Free app augments contact tracing, keeps data private, sends notice of potential exposure The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with aio Digital and the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC) have launched AlohaSafe Alert, the free State of Hawai‘i officially-approved exposure notification app to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “Masks, distance and vaccines are all valuable tools against COVID-19. The AlohaSafe Alert app is another important tool in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Libby Char, director of the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. “This innovative app was developed for the community, by the community, and it has the potential to greatly increase the speed of the exposure notification process, allowing anyone who receives an alert to quickly self-quarantine and get tested if needed.” “AlohaSafe Alert will help to empower our residents to protect themselves, their families, and their community,” said Governor David Ige. “We appreciate the partnership formed between DOH and the private sector to develop this useful tool and help Hawaii remain one of the states with the lowest infection rates in the country. I strongly urge everyone to download this free app so they can receive notifications as quickly as possible in the event of an exposure.” AlohaSafe Alert was first piloted on Lāna‘i and in Hāna on November 17, and expanded to Maui County on December 16. The app has been downloaded more than 14,000 times. “When Lāna‘i experienced a surge in COVID cases, AlohaSafe Alert was critical in helping us to control the spread,” said Mayor Michael Victorino of Maui County. “Maui County strongly believes these types of technological advances can help us get the upper hand in the fight against COVID-19. We were pleased to pilot the app in our county, and hope other communities throughout the state utilize this tool to protect all of our residents.” Hawai’i joins 17 other states and 19 countries in authorizing the Google/Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) system that uses Bluetooth technology to measure the closeness and duration of signals between enrolled smartphones. AlohaSafe Alert will anonymously and privately send notifications within 48 hours if an app user comes into close contact – within six feet for at least 15 minutes – with an individual who tested positive for the virus in the past 14 days. “We have confidence that this tool will help to make our communities safer,” said Brandon Kurisu, president of aio Digital and founder of AlohaSafe Alert. “The GAEN technology is anonymous and completely private, and most important, is connected to a national server that can help to protect Hawai‘i residents as we welcome visitors to the islands and open up our economy.” Preliminary results and learnings from other states and countries show that, coupled with other measures, if only 15 percent of the population were to use AlohaSafe Alert, COVID-19 infections could be reduced by eight percent and deaths by six percent. “The effectiveness of AlohaSafe Alert is dependent on our residents downloading the app and we urge our community to seize this opportunity to further protect each other,” said Representative Linda Ichiyama, chair of the House Committee on Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness. “The legislature sees this app as a critical tool our state can deploy to proactively help us control the spread of COVID-19." “It’s our privilege to partner with the state, DOH, legislators, businesses, and community groups to encourage our residents to use AlohaSafe Alert,” said Lynelle Marble, executive director of Hawai‘i Executive. “Based on studies from the University of Oxford, for every two app users, one infection can be avoided. It will be up to each of us to add AlohaSafe Alert to our existing safety measures so we can further care for our families, neighbors, and community.” Other key features of AlohaSafe Alert include: • Participants may opt in/out at any time; • The app allows smartphones to interact and exchange anonymous codes that are frequently changed, but it does not keep track of any geo-location or GPS data; • Only DOH authorities will have access to data, and all data will be kept anonymous; • Should you test positive for COVID-19, your identity is kept private from anyone who receives an alert, and their identities are kept private from you; • AlohaSafe Alert is interoperable with other similar official notification apps in other states and those apps can also be used by visitors to Hawai’i. The app was developed by local firm aio Digital, was funded by DOH and The Omidyar Group, and supported by a public-private partnership with the Hawaii Executive Collaborative, Every1ne Hawaii and the State of Hawaiʻi. To download the free app, go to the Google Play or Apple App Store on your phone. For more information visit https://www.alohasafealert.org/

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is assisting eligible families to better-afford preschool for the 2021-2022 school year. The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program application period began January 4 and is open through March 31, 2021. Funds are limited, so DHS encourages families to apply early. To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2022-2023 school year (born between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017). If awarded a subsidy, families may use any one of the 409 state-licensed preschools. DHS also gives priority to underserved or at-risk children. Preschool Open Doors provides subsidies to eligible families to help pay preschool tuition. POD aims to assist low-income and moderate-income families with a subsidy that provides their children the opportunity to attend preschool. Preschool and other early learning opportunities help children gain essential skills, be prepared for school and chart a course for lifelong success. Interested families may access the application from the department’s POD contractor, PATCH, by visiting patchhawaii.org or calling (808) 791-2130 / (toll-free) 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a preschool convenient for them. Applications must be received by end of business day on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 for consideration during the July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 program period. Application and Information in PDF form below: Preschool Open Doors Enrollment for 2021-2022 School Year Applications may be dropped off, mailed, faxed, or emailed to the following: PATCH – POD 560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite 218 Honolulu, HI 96817 Fax: (808) 694-3066 Email: PODAdmin@patch-hi.org Eligibility and priorities for POD program selection are detailed online in HAR §17-799, which is available online at humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs. For more information about other DHS programs and services, visit http://humanservices.hawaii.gov

The news that protestors have stormed the U.S. Capitol is extremely distressing. It is an assault on democracy and everything this country stands for. The vote certification process and peaceful transition of power must be completed as required by the United States Constitution, following a free and fair election. In Hawai‘i, State Sheriffs -Department of Public Safety, are working with the Honolulu Police Department to protect the Hawai‘i State Capitol if necessary.

Following many discussions with health and natural resource leaders of the State to find a way forward for future surf contests in Hawai‘i, we have determined that the State will be suspending surf competitions at this time. The public health and safety of our communities, contestants, spectators and guests is first and foremost in this decision. Unlike other professional and amateur events held on private property, the enforcement of crowds and large gatherings on public property will be challenging. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism consulted with the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the Governor’s office in making this decision. We respectfully ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation in these very challenging times as we all find the way forward together during this global pandemic. * DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

The president-elect and vice president-elect met today with members of their COVID team, including COVID-19 Coordinator Jeff Zients, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, CDC Director-designate Dr. Rochelle Walensky, COVID-19 Deputy Coordinator Natalie Quillian, COVID-19 Vaccinations Coordinator Bechara Choucair, and the co-chairs of his COVID-19 transition task force — former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, incoming Health Equity Task Force Chair Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, and U.S. Surgeon General-nominee Dr. Vivek Murthy. The president-elect and vice president-elect were updated on the escalating number of COVID cases and the emergence of the new strain of the virus in the US. The team briefed the president-elect and vice president-elect on plans to enhance and accelerate vaccinations after they are sworn in. A number of options were discussed, and the president-elect directed the team to explore all possible avenues — particularly increasing federal leadership — to accelerate getting the U.S. population vaccinated. Source: https://buildbackbetter.gov/press-releases/readout-of-president-elect-bidens-briefing-on-covid-19-response-and-vaccination-strategy/

The Internal Revenue Service today urged people to visit IRS.gov for the most current information on the second round of Economic Impact Payments rather than calling the agency or their financial institutions or tax software providers. IRS phone assisters do not have additional information beyond what’s available on IRS.gov. The IRS and the Treasury Department began issuing a second round of Economic Impact Payments, often referred to as stimulus payments, last week. The direct deposit payments may take several days to post to individual accounts. Some Americans may have seen the direct deposit payments as pending or as provisional payments in their accounts before the scheduled payment date of Jan. 4, 2021, which is the official date funds are available. Paper checks also began going out and will continue to be sent through January. Some people will be mailed debit cards in January, and the IRS urges people to carefully check their mail. Mailed payments will require more processing and mailing time. Those who reside abroad will have longer wait times for checks as disruptions to air travel and mail delivery in some countries will slow delivery. The IRS emphasizes that there is no action required by eligible individuals to receive this second payment. The payments are automatic, and people should not contact their financial institutions or the IRS with payment timing questions. Eligibility Generally, U.S. citizens and resident aliens who are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s income tax return are eligible for this second payment. Eligible individuals will automatically receive an Economic Impact Payment of up to $600 for individuals or $1,200 for married couples and up to $600 for each qualifying child. Most people who have an adjusted gross income for 2019 of up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses, will receive the full amount of the second payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced. Checking the status of a payment Starting today, people can check the status of both their first and second payments by using the Get My Payment tool, available in English and Spanish only on IRS.gov. Payment not received or less than expected? Claim on 2020 tax return Payments started going out last week and will continue through mid-January. Direct deposit payments are being made first to those that have valid routing and account information on file for direct deposit purposes. Because of the speed at which IRS issued this second round of payments, some payments may have been sent to an account that may be closed or no longer active. By law, the financial institution must return the payment to the IRS, they cannot hold and issue the payment to an individual when the account is no longer active. While the IRS is exploring options to correct these payments, if you have not received your full payment by the time you file your 2020 tax return, you may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. The credit is figured like the Economic Impact Payment, except that the credit eligibility and the credit amount are based on the 2020 tax year information, including income. For people who received a partial Economic Impact Payment, they can take the Recovery Rebate Credit for any remaining amount they’re eligible for by completing line 30 of the 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Changing bank account or mailing information The IRS cannot change payment information, including bank account or mailing information. If an eligible taxpayer does not get a payment or it is less than expected, it may be claimed on the 2020 tax return as the Recovery Rebate Credit. Remember, Economic Impact Payments are an advance payment of what will be called the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2020 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. More information For more information about Economic Impact Payments and the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, visit IRS.gov/eip. Starting next week, people can check the status of their payment at IRS.gov/GetMyPayment. For other COVID-19-related tax relief, visit IRS.gov/Coronavirus.

WAIKῙKῙ-DIAMOND HEAD SHORELINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA WILL CLOSE TO FISHING FOR ONE YEAR STARTING JAN. 1, 2021 The Waikīkī-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area (SFMA), O‘ahu, will be closed to fishing for one year, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. The SFMA encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards. The area is closed to fishing during odd-numbered years. Fishing is not allowed at any time in the adjacent Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), which extends from the ‘Ewa wall of the Natatorium to the Kapahulu groin (jetty). The periodic closure of Waikiki-Diamond Head SFMA to fishing is intended to give fish a break from fishing pressure. The Waikīkī-Diamond Head is the only area in the state where this management approach is used. Copies of statewide fishing regulations are available at local fishing supply stores and on the DAR web site. To report violations of any fishing regulation, please call the DLNR enforcement hotline at (808) 643-DLNR (643-3567). Division of Aquatics Resources (DAR) website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants are circulating globally. Several new variants emerged in the fall of 2020, most notably: In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 (VOC 202012/01 or B.1.1.7) emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States (US) and Canada. In South Africa, another variant of SARS-CoV-2 (501Y.V2 or B.1.351) emerged independently of VOC 202012/01. This variant shares some mutations with VOC 202012/01. Cases attributed to this variant have been detected outside of South Africa. In Nigeria, another distinct variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 also emerged. Scientists are working to learn more about these variants to better understand how easily they might be transmitted and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against them. Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. New information about the virologic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics of these variants is rapidly emerging. CDC, in collaboration with other public health agencies, is monitoring the situation closely. CDC is working to detect and characterize emerging viral variants. Furthermore, CDC has staff available to provide on-the-ground technical support to investigate the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 variant infections. CDC will communicate new information as it becomes available. Emerging Variants United Kingdom Variant of Concern (VOC) 202012/01 (a.k.a. B.1.1.7) This variant has a mutation in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein at position 501, where amino acid asparagine (N) has been replaced with tyrosine (Y). The shorthand for this mutation is N501Y. This variant also has several other mutations, including: - 69/70 deletion: occurred spontaneously many times and likely leads to a conformational change in the spike protein - P681H: near the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, a site with high variability in coronaviruses. This mutation has also emerged spontaneously multiple times. - ORF8 stop codon (Q27stop): mutation in ORF8, the function of which is unknown. This variant is estimated to have first emerged in the UK during September 2020. Since December 20, 2020, several countries have reported cases of the UK VOC 202012/01, including the United States and Canada. Preliminary epidemiologic indicators suggest that this variant is associated with increased transmissibility (i.e., more efficient and rapid transmission). Currently there is no evidence to suggest that the variant has any impact on the severity of disease or vaccine efficacy. South Africa 501Y.V2 (a.k.a. B.1.351) This variant has multiple mutations in the spike protein, including N501Y. Unlike the UK variant, VOC 202012/01, this variant does not contain the deletion at 69/70. This variant was first identified in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, in samples dating back to the beginning of October 2020, and travel-related cases have since been detected outside of South Africa. Currently there is no evidence to suggest that this variant has any impact on disease severity or vaccine efficacy. Nigeria B.1.207 Analysis of sequences from the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Nigeria, identified two SARS-CoV-2 sequences that share one non-synonymous mutation in the spike protein (P681H) in common with VOC 202012/01 (B.1.1.7). This variant does not share any of the other 22 unique mutations of VOC 202012/01 (B.1.1.7). - The P681H residue is near the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, a site with high variability in coronaviruses. This mutation also has emerged spontaneously multiple times and is present in VOC 202012/01 (B.1.1.7). At this time, it is unknown when this variant may have first emerged. Currently there is no evidence to indicate this variant has any impact on disease severity or is contributing to increased transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria. Why Strain Surveillance is Important for Public Health CDC has been conducting SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance to build a collection of SARS-CoV-2 specimens and sequences to support public health response. Routine analysis of the available genetic sequence data will enable CDC and its public health partners to identify variant viruses for further characterization. Viruses generally acquire mutations over time, giving rise to new variants. Some of the potential consequences of emerging variants are the following: Ability to spread more quickly in people. There is already evidence that one mutation, D614G, confers increased ability to spread more quickly than the wild-type[1] SARS-CoV-2. In the lab, 614G variants propagate more quickly in human respiratory epithelial cells, outcompeting 614D viruses. There also is epidemiologic evidence that the 614G variant spreads more quickly than viruses without the mutation. Ability to cause either milder or more severe disease in people. There is no evidence that these recently identified SARS-CoV-2 variants cause more severe disease than earlier ones. Ability to evade detection by specific diagnostic tests. Most commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have multiple targets to detect the virus, such that even if a mutation impacts one of the targets, the other PCR targets will still work. Decreased susceptibility to therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies. Ability to evade natural or vaccine-induced immunity. Both vaccination against and natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 produce a “polyclonal” response that targets several parts of the spike protein. The virus would likely need to accumulate multiple mutations in the spike protein to evade immunity induced by vaccines or by natural infection. Among these possibilities, the last—the ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity—would likely be the most concerning because once a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, there will be immune pressure that could favor and accelerate emergence of such variants by selecting for “escape mutants.” There is no evidence that this is occurring, and most experts believe escape mutants are unlikely to emerge because of the nature of the virus. [1] “Wild-type” refers to the strain of virus – or background strain – that contains no major mutations. Strain Surveillance in the US In the United States, sequence-based strain surveillance has been ramping up with the following components: National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance (“NS3”): Since November 2020, state health departments and other public health agencies have been regularly sending CDC SARS-CoV-2 samples for sequencing and further characterization. This system is now being scaled to process 750 samples nationally per week. One strength of this system is that it allows for characterization of viruses beyond what sequencing alone can provide. Surveillance in partnership with national reference laboratories: CDC is contracting with large national reference labs to provide sequence data from across the United States. As of December 29, CDC has commitments from these laboratories to sequence 1,750 samples per week and anticipates being able to increase this number. Contracts with universities: CDC has contracts with seven universities to conduct genomic surveillance in collaboration with public health agencies. Sequencing within state and local health departments: Since 2014, CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection Program has been integrating next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics into the U.S. public health system. Several state and local health departments have been applying these resources as part of their response to COVID-19. To further support these efforts, CDC released $15 million in funding, with COVID supplemental funds, through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program on December 18, 2020. The SPHERES consortium: Since early in the pandemic, CDC has led a national consortium of laboratories sequencing SARS-CoV-2 (SPHERES) to coordinate U.S sequencing efforts outside of CDC. The SPHERES consortium consists of more than 160 institutions, including academic centers, industry, non-governmental organizations, and public health agencies. Through these efforts, anonymous genomic data are made available through public databases for use by public health professionals, researchers, and industry. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/scientific-brief-emerging-variants.html

WHO issues its first emergency use validation for a COVID-19 vaccine and emphasizes need for equitable global access The World Health Organization (WHO) today listed the Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for emergency use, making the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine the first to receive emergency validation from WHO since the outbreak began a year ago. The WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) opens the door for countries to expedite their own regulatory approval processes to import and administer the vaccine. It also enables UNICEF and the Pan-American Health Organization to procure the vaccine for distribution to countries in need. “This is a very positive step towards ensuring global access to COVID-19 vaccines. But I want to emphasize the need for an even greater global effort to achieve enough vaccine supply to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere,” said Dr Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “WHO and our partners are working night and day to evaluate other vaccines that have reached safety and efficacy standards. We encourage even more developers to come forward for review and assessment. It’s vitally important that we secure the critical supply needed to serve all countries around the world and stem the pandemic.” Regulatory experts convened by WHO from around the world and WHO’s own teams reviewed the data on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine’s safety, efficacy and quality as part of a risk-versus-benefit analysis. The review found that the vaccine met the must-have criteria for safety and efficacy set out by WHO, and that the benefits of using the vaccine to address COVID-19 offset potential risks. The vaccine is also under policy review. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) will convene on 5 January, 2021, to formulate vaccine specific policies and recommendations for this product’s use in populations, drawing from the SAGE population prioritization recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines in general, issued in September 2020. The Comirnaty vaccine requires storage using an ultra-cold chain; it needs to be stored at -60°C to -90°C degrees. This requirement makes the vaccine more challenging to deploy in settings where ultra-cold chain equipment may not be available or reliably accessible. For that reason, WHO is working to support countries in assessing their delivery plans and preparing for use where possible. How the emergency use listing works The emergency use listing (EUL) procedure assesses the suitability of novel health products during public health emergencies. The objective is to make medicines, vaccines and diagnostics available as rapidly as possible to address the emergency while adhering to stringent criteria of safety, efficacy and quality. The assessment weighs the threat posed by the emergency as well as the benefit that would accrue from the use of the product against any potential risks. The EUL pathway involves a rigorous assessment of late phase II and phase III clinical trial data as well as substantial additional data on safety, efficacy, quality and a risk management plan. These data are reviewed by independent experts and WHO teams who consider the current body of evidence on the vaccine under consideration, the plans for monitoring its use, and plans for further studies. Experts from individual national authorities are invited to participate in the EUL review. Once a vaccine has been listed for WHO emergency use, WHO engages its regional regulatory networks and partners to inform national health authorities on the vaccine and its anticipated benefits based on data from clinical studies to date. In addition to the global, regional, and country regulatory procedures for emergency use, each country undertakes a policy process to decide whether and in whom to use the vaccine, with prioritization specified for the earliest use. Countries also undertake a vaccine readiness assessment which informs the vaccine deployment and introduction plan for the implementation of the vaccine under the EUL. As part of the EUL process, the company producing the vaccine must commit to continue to generate data to enable full licensure and WHO prequalification of the vaccine. The WHO prequalification process will assess additional clinical data generated from vaccine trials and deployment on a rolling basis to ensure the vaccine meets the necessary standards of quality, safety and efficacy for broader availability. More information: · Listing for COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (nucleoside modified) - COMIRNATY® · Prequalification of AD syringes for vaccine · More on EUL Source: https://www.who.int/news/item/31-12-2020-who-issues-its-first-emergency-use-validation-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-and-emphasizes-need-for-equitable-global-access

Fast moving variants heighten concern about social gatherings The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) continues to proactively test COVID-19 specimens looking for new strains that may be significantly more contagious or differ in other ways from earlier strains. Recent variants first discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa are spreading more easily and quickly than other variants and have already spread to other countries. The B1.1.7 variant, first detected in the U.K., has already reached the U.S. mainland and Canada. The Hawai‘i State Laboratories Division (SLD) began its molecular surveillance in June and to date has performed genome sequencing on nearly 700 samples of viral RNA. Neither B1.1.7 nor B.1.351, the variant discovered in South Africa, has been found in Hawai‘i, but that does not mean they are not here or will not arrive in the future. “There is no evidence these variants cause more severe illness or increase the risk of death, but research shows they spread much faster than the COVID-19 already found in Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Libby Char, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “These new strains remind us how important it is to avoid large gatherings, wear masks, and practice physical distancing as we usher in the New Year.” The DOH is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to detect new variants of COVID-19 and contain their spread. The CDC has personnel in Hawai‘i to support investigation of viral variants should they be found. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” said Dr. Edward Desmond, Director of the State Laboratories Division. “So far there is nothing to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective against the new variants, but we still have a lot to learn about them.”

The Hālawa Correctional Facility (HCF) has received more inmate and staff test results. Of 103 inmate test results, 63 were positive and 40 were negative. The 55 staff test results included 6 additional positive cases and 49 negative cases. That brings the total active positive cases to 68 inmates and 21 staff. The positive inmates are in medical isolation. All positive staff are following CDC and DOH self-quarantine guidelines. Yesterday, as a precautionary measure the HCF warden implemented facility-wide isolation and quarantine protocols. These include suspending all inmate movement within the facility, as well as transfers to and from the facility, for at least 14 days. “HCF immediately enacted its pandemic protocol to isolate these inmates and begin mitigation efforts. Our security and medical staff are working around the clock to safeguard staff and inmates and keep the virus from spreading. I am so proud of everyone at the facility for their dedication to pulling through this situation as a team,” said Max Otani, PSD director. There are 936 inmates at HCF. The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting contact tracing. HCF staff were notified and encouraged to contact their health care providers if they have questions about possible exposure. Staff are already in full personal protective equipment (PPE) and are regularly reminded to practice all CDC/DOH health safety measures, including wearing a face covering, frequent hand washing, social distancing, sanitizing common spaces frequently and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission. For more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit our webpage at: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/

Artists are welcome to submit entries to the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) in the annual art contest depicting game mammals and game birds for the 2021-22 hunting stamp. The wildlife conservation stamp is a requirement on Hawai’i state hunting licenses. The game bird stamp is required for anyone intending to hunt game birds. Both stamps will be available to stamp collectors. Subject for this year’s stamp’s SUBJECT: Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) (Occurs on islands of Hawai’i and O’ahu) Mouflon-Feral Hybrid Sheep (Ovis musimon x Ovis aries) (occurs on Lana’i, Hawai’i, and the game ranches of Maui) SETTING: Hawai‘i habitat SIZE: Completed painting with a maximum of 24” by 36” and unframed (to be reduced to 1” X 1.5” stamp) MEDIUM: Oil or acrylic ENTRY: Completed oil or acrylic painting or an 8.5” X 11” photo/print/photocopy of a completed painting DEADLINE: All entries must be received by February 5, 2021. Notification of the winner will be made on February 20, 2021 SHIPPING FEE: All paintings sent must be accompanied by a $35.00 fee, to cover the cost of returning the artwork. If a check is not included, you will need to come to the DOFAW office to pick up your artwork. Checks are to be made payable to the DLNR. Otherwise, a photo, print, or photocopy of an original painting may be sent with no fee (see application form) PAYMENTS: The winner will receive a maximum award of $1,000