested again 3-5 days after arrival and stay home for 7 days post-travel, will help slow the spread of COVID-19 within US communities from travel-related infections. Pre-departure testing with results known and acted upon before travel begins will help identify infected travelers before they board airplanes. Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger. “Testing does not eliminate all risk,” says CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, “but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations.” This order was signed by the CDC Director on January 12, 2021 and will become effective on January 26, 2021.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate announced today new operational changes ahead of the 2021 legislative session. The changes are related to: Safety Protocols: The Senate is reinforcing pre-existing protocols and implementing several new measures to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining an open and transparent legislative process. Protocols include: • Workplace best practices: all employees must wear a face mask, practice social distancing, limit physical contact, and practice good personal hygiene. • Cleaning and disinfecting conference rooms and the Senate chamber before and after each use. • Providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. • Installing protective sneeze guards, signage, hand sanitizer dispensers, and air purifiers and reconfiguring work areas. • Conducting meetings, hearings, floor sessions, and staff training virtually. • Conducting new employee onboarding online with minimal personal interaction. • When possible, allowing employees to work remotely to reduce the number of individuals physically present at the Capitol. Public Access: Since the State Capitol building will be closed to the public, the Senate will be conducting all committee hearings and floor session virtually. Members of the public will have the opportunity to provide testimony in writing and via videoconference, allowing broader participation by those who previously were not able to get to the State Capitol. Some changes include: • The Senate will be using Zoom as its online meeting platform. • Committee Chairs will have the option to conduct hearings 100% remotely or offer their members a hybrid set-up with some Senators participating from Senate conference rooms and some joining the hearing remotely. • Written testimony and videoconference testimony registration will be accepted through the Legislature’s website. No in-person testimony will be allowed. • Testifiers will be given the option to submit remote virtual testimony once written testimony is submitted. Individuals must register no later than 24 hours prior to the committee hearing in order to be added to the remote virtual testimony list. • All Senate standing committee hearings will be live streamed on YouTube. This is a significant improvement in public access over previous years when only selected hearings were broadcast on cable television and streamed over the internet. In addition to the live streams, the Senate will continue to work with public access television providers on all islands to broadcast Senate committee hearings and floor sessions. All live streams will be available online and on demand at youtube.com/hawaiisenate Legislative Timetable: Both the Senate and House have agreed on a modified timetable that has the legislative session convening on January 20, 2021 and adjourning sine die on April 29, 2021. Modifications to the timetable include: • Shortening conference by one-week. • Reducing the number of recess days from thirteen to nine. “As we continue to navigate through this COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been working hard to ensure the safety of our Senate staff while also ensuring an open and transparent legislative process,” noted Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi. “While the Capitol building will remain closed for the foreseeable future, all of our proceedings will be made available online and on-demand, making it easier for the public to engage with us on the issues. These new practices and protocols have been adopted in accordance with CDC guidelines, the City and County of Honolulu’s tiered reopening system and are subject to change. More information will be made available on the Capitol website: www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Department of Finance - County of Kaua'i: The County of Kaua‘i Department of Finance will hold a Public Hearing on Feb. 8, on the proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations relating to Home and Related Exemptions. The Public Hearing will take place at 5 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 8, via the Microsoft Teams audio and video teleconferencing platform. The Department of Finance proposes to amend its existing Rules and Regulations to reflect newly adopted law which requires those applying for a home exemption to adhere to the following: 1. Occupy the applicable property as their primary residence for more than 270 days of the tax year; 2. Submit an N-11 Hawai‘i State Residential tax return as a resident of the State of Hawai‘i with a reported address in the county the year prior the effective date of the exemption; and 3. Provide a copy of their Hawai‘i state driver’s license, Hawai‘i state identification, or resident aliens possessing a valid resident alien card (green card). These are new requirements to obtain the homeowner’s exemption for property tax purposes. The proposed rules and a full copy of the Public Hearing notice are available at the Department of Finance Real Property Assessment Division in the Līhu‘e Civic Center, Moikeha Building, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A 454, Līhu‘e, during normal business hours. It is also available on the Department of Finance’s website, www.kauai.gov/realproperty. Copies of the proposed amendments may also be mailed to any interested person who calls the Department of Finance at 241-4224. All interested persons who wish to present their testimony on Feb. 8 may do so via the Microsoft Teams audio conferencing platform by calling 1-469-848-0234, Conference ID 692 876 534#. If you wish to participate via video teleconference, you may do so via the Microsoft Teams video teleconferencing platform and it shall be the responsibility of the testifier to ensure the Microsoft Teams software is downloaded prior to the hearing. Anyone interested in providing oral testimony by video teleconference must register with the Real Property Assessment Division at least two hours prior to the hearing by sending an email to rpassessment@kauai.gov or by calling (808) 241-4224, and provide your name, phone number, and email address. A link to the video teleconference will be emailed to you following your registration. Advance registration is not required if you wish to participate by audio conference only. Testimony may be submitted any time up to and including the date of the public hearing, or at the public hearing itself. Written testimony may be submitted to the Real Property Assessment division by email to rpassessment@kauai.gov, by facsimile to (808) 241-6252; or by mail to the Real Property Assessment Division, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A-454, Līhu‘e, HI 96766. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Finance at (808) 241-4224 or rpassessment@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Beginning this Saturday, January 9, only vehicular entry into Hanauma Bay will be allowed from Kalaniana‘ole Highway. Walk-in entry is not permitted. In response to safety concerns resulting from the reopening pilot program for the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, new pilot entry procedures are being implemented while an online reservation system is in development. Beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9, only vehicular entry into Hanauma Bay will be allowed from Kalaniana‘ole Highway. Walk-in entry is not permitted. Upon reaching the preserve entrance off of Kalaniana‘ole Highway, visitors will be directed into the bay parking area and provided tickets to determine which order they entered the nature preserve, with a pre-determined educational video show times. Visitors have the option of remaining in the parking lot and upper area of the preserve while they await their show time, or they may choose to leave the nature preserve after receiving their entry ticket. If they leave temporarily, they must return with their ticket 15 minutes before their designated show time to ensure their entry into the theatre and beach. “Even with the daily limit of 720 people, it is apparent that Hanauma Bay continues to be one of the most popular destinations for locals and malihini,” said Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Director-Designate Laura H. Thielen. “We have heard the concerns from the neighboring community and visitors to the nature preserve regarding some of the problems with visitors parking in the residential areas, walking along the busy Kalaniana‘ole Highway, and gathering near the Hanauma Bay entrance. We hope these adjustments to the pilot reopening help to alleviate these concerns as we pursue an online reservation system and improve our management of this magnificent natural resource. Certainly, we can make further adjustments to these procedures if additional issues arise.” The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is currently working with the Honolulu Department of Information Technology on developing an online reservation system. We greatly appreciate the patience of the public while this unique system is developed. Its implementation is expected in this first quarter of 2021. All face mask, physical distancing, and gathering restrictions remain in effect. The daily capacity for the nature preserve remains at 720 people, and no commercial activity is currently allowed within the nature preserve. The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was reopened on Wednesday, Dec. 2 after being closed for nearly nine months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open to the public from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with last entry into the preserve at 2 p.m. It’s also now posted on the City’s website: http://www.honolulu.gov/component/jevents/icalrepeat.detail/2021/01/09/12016/1190|1210/new-entry-procedures-at-hanauma-bay.html?Itemid=2404