Department of Health: Three COVID-19 Deaths Reported Three (3) COVID-19 deaths were reported today by DOH. All three involved males between 70-79 years old, who had underlying conditions and were hospitalized on O'ahu at the time of their death. 16 New Cases Reported on Lāna‘i DOH’s Maui District Health Office (MDHO) has also confirmed 16 new cases of COVID-19 in residents on the island of Lāna‘i. That brings the total to 20 confirmed cases on Lāna‘i. The new cases include two (2) coworkers who attended a social gathering, and the others are possible household and social contacts. One case had a history of travel to O‘ahu, but there is no clear tie to the other cases. MDHO is actively performing contact tracing and investigation of the cases. DOH is engaging with the Lāna‘i health care community to enhance outreach, testing, and contact tracing. There will also be drive-through testing on Lāna‘i this Saturday at the Old Dole Administration Building in Lāna‘i City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for anyone 15 years or older, by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Straub Medical Center - Lāna‘i Clinic at 808-565-6423, or the Lāna‘i Community Health Center at 808-565-6919. Testing is also available Monday – Saturday at the clinic and health center. For continuously updated information of COVID-19 in Hawai'i, please visit www.hawaiicovid19.com Mahalo.

Adjudication unit for unemployment insurance claims launched 100 Trained Adjudicators Will Process Claims The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced that it added significant capacity to reduce the backlog of claims requiring adjudication that involve a higher level of expertise and knowledge to process. The DLIR contracted services with Maximus Inc., which is also operating a virtual call center for the department. “Even during this COVID-19 Pandemic most applicants received benefits or a monetary determination explaining why they were not eligible within three weeks of filing,” said DLIR Director Anne Eustaquio. “The backlog in eligibility decisions are largely related to whether the claimant quit or was fired or whether the claimant is immediately available for work." Adjudication is the investigation and resolution of eligibility issues raised and is a manual process that requires interested parties be provided due process to respond to the eligibility issue. Eligibility issues arise from several places including the initial claim, weekly claim, and employer contact, among others. The adjudicators will call both claimants and employers from an 808 number. Claimants and employers not answering calls have been problematic as some phone network services identify the calls as spam or telemarketers. For more information about unemployment insurance and other labor issues please visit the recently revised FAQs at https://labor.hawaii.gov/covid-19-labor-faqs/. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for (808) 586-8866 View DLIR news releases: http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/

State adds Diagnostic Laboratory Services to list of trusted testing partners for inter-county travel. Updates also announced for inter-county travel The State of Hawai‘i has added Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS) to the list of eight other trusted testing partners for inter-county travel. Inter-county passengers arriving in Kauaʻi and Maui counties may bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine if they take an FDA-authorized Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from the certified CLIA lab of a trusted testing and travel partner. The test must be taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure, and the traveler must receive a negative result to bypass the quarantine requirement. Beginning today, inter-county travelers to Hawaiʻi County who follow these protocols will have two options to opt out of the 14-day mandatory quarantine. They can either take the test no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure, or they can elect to get a post-arrival test from a trusted partner. This would require the traveler to remain in quarantine until the negative test is reported and verified. Please see details posted at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2633/720. Travelers must register and upload their test results to their Safe Travels Hawaiʻi account and inter-county travelers must have the test result with them upon arrival so airport screeners can review the result. Those who do not choose to take a pre-travel test or who do not arrive with a negative test result from a trusted testing or travel partner will be subject to the existing 14-day quarantine. Travelers may seek an exemption from the county they are traveling to. The nine trusted testing partners for inter-county travel are: • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii – All lab tests require an order by a licensed healthcare provider in the State of Hawaiʻi. Appointment required. More information at clinicallabs.com. • CVS Health (Longs) – Appointments may be scheduled up to two days in the future at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations. Tests available for ages 12 and older. Pre-registration required. More information at cvs.com/selfpaytesting. • Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) – All COVID-19 testing at DLS currently requires a lab order and collection by a licensed healthcare provider in the State of Hawaii. More information at dlslab.com/covid-collection • Hawaiʻi Pacific Health – Testing available at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children on O‘ahu and Wilcox Medical Center on Kaua‘i in partnership with Clinical Labs of Hawaii. Appointments required at Kapi‘olani and must be scheduled online at clinicallabs.com/covid. No appointment necessary at Wilcox. More information at hawaiipacifichealth.org/covid19testing. • Kaiser Permanente (for members only) – Kaiser Permanente members may schedule a test online or contact the appointment call center or nurse advice line in their home region for scheduling instructions. Kaiser Permanente members returning home to Hawaiʻi may call the Away-from-Home Travel Line at 951-268-3900 for scheduling instructions. More information at kp.org/travel. • Minit Medical – Three clinics on Maui with drive-up testing available. Appointment required. More information at 808-667-6161 and Minitmed.com. • Urgent Care Hawaii – Tests available with online registration at ucarehi.com. Results emailed within 24 hours. Limited walk-ins can be accommodated. More information at 808-797-7980. • Vault Health – At-home FDA-authorized saliva tests with real-time audio-visual supervision. Tests available for ages five and older. Tests results mailed in 72 hours or less. More information at learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-Hawaii. • Walgreens – Testing available at no cost to eligible individuals who meet CDC criteria. Tests available for ages five and older. All drive-thru testing locations operate outdoors, and patients do not leave their vehicles. Appointment required. Request the RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel or Rapid Point of Care (POC) test, which are both approved by the State of Hawaiʻi. More information at walgreens.com/covid19testing.

The Internal Revenue Service recently awarded over $36 million in Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grants to organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation. This year, the IRS awarded grants to 34 TCE and 273 VITA applicants. The IRS received 354 applications requesting nearly $80 million. “These two programs make a huge difference for people in need of tax assistance, and the IRS is proud to award these grants to help these groups perform their important service,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We appreciate the continuing interest in these programs from our partners, and we greatly appreciate the TCE and VITA volunteers across the country who make a difference for so many taxpayers.” The TCE program, established in 1978, provides tax counseling and return preparation nationwide to people who are 60 or older. Volunteers receive training and technical assistance. The VITA program, created in 1969, assists underserved communities, such as low- and moderate-income individuals and limited English proficient taxpayers. VITA grant recipients provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing. Congress first appropriated funds in 2007 to establish a grant program. The grant program helps expand VITA services to underserved populations and increases the number of taxpayers able to file electronically. The IRS forms partnerships with a wide variety of organizations across the country to develop VITA and TCE programs. Community partners include non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, community centers and large employers. The IRS provides tax law training, certification and oversight to equip these organizations to prepare accurate returns. For information on applying for the TCE or VITA programs along with a list of current grant recipients, visit the TCE webpage or the VITA webpage. For details on becoming a TCE or VITA volunteer, visit IRS Tax Volunteers.

The State of Hawai`i has been awarded $1.9 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the quality and quantity of locally grown foods in food-insecure communities that import a significant amount of food. The funds will provide grants to qualifying communities over a three-year period. “This grant program will help support small-scale farming, ranching and agricultural operations so farmers can increase food production in their communities,” said Gov. Ige.  “If we can boost food production in more remote areas where there is a greater need, Hawai`i agriculture and entire communities will be strengthened.” The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) applied for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program in August 2020 and was awarded a total of $1,938,556.80. The award was announced yesterday. The grant program is not connected to the CARES Act and was established under the 2018 Farm Bill to provide support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to help produce food in areas that are food insecure. In applying for the USDA grant, HDOA used data from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to demonstrate the need in each county. The total grant amount will be distributed accordingly, to each county. Those eligible for the grants include Hawai`i-based individuals and organizations, commodity associations, agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, and other non-profit organizations related to agriculture. Individuals (farmers, ranchers, producers, home gardeners, hunters) may apply for a maximum $5,000 per year for a maximum three years. Organizations – Maximum $10,000 per year for a maximum of three years and must provide a 10 percent cash match. A statewide Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in early November 2020 and posted on the Hawai‘i State Procurement website. A panel in each county will be appointed to review and approve eligible proposals. Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include: Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming. Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock, activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses. Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security – create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities – includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption. HDOA’s Market Development Branch will be scheduling webinars in the near future to guide interested parties through the application process. The webinar schedule will be posted at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/

First Circuit Chief Judge R. Mark Browning was presented with the 2020 Jurist of the Year Award today by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, at the Hawaii State Judiciary’s Statewide Incentive Awards Ceremony. “Judge Browning has displayed exceptional judicial competence in many different ways” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “As a probate judge, he utilizes both his vast knowledge of the law and his understanding of the underlying emotional and family dynamics, effectively resolving complex disputes. “He has been an outstanding leader of the First Circuit, especially in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Browning’s leadership style of grace, gratitude and courage has enabled him to address unprecedented challenges with a clear and sensible approach, building trust and confidence among fellow judges, employees, and the bar, and bringing them together to collaboratively solve problems. He has been a strong supporter of innovative programs such as Community Outreach Court, and a mentor to countless other judges,” he added. The Jurist of the Year is selected annually by the Chief Justice from nominations submitted by Hawaii attorneys and Judiciary personnel. The award recognizes a full-time trial judge who exhibits exceptional judicial competence, evidenced by decisional quality; significant extra-judicial contributions to the administration of justice; and active participation in public service to the community at large. Chief Judge Browning first joined the Judiciary in 1995 as a per diem judge. In June 1997 he was appointed as a District Family Court Judge, and in May 2010 as a Circuit Court Judge. In March 2011 he became the Deputy Chief Judge of the Family Court. He has been the Chief Judge of the First Circuit since April 2017. In addition to honoring the Jurist of the Year, the Hawaii State Judiciary presented individual and group awards to employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments. The recipients of this year’s awards are: Distinguished Service Award (the Judiciary’s highest incentive award): Debbie Choo, Circuit Court Clerk III, Support & Operations Branch, Kona and Kamuela, Third Circuit (Hawaii island). Meritorious Service Award: Karen Hemans, Court Administrator II, Court & Operational Support Services Division, Second Circuit (Maui County). Group Meritorious Service Award: Fifth Circuit (Kauai) Drug Court Team: Probation Officers Ro Kaing, Ikaika Macabeo, Rachel Coyaso, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Maile Murray. First Circuit (Oahu) Kapolei Family Court Bailiff Unit: Adeline Fontanilla, Wilfredo Cacas Jr., Roberta Downey, David Gomes, Harrison Gomez, Amy Harada, Dana Kaheaku, Leslie Kaolulo, Ryan Miyashiro, Jazlynn Manuel, Daphne Rhoades, Erin Sanidad, Wendy Spallone, Justo Jose A. Torres III, and Richard Tuason. Spirit of the Judiciary Award: Lisa Rosile, Law Library Technician and Jury Clerk, Kona, Third Circuit; Tammy Kincaid, Section Supervisor, Traffic Violations Bureau, Second Circuit; and Chontel Eugenio, Judicial Clerk I, Traffic Operations Branch, Waimea, Third Circuit. Certificate of Commendation: Kristina Kanekoa, Judicial Clerk III, Court Support & Operations, Legal Documents Branch, District Civil, Hilo, Third Circuit and Nancy Ralston, Planner in the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts, Judiciary Administration. Group Certificate of Commendation: Keahuolu Courthouse Facility Crew, Third Circuit: David Arnado, Morgan Dacalio, Nalei Furtado-Piko, Chelsea Kane, Karl Medeiros, Betty Jean Naeole, Martin Orlando, Joanie Perreira, and Dennis Tysall. ATTACHED PHOTO:  First Circuit Chief Judge R. Mark Browning, selected as the 2020 Jurist of the Year by Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. Photo courtesy of Grass Shack Productions.

With the recent opening of tourism, and the upcoming opening of schools, the City and County of Honolulu has taken the proactive step to reserve the Park Shore Hotel in Waikīkī for COVID-19 isolation/quarantine hotel rooms. The City and County of Honolulu also leased the property known as the Waikiki Beachside to establish a second COVID-19 Temporary Quarantine and Isolation Center (Center) in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Located in Waikīkī, the Center will increase the City’s capacity to offer quarantine and isolation on Oʻahu. With the addition of these properties, the City and County of Honolulu, in coordination with the Department of Health has procured a potential total of 452 rooms for isolation and quarantine services for residents of O‘ahu who have no other opportunity to safely isolate as they recover from COVID-19. These facilities can also be used by the City’s first responders who may have come into contact with a positive COVID-19 patient. Park Shore The City has signed a contract to reserve up to 221 hotel rooms at the Park Shore starting October 15 to December 30 for persons who may be COVID-19 positive and have a need to quarantine or who may have had possible exposure to someone positive and thus has a need to isolate. The City can activate hotel rooms in phases of 80 rooms, 150 rooms or all 221 rooms as may be necessary with notice of five business days given to the hotel. The City has also signed an agreement with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health to provide health services including assessment and intake of clients, transportation to the hotel, meals and oversight monitoring of clients at the hotel. “We want to prepare for any possible increase in COVID-19 cases and to keep impacts controlled to ensure that the City can support the opening of businesses and the restart of the island economy,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. The City structured the contract to provide a reservation of rooms with a deposit so that hotel rooms would not be paid for unless needed at the City and Department of Health’s call. “We want to efficiently budget expenditure of our CARES funds for maximum benefit to those that need assistance,” Mayor Caldwell added. Waikiki Beachside “Providing additional quarantine and isolation units for those who can’t otherwise do so safely is a key piece to our reopening strategy,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “Increasing our quarantine and isolation capacity here on O‘ahu is crucial to keeping people who are sick or who have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus from people who have not been exposed. This will become increasingly important as we welcome travelers back to our island in the coming weeks.” The property consist of 46 apartment units (42 one bedroom and 4 studio units) with on-site parking and laundry facilities. Units are furnished with health services, meals, and light housekeeping provided by the Department of Health. “Focused on services for unsheltered and vulnerable individuals in our community, the Center offers shelter and health services for those with symptoms of COVID-19 awaiting test results. The brief stay provides stabilization services and an opportunity for more stable long-term services and housing,” added Mayor Caldwell. The City’s CARES Act funds will cover all related building expenses with Department of Health funding the health and wraparound services.

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) released the following statement regarding the first four cases of COVID-19 on Lānaʻi: “My aloha and prayers are with the four individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. I believe that the community on Lānaʻi is well-prepared to handle this situation and I’m confident that the necessary resources will be deployed to curb further spread on the island. I urge all residents to continue adhering to proper social distancing protocols and follow the guidelines that have been set forth by the State and County.”

The County of Maui will continue to monitor and provide assistance to the state Department of Health, which confirmed today the first four cases of COVID-19 among residents on the island of Lāna‘i. “It was my hope and prayer that we would have no cases on Lāna‘i, but we understand how quickly this virus can spread in our communities,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “We support the Department of Health’s work to monitor these cases, which are in isolation, and conduct contact tracing to help protect our Lanai residents.” “I ask Lāna‘i residents and visitors to follow all directions from our healthcare workers and health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Victorino said. “Healthy safeguards continue to be wearing face masks, watching physical distancing, avoiding crowds, frequently washing hands and sanitizing high-touch areas.” ********************************************************************************************************* Press Release from the Hawai'i State Department of Health Hawai‘i Department of Health confirms four COVID-19 cases on Lāna‘i Drive-thru testing clinic will be held on Oct. 24 HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Maui District Health Office (MDHO) has confirmed four cases of COVID-19 in residents on the island of Lāna‘i. MDHO was notified of the positive test results today and is actively performing contact tracing and investigation of the cases. Initial findings have determined that one of the four cases may be associated with recent travel. Three of the cases work at the same location and have symptoms. The fourth case is a healthcare worker who does not provide direct patient care. All four cases are in isolation. Residents and visitors are urged to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick. Drive-thru testing is being offered on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Old Dole Administration Building in Lāna‘i City from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for individuals ages 15 years and older and by appointment only. For an appointment, call the Straub Medical Center – Lāna‘i Clinic at 808-565-6423 or the Lāna‘i Community Health Center at 808-565-6919. Testing is also available Monday – Saturday at the clinic and health center. The drive-thru testing is provided in partnership with the Straub Medical Center - Lāna‘i Clinic, Lāna‘i Community Health Center, Lāna‘i Police Department, and Pulama Lāna‘i.

Mayor Michael Victorino announced a produce distribution will take place Wednesday, Oct. 21, to provide produce for families impacted by COVID-19 on Lāna‘i. Produce distribution for the general public will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until supplies run out, in the County parking lot located between the County gym and school cafeteria. Cars may line up at 2 p.m. for distribution. Bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To maximize social distancing, produce distribution will be done in a grab-and-go drive-through (no walk up). Motorists will have the option of getting bags placed in their vehicle’s trunk or rear cargo area. Recipients must wear face masks. Mayor Victorino thanked Councilmember Riki Hokama, the Lāna‘i District Office of the Maui County Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Police Department for their assistance with the produce distribution event.

Hawaiʻi small businesses to get $25 million in grants to adjust to COVID-19-related marketplace changes State of Hawaiʻi and Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi launch Business Pivot Grant program The State of Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, today announced the launch of the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant program. The grants will distribute $25M in financial and training support to struggling small businesses in Hawai‘i to help them adjust to marketplace changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide approximately 2,500 small businesses with reimbursement grants to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products and services. “Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy, and I’ve seen the determination and creativity these businesses have demonstrated as they pivoted from one way of working, to doing business in a completely different way,” said Gov. David Ige. “Companies that can pivot successfully will not only survive but thrive. This grant takes some of the pressure off these businesses and helps them to find new ways to operate in a drastically different environment.” Funded by federal CARES Act appropriations, the program provides qualifying businesses reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred since March 20, 2020, including investing in e-commerce, reconfiguring workspaces, adding safety equipment and implementing new business processes. The grant application period starts on October 22, 2020 and will remain open until November 23, 2020, as funds are available. The Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i will administer the program. “Small businesses employ tens of thousands of people in our state and have been among the hardest hit since the start of the pandemic,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. “We hope these grants will not only provide relief to these businesses but allow them to reimagine new approaches to add to resilience to their businesses.” In addition to the grant reimbursement, the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i will offer technical assistance to companies through workshops, training, and consultant resources as they adjust their operations. The Chamber will also provide an online marketplace for companies to access products and services to support operational changes, and these costs will be eligible for reimbursement under the grant program. Overview of eligibility requirements To qualify for the grant, businesses and non-profits must meet the following criteria: • Be registered in the State of Hawai‘i and have fewer than 100 employees; • Operate in a physical commercial space in Hawai‘i; home-based businesses are not eligible; • Have suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic; • Been in business prior to March 20, 2020. Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses for reimbursement may include the following, if they were related to pivoting operations or processes: • Web development, design, social media and e-commerce • Consulting services • Professional services related to pivoting your business • Related equipment and supplies • Physical distancing measures (expenses incurred after Oct.1) More details on the program, including frequently asked questions and the application for the Hawaiʻi Business Pivot Grant, are available at www.HawaiiBizPivot.org