Senator J. Kalani English thanks Hawaiian Airlines for extending service to Lānaʻi and Moloka'i through January 2020 Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) released the following statement thanking Hawaiian Airlines for extending air service to Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi through January 2020: “I want to thank Hawaiian Airlines for their willingness to continue to provide ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights between Honolulu and both Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i through at least mid-January 2021. Despite an earlier announcement that the company would temporarily suspend routes, the communities of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are covered under the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program and flights must be maintained to provide critical air service for residents. Hawaiian Airlines has reaffirmed their commitment to our rural communities and they will comply with the EAS requirements to continue to serve Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. I look forward to working with them as they continue exploring long-term solutions to preserve critical connectivity for both islands.”

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that the County of Maui received approval from the Governor to issue a mandatory Stay At Home order for Lanai residents and visitors beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Under the order, Lanai residents and visitors may leave home or their place of lodging for only essential work and essential activities. Only one member of a household should leave at a time, unless other family members such as children and disabled persons cannot be left alone. All travel will be restricted to only essential work or medical purposes. All other travelers would be required to quarantine for 14 days. The order will remain in place until Nov. 11. Essential workers traveling to Lanai may request limited quarantine by visiting www.MauiCounty.gov “It’s abundantly clear that large gatherings without physical distancing or wearing of masks can quickly lead to an outbreak that threatens the entire community,” Mayor Victorino said. “We continue to work with the State Department of Health, local healthcare providers and the Lanai Incident Command Post on providing emergency support and resources. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure we protect our friends, family and loved ones.”

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) released the following statement regarding the stay-at-home order that was recently issued for the island Lānaʻi: “With a high number of COVID-19 cases reported on Lānaʻi, I believe that the stay-at-home order is critical to ensure the health and safety of the island’s residents. I’m encouraging everyone to abide by the county’s order to stay home, shelter in place and avoid trips outside, unless it is absolutely necessary. Mayor Victorino and I remain in close contact and I will continue to work with him to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the Lānaʻi residents.” To view the stay-at-home order, visit https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2010184-COM_Public-Health-Emergency-Rules-Amended-October-23-2020-distribution-signed.pdf ###

Out-of-state healthcare staff helping Hawaiʻi respond to pandemic; Gov. Ige praises Hawaiʻi-based employees of The Ching Villas and Ohana Pacific Management Company for “extraordinary commitment” in caring for local kūpuna Link to photos here (please note photo credit on individual photos) As part of a $17 million CARES Act allocation, Gov. David Ige today visited an onboarding session for about 50 out-of-state healthcare workers. The visit, conducted in a strictly controlled, socially distanced environment, was held at St. Francis Healthcare System in Liliha where the visiting nurses are learning the operations of Hawaiʻi’s long term care facilities. In total, more than 170 medical employees are in Hawaiʻi now through December 26, 2020. They were contracted by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) with Ohio-based ProLink Services to bolster staffing at Hawaiʻi’s hospitals and long-term care facilities because of the pandemic. The effort to staff post-acute care facilities is being coordinated by the DOH and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH). The job roles were strategically selected to provide maximum value to the state. Individual staff may not remain at the same facility for the duration of their employment. Employees can be quickly mobilized into a “strike team” to assist specific nursing homes or hospitals, should a COVID-19 cluster emerge. “I thank the Dept. of Health and our many partners for making today a reality,” said Gov. David Ige, who visited both the traveling personnel and local healthcare employees who have been working on the frontlines since the early stages of the pandemic. “Our local healthcare employees have been working diligently, around the clock, making many personal sacrifices to ensure that the facilities they work in and our communities are safe and the spread COVID-19 is prevented. These traveling medical professionals will support and bolster Hawaiʻi’s healthcare workforce, should we experience a surge in cases.” Dept. of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said, “All arriving personnel have met rigorous health and safety standards in the fight against COVID-19. They are licensed, fully trained and ready to work in Hawaiʻi’s long-term care facilities.” ProLink’s supplemental personnel working in Hawaiʻi’s acute care hospitals have already undergone orientation and are on the job across the state. Prior to greeting the incoming healthcare workforce, Gov. Ige thanked the employees of The Ching Villas, part of Ohana Pacific Management – a 119-bed post-acute care facility - and praised their commitment to Hawaiʻi’s kūpuna. “During this pandemic, Hawaiʻi relies on you and the many others who provide care for our vulnerable seniors,” he said. “We greatly appreciate your support in protecting public health as Hawaiʻi revives our economy and begins our recovery.” Richard Kishaba, founder of Ohana Pacific commented, “We are thankful that through our relationship with St. Francis, we were able to work with the state of Hawaiʻi and HAH to expand the capacity of our healthcare workforce. By working together, we can continue delivering great care to our community and kūpuna. This has been a trying time for all of us in the healthcare community, and it’s comforting to know that we now have extra support.” HAH President and CEO Hilton Raethel said, “On behalf of Hawaiʻi’s healthcare delivery system, we appreciate the foresight of Gov. Ige and the Dept. of Health. This staffing assistance should assure Hawaiʻi that we are prepared for anything that may occur, from a third wave of COVID-19 to a severe flu season. The healthcare workforce has been stretched thin since the onset of the pandemic, and these reinforcements are coming at the right time and with ideal skill sets.” ProLink CEO and Cofounder Tony Munafo said, “ProLink is proud to have partnered with Hawaiʻi’s healthcare leaders in implementing clinical workforce solutions throughout these critical weeks and months to ensure patient care delivery across the islands.” ProLink Director of Clinical Solutions Mary Hamilton added: “Leading up to – and throughout – these assignments, the ProLink team is in constant communication with our clinicians, coordinating everything from regulatory compliance, to onboarding itineraries and monitoring with regular status checks. These clinicians are tested for COVID prior to beginning patient care and are following the DOH and CDC guidelines throughout their assignments. This collaborative effort has, and will continue to provide continuity of high-quality patient care for Hawaiʻi’s community.”

The Kaua‘i District Health Office today reports a new case of COVID-19. The individual is an adult female resident who remains in isolation. All identified close contacts are in quarantine. The individual is an employee of the Department of Education. The Department of Health worked closely with school leadership over the weekend and identified no close contacts at the school. Thus far, this case has no apparent link to travel but the investigation continues. This brings Kaua‘i’s current active cases to two, with eight individuals in quarantine as close contacts. Kaua‘i’s cumulative total of cases to date is now 62, and one probable case. Kaua‘i’s most recent case will be reflected in Monday’s statewide count. For more information, visit the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website at www.kauai.gov/COVID-19. For information on the state’s Safe Travels Program, please visit www.hawaiicovid19.com

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) has been tentatively identified on coffee plant samples collected on Maui. The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) this afternoon received preliminary results from University of Hawai`i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) identifying the fungus on plants collected from managed and wild coffee in the Haiku area. Samples have also been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Identification Services on the Mainland for official confirmation of this federally regulated pathogen. CLR is one of the most devastating pests of coffee plants and is established in all of the other major coffee growing areas of the world, but had not previously been found in Hawai`i. On October 21, 2020, leaves from managed coffee in the Haiku area of Maui displaying CLR symptoms were turned in to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) on Maui. Subsequent surveys in the area found plants with symptoms at three additional locations, two of which were in wild coffee. HDOA has sent a memo to members of the coffee industry throughout the state to alert them to the situation. Currently, HDOA is continuing its efforts to survey on Maui and is extending those efforts statewide as well. “It is unknown at this time how the rust got to coffee plants on Maui or how long it has been there,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “We appreciate the assistance of the multiple agencies that are helping us to determine the extent of this infestation and how coffee leaf rust may have been introduced into the state.” CLR can cause severe defoliation of coffee plants. Infected leaves drop prematurely, greatly reducing the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. Vegetative and berry growth are reduced depending on the intensity of rust in the current year. Long-term effects of rust may include dieback, which can have a significant impact on the following year’s yield, with some researchers estimating losses between 30 percent and 80 percent. The first observable symptoms are yellow-orange rust spots, appearing on the upper surface of leaves. On the underside of the leaves, infectious spores appear resembling a patch of yellow- to dark orange-colored powder. These young lesions steadily increase in size with the center of the lesion turning necrotic and brown, with the infection eventually progressing up the tree. CLR may also infect young stems and  berries. While there are fungicides that may be used to help control the fungus, one of the key factors to any pest management program is good sanitation practices. Regular pruning and training of the coffee tree helps to prevent over-cropping and maintain a healthy field. These practices help to improve air circulation and also to open up the canopy to allow proper fungicide spray coverage. Good weed control is an important factor as it keeps competition for vital nutrients low, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the rust. Coffee leaf rust, Hemileia vastatrix, was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1869 and is now found in the major coffee-growing regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Hawai`i has strict importation rules requiring all imported green coffee beans for roasting and associated packing materials be fumigated prior to entering the state to ensure beans are free of pathogens and insect pests. These rules also subject coffee plants and propagative plant parts to strict quarantine requirements if imported to Hawai`i, including a quarantine on all imported coffee plants for a minimum of one year in a state-run quarantine facility. To report possible coffee leaf rust infestations on any island, call HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9525. For more information on coffee leaf rust go to the UH-CTAHR webpages at: https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/coffee-leaf-rust—nko.html http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/h_vasta.htm source: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/clfonmaui/

Waipahu High School obtains national recognition from the National Career Academy Coalition for three more of their academies. The first in the state to obtain this prestigious honor. Waipahu High School received the highest level of national recognition for three of its career academies for a total of five recognized academies. This means Waipahu High is now a wall-to-wall national model academy high school. “Receiving wall-to-wall national model certification for our academies validates the hard work and collective efforts of our industry, post-secondary partners, and everyone at Waipahu High School,” Principal Keith Hayashi said. “We are committed to preparing our students for Hawai‘i’s high skill, high wage, in demand, and future-focused workforce through learning experiences, college dual-credit offerings, industry internships and certifications.” Presented by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC), this award recognizes college and career academies that show exemplary performance in the National Standard of Practice (NSOP). NCAC determines an academy’s performance as: model with distinction, model, certified or in progress. To reach the model with distinction level, the highest level of recognition, an academy must meet or exceed proficiency in all 10 areas noted in the NSOP. “Our academies foster scholarly success and are designed to prepare Hawai‘i public school students for college and careers,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. “Congratulations to Principal Hayashi and Waipahu’s students, families and staff on their hard work and incredible achievement. We are grateful for our post-secondary and industry partners’ support.” Waipahu High School academy recognitions include: Academy of Arts & Communication - 2020 National Model Academy Academy of Industrial & Engineering Technology - 2020 National Model Academy with Distinction Academy of Professional and Public Services - 2020 National Model Academy with Distinction Academy of Health & Sciences - 2019 National Model Academy with Distinction Academy of Natural Resources - 2019 National Model Academy with Distinction Waipahu High’s Academy of Health & Sciences and the Academy of Natural Resources were the first in the state to obtain this prestigious honor. Castle High School, Farrington High School, Kaimuki High School, Waiakea High School, and Waimea High School also received similar awards recognizing their various academies. The school offers 23 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and features an Early College program supported by the McInerny Foundation and post-secondary partners at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu, Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Judge Todd W. Eddins as associate judge on the Supreme Court, State of Hawai‘i. The seat has been vacant since Associate Justice Richard W. Pollack retired in June 2020. Gov. Ige selected Eddins from a field of four nominees chosen by the Judicial Selection Commission, Hawai‘i State Judiciary. “Judge Eddins has the vast knowledge and experience necessary to serve on the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. He has the respect of his peers and I know that he will be a welcome addition to the state’s highest court,” said Gov. Ige. Judge Eddins was appointed to the First Circuit Court in 2017. He has presided over 85 jury trials and resolved thousands of legal motions. Judge Eddins has also sat as a substitute justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court in numerous cases. He has served on judicial committees involving judicial performance, jury instructions, and court rules. Eddins is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he was executive editor of the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. He is a former law clerk to retired Hawai‘i Supreme Court Justice, the late Yoshimi Hayashi. Eddins also worked as a trial attorney at the Office of the Public Defender before entering private practice where he concentrated on complex criminal, civil, and appellate litigation. Judge Eddins is a former member of the McCully-Moiliili neighborhood boards. He has coached youth athletics and the Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility high school mock trail team. He is married with four children. Judge Eddins’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. The Hawai‘i Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and four associate justices. Justices are initially appointed for a ten-year term. After the initial appointment, the Judicial Selection Commission determines whether a justice will be retained in office. A justice may not serve past the age of 70.

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. — MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) — 1) KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions between mile markers 98 and 103, Kiilae Road and Mamalahoa Highway, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). — VOLCANO ROAD (ROUTE 11) — 1) HILO Closure of single lane at a time on Volcano Road (Route 11) in both directions between mile markers 6 and 6.5, Liilii Street and Shipman Road, in the vicinity of Hilo on Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for construction and installation of a new traffic signal. From Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, the traffic signals will be flashing to warn motorists of the new traffic signal. The traffic signals facing (Route 11) Volcano Road will be flashing yellow and the side street Kipimana will be flashing red. The traffic signals will be turned on and in normal operation after the morning traffic peak hours on Monday, Oct. 26. Note: Vehicles are not required to stop during the flashing yellow; but should proceed with caution, slow down and remain alert.  The flashing red signal should be treated like a stop sign. 2) HILO Closure of single lane at a time on Volcano Road (Route 11) in both directions between mile markers 4 and 7, Lama Street and Keaau Loop, in the vicinity of Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. 3) KAU Closure of single lane at a time on Volcano Road (Route 11) in both directions between mile markers 33 and 35, Volcano Road and Mauna Loa Road, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. — HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 1) HILO Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in the southbound direction between mile markers 2.4 and 3.3, between Bayfront Highway and Hau Lane, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for Wailuku River Bridge repair work. Waimea bound traffic will be maintained while Hilo bound traffic will be detoured via Hau Street and Waianuenue Avenue. 2) HILO Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in the southbound direction between mile markers 2.5 and 2.6, Shipman Street and Wailuku Drive, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for Wailuku River Bridge repair work. Waimea bound traffic will be maintained while Hilo bound traffic will be detoured via Hau Street and Waianuenue Avenue. 3) HILO (NIGHT WORK) Alternating lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 2.5 and 2.6, Shipman Street and Wailuku Drive, on Saturday evening, Oct. 24, through Monday morning, Oct. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., for Wailuku River Bridge repair work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 4) HAMAKUA Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 31 and 32, between Paauilo Makai Road and Kalopa Road, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 5) HAMAKUA Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 44 and 46, between Kalopa Lower Road and Plumeria Street, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). — KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 1) KOHALA Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 59 and 64, between Alaneo Street and Waiemi Place, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). — MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) — 1) KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) in both directions between mile markers 35 and 38, Onaona Drive and Ane Keohokalole Highway, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for landscape maintenance. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). — AKONI PULE HIGHWAY (ROUTE 270) — 1) NORTH KOHALA Single lane closure on Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) in both directions between mile markers 19 and 24, Ilina Road and Akana Place, on Saturday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for tree trimming work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). —  PUAINAKO STREET (ROUTE 2000) — 1) HILO Closure of single lane at a time on Puainako Street (Route 2000) in both directions near mile marker 0.7, E Puainako Street and Kilauea Avenue, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for inspection of traffic signal poles. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow).

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.  Kuhio Highway contraflow is in modified hours due to lower COVID volumes. Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday: No contraflow operations   — KUHIO HIGHWAY (ROUTE 56) — 1) KAPAA (24-HOUR WORK) Traffic on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) near mile marker 10 is shifted to the temporary Kapaa Stream Bridge 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. For safety during the shift to the temporary bridge, right turns off Kuhio Highway onto Mailihuna Road are not permitted. Access to Kapahi is recommended via the Kawaihau Road or Hauala Road detours.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Honors U.S. Companies With Presidential Award for Export Achievements 39 American Companies Receive Highest U.S. Honor for Export Success Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross honored 39 U.S. companies and organizations, recognizing their contributions to American export growth by naming them winners of the 2020 President’s “E” Awards. Winners hail from 19 states, and of this year’s 39 honorees, 31 are small and medium-sized businesses, while 24 firms are manufacturers. “It is an honor to once again recognize the significant work being done by the Trump Administration to prioritize American companies and workers as we continue securing fair trade and a level playing field for American industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “With American companies like these awardees successfully exporting to some of the most challenging markets around the world, we can continue to rebuild and reclaim free, fair, and reciprocal global trade opportunities.” The President’s “E” Award was created in 1961 by Executive Order of the President and is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. In 2019, U.S. exports reached $2.53 trillion, with goods exports at $1.65 trillion and services exports at their highest level yet at $875.83 billion. This year, 28 companies were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. “E” Award for Exports • Ampronix, Inc. – Irvine, California • Artazn, LLC – Greeneville, Tennessee • Astrophysics, Inc. – City of Industry, California • BISCO – Schaumburg, Illinois • Chesapeake Specialty Products, Inc. – Baltimore, Maryland • China America Gateways, LLC – Boulder, Colorado • CKE Restaurants Holdings – Franklin, Tennessee • DTN – Minneapolis, Minnesota • Dynocom Industries, Inc. – Fort Worth, Texas • Engis Corporation – Wheeling, West Virginia • Evolue Skincare, Inc. – Beverly Hills, California • Fugro USA Marine, Inc. – Houston, Texas • Gravois Aluminum Boats, LLC (DBA Metal Shark) – Jeanerette, Louisiana • Hydraulics International, Inc. – Chatsworth, California • Intelligent Security Systems – Woodbridge, New Jersey • International Forest Products, LLC – Foxborough, Massachusetts • IOPI Medical, LLC – Woodinville, Washington • MINDBODY – San Luis Obispo, California • Morse Manufacturing Company, Inc. – Syracuse, New York • National Flooring Equipment – Minneapolis, Minnesota • Patriot Taxiway – Lomira, Wisconsin • Prospect Machine Products, Inc. – Prospect, Connecticut • Redi-Rock International – Charlevoix, Michigan • San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley – San Mateo, California • Serola Biomechanics, Inc. – Loves Park, Illinois • SPIO, Inc. – Burlen, Washington • Suavecito – Santa Ana, California • The Grasshopper Company – Moundridge, Kansas Eight companies and organizations received the “E” Award for Export Service for assisting and facilitating export activities over a four-year period. • Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. – East Hartford, Connecticut • Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC – Lansing, Michigan • Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers – Chicago, Illinois • IBT Online, LLC – Deerfield, Illinois • International Trade Center- Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC - Champaign, Illinois • Röhlig Logistics – Elk Grove Village, Illinois • TradeMoves, LLC – Silver Spring, Maryland • VISIT DENVER – Denver, Colorado One company received the “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” awardees that have reported four years of additional export growth. “E” Star Award for Exports Palladio Beauty Group – Hollywood, Florida One firm was awarded the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” awardees that have shown four years of continued assistance and facilitation of exports since first winning the “E” Award. “E” Star Award for Export Service CCK Strategies – Tulsa, Oklahoma One organization received its third “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Star awardees that have reported four years of continued export assistance and facilitation. It is the first organization so honored in the more than 50-year history of the “E” Awards program. 3rd “E” Star Award for Export Service Georgia Department of Economic Development – Atlanta, Georgia American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in American exports are significant factors in selecting the overall winners. For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.trade.gov.

Although a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration is not expected to be widely available until early next year, state and county officials and private-sector partners have already prepared a preliminary plan to implement a COVID-19 vaccination program in the state. More than 150 stakeholders representing more than 90 organizations gathered late yesterday to kick off their vaccination work groups. The vaccination plan, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is intended to reduce COVID‐19‐related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. “Epidemiologists who study immunity say at least 60% to 70% of the population need to have immunity to a virus to break the chain of transmission. Vaccinations can help accelerate immunity in our community so we want Hawai‘i to be fully prepared and ready to implement our vaccination plan as soon as a viable vaccine that is safe and effective becomes available,” said Gov. David Ige. “The impact of our vaccination program and its effectiveness in managing the disease will largely depend upon our ability to allocate and administer the vaccine effectively and efficiently. This is as important as the vaccine itself.” “We’re still refining our vaccination plan, but we felt it was important to share what we are developing and provide a preview of what to expect,” said Lt. Gov. Josh Green. “This has to be a coordinated effort between the state and counties. It will also require extensive outreach and education to healthcare providers and their patients. Everyone’s kokua is critical to the success of the vaccination plan, so we must make sure everyone’s roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.” “A COVID-19 vaccination has been presented as our ticket to better health and restoration of a sense of normalcy,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, director of health. “But it’s incumbent upon the Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division Immunization Branch and our partners to lead this initiative and make sure we get this right, starting with using a safe and effective, FDA-approved vaccine.” Since there will initially be limited vaccine supplies, the vaccine will initially be made available to those who fall within four priority groups. 1. The first group includes high-risk healthcare employees at hospitals, nursing homes or are engaged in home care, and others involved with direct patient care. First responders who have high risk for COVID-19 exposure also fall into this group. Hawaii residents of all ages who have underlying health conditions, including those 65 and older who live in congregate settings are also included in this first group; 2. The second priority group includes K-12 teachers and school staff as well as those in essential industries. It also includes those with underlying health conditions that put them at moderately higher risk. People in homeless shelters or group homes with physical or mental disabilities and workers who serve them also fall into this category. People in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar facilities, and staff who work in these settings as well as all adults age 65 and older also fall within this second priority group. 3. The third priority group are young adults 18 to 22 years old and children, from newborn to 17 years old. It also includes employees in industries or occupations not in the previous groups that are considered essential but face increased risk of exposure. 4. The fourth group includes all Hawaii residents who did not fall in any of the other priority groups. Char noted that an effective rollout will also be dependent upon "ancillary supplies" such as syringes, needles, and appropriate PPE, and this is being addressed in the vaccination plan. The Department of Health plans to use the educational tools developed by the CDC for the public to conduct self-screening for vaccines and provide a vaccination finder tool for those who fall in the priority groups. To view an executive summary of the State of Hawai‘i’s draft COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan go to: https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine-plan.