Federal & State Assessments of Facility Near Completion Twelve deaths among residents of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo have been confirmed and added to the state’s reported COVID-19 related deaths today. These deaths include 11 men and one (1) woman, all in the 70 to 80-year-old age group and with underlying health conditions. Ten of the residents passed away at the home and two others were hospitalized. Reporting on these deaths was delayed due to pending medical reports required for verification and classification of deaths as COVID-19. In total, there are now 15 deaths confirmed by the State among residents of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans home. Three separate assessments into the infections and deaths at the facility were initiated and are completed or near completion. One was conducted by a team from the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA), a second by the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), and a third, an unannounced inspection of infection control measures was conducted by the DOH Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA). The findings and recommendations in the two assessments conducted by the VA and the Incident Command Medical Support Team (HI-EMA, ESF-8) have been transmitted to the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home and are being prepared for release. It is expected these reports will be ready soon. The DOH/OHCA unannounced inspection report is being completed today and will be transmitted to the facility before being shared with the public. An additional death from COVID-19, unrelated to the home, is also being reported today. A 70 to 79-year-old O‘ahu man, with underlying health conditions, who had been hospitalized at the time of his death. This brings the cumulative total of COVID-19 related deaths to 120.

Nonprofit organizations, the private sector and government have joined together to launch a program using federal CARES Act funding that will support Hawai‘i’s economy by providing businesses with up to 650 workers who have been displaced in the current economic crisis. The economic stimulus program is supported by $10 million in federal CARES Act funding that was secured with the help of Hawai‘i’s Congressional delegation and disbursed locally through an appropriation by the Hawai‘i State Legislature. “We are grateful to all those who helped Hawai‘i obtain these federal funds and build an innovative program that supports our local businesses and keeps Hawai‘i residents employed,” said Gov. David Ige. “This is a great example of how we can pull together during difficult times and rise to the challenges facing our economy from the pandemic.” The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) worked with all the partners to pull the program together. DBEDT contracted with Kupu, a conservation and youth education nonprofit, and Economic Development Alliance of Hawaiʻi (EDAH), an economic development nonprofit, to implement this workforce development initiative. There will be two tracks to this program: “Kupu ‘Āina Corps” run by Kupu and “Aloha Connects Innovation” run by EDAH. The program will match displaced workers with companies in emerging industries and Aloha+ Challenge sectors such as conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, creative arts, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and STEM fields. The Aloha+ Challenge is a statewide commitment to achieve Hawai‘i’s sustainability goals, and locally driven framework to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative, originally envisioned by Omar Sultan of Sultan Ventures, aims to diversify and strengthen Hawai‘i’s economy by building a scalable workforce to support the growth of emerging and resilient non-tourism industries. The program will create internship opportunities to provide temporary employment required due to economic injury caused by COVID-19 related business closures, while meaningfully diversifying and strengthening Hawai‘i’s economy “We are excited to create some options for those who are currently unemployed and want to seek a different career path,” said Kupu CEO John Leong. “These positions will provide on-the-job experience, healthcare, and relevant educational or training opportunities for upward mobility beyond the first phase. The skills learned here will be essential tools for a resilient Hawai‘i.” The programs’ positions will offer: 2-1/2 to 3 months of on-the-job training (to December 15) Wages starting at $13-$15 an hour Health care benefits Introduction and mentoring within the emerging, innovation sectors Workforce training Ideally, after the on-the-job training, individuals will be hired at the sites they are placed at or within the network of their organization, pursue careers in the emerging, innovation sector, or continue with higher education Eligible Participants: Displaced workers Recent college graduates Recent high school graduates Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, many tourism-related jobs will likely not be available through 2020. Hawai‘i’s heavy reliance on tourism means that the local economy will lag behind the national pace of the recovery process, according to DBEDT’s Research and Economic Analysis Division. “This program proactively and intentionally supports companies while providing job opportunities that are not tourism dependent,” said Rich Wacker, president & CEO of American Savings Bank, who, along with other members of the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable, saw the need for such an initiative. EDAH Chair, Jeanne Skog added, “These emerging industries represent the future of economic growth for Hawai‘i. This program will provide displaced workers and recent graduates with opportunities to do critical work for our state, diversify their skillset, and provide organizations and companies a resource for revival. This program provides an opportunity for faster recovery and allows us to create a more diverse and resilient economy.” Interested participant applicants and companies interested in hosting participants can apply for the innovation track through Economic Development Alliance of Hawai‘i’s website at https://www.edahawaii.org/ and the conservation track through Kupu’s website at https://www.kupuhawaii.org/ainainnovation/ About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i ’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth. About Kupu Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable Hawai‘i. The organization provides hands-on training and national service programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of culture and environment. Kupu has trained more than 4,000 youth in conservation, sustainability and environmental education. These young adults have supported Kupu partners to provide more than 3 million hours of service, which has culminated in planting over 1 million native plants and removing over 100,000 acres of invasive species. For their service, Kupu has presented close to $7 million in education awards to support the continued growth of its members. To date, Kupu has generated more than $150 million in economic benefits to the state of Hawai‘i. For more information, follow Kupu on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or visit kupuhawaii.org. About EDAH The Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii (EDAH) is a 501(c)(3) Hawaii Corporation. Incorporated in 1998, the Alliance was established to support the initiative of economic development and diversification across the Hawaiian Islands. Promoting economic growth has been the cornerstone mission of Economic Development Association of Hawaii. EDAH is a consortium of organizations with more than 100 years of collective experience. Members represent the business and economic interests of O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi. For more information visit https://www.edahawaii.org/

The County of Maui Volunteer Center is providing free support, training and resources to local nonprofits facing challenges due to COVID-19. The Volunteer Center is kicking off its support with a three-day, virtual conference from Sept. 22-24 to assist Maui County nonprofits with building an effective reopening/recovery plan for volunteer programs in a COVID-19 world. The deadline for nonprofits to register for the virtual conference has been extended to tomorrow, Sept. 18. Registrations can be made to Volunteer Center Coordinator Wendy Stebbins by email at wendy.stebbins@mauicounty.gov. For more information, visit the Volunteer Center’s website at HandsOnMaui.com. “Volunteer-work has become more important than ever during these difficult times,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “I encourage all of our nonprofits to take advantage of the resources provided by the County’s Volunteer Center. I also ask everyone to consider volunteering in the community. There are many great opportunities and worthy causes that need our help throughout Maui County.” Other programs and services the Volunteer Center provides include: COVID-19 Volunteer Policy Assistance – Virtual consultations and customized COVID-19 policy creation assistance is available. GetConnected Virtual Volunteer Center – GetConnected is a volunteer management software that allows Maui nonprofits to post their needs and events, and matches prospective volunteers to their ideal nonprofits and opportunities. GetConnected Profile and Volunteer Opportunity Assistance – Virtual consultations and assistance are available to optimize agency profiles and volunteer opportunities in GetConnected. Social Media Promotion of Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer needs posted on GetConnected are promoted on the County of Maui Volunteer Center’s social media accounts and Facebook group. Monthly Volunteer HotSheet – The most current and exciting volunteer needs in Maui County are delivered each month to nearly 3,000 potential volunteers. Phone Check-ins with Agency Partners – Telephone outreach to partner agencies to check on status and needs during COVID-19. The County of Maui Volunteer Center is the one resource and catalyst on Maui that leads, connects and mobilizes volunteers and volunteer agencies to contribute to a better life on Maui. The Volunteer Center partners with a number of agencies, which list their volunteer opportunities on the HandsOnMaui.com website. Opportunities include food sorting, patient home visits, Red Cross shelter associates and serving as a trail steward at Haleakala National Park. For more information, visit the Volunteer Center’s website at HandsOnMaui.com and follow its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/handsonmaui and Instagram @handsonmaui. Volunteers and agencies may also contact Volunteer Center Coordinator Wendy Stebbins at (808) 270-7150 or wendy.stebbins@mauicounty.gov.

Hawai‘i State Senate to hold special session on Intermediate Court of Appeals and other judicial appointments Judiciary Committee hearing on the appointments scheduled for October 1 will feature live remote public testimony The Hawai‘i State Senate is scheduled to convene for a special session to review Governor David Ige’s appointment for a vacancy on the Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Chief Justice's appointments on a number of district court positions. Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) Associate Judge Alexa D.M. Fujise retired in April 2020; the special session will consider the Governor's appointment to fill the vacancy and restore the ICA to its full complement of six members. The process will begin with a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads and vice chaired by Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The Senate will be welcoming live remote public testimony via videoconference, as the Capitol building remains closed to the public due to COVID-19. This remote testimony option will also allow neighbor island residents to testify without traveling to Honolulu. Members of the public who wish to testify via videoconference should use the Legislature's website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov) to submit their written testimony and select "yes" when asked if they will be testifying remotely for the hearing. Written testimony is required to participate via videoconference and must be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearing. Additional information and details will be on the hearing notice and capitol website. The Senate will convene in a floor session on Monday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 10:30 a.m. Final Senate votes on the appointments are expected on Tuesday, October 6 at 11:30 a.m. To allow access to the proceedings while the State Capitol building is closed to the public, the Senate will live stream all Senate hearings and floor sessions over the internet. Selected proceedings will also be broadcasted on ‘Ōlelo and neighbor island cable networks. The public is encouraged to participate by submitting written testimony or testifying remotely. No in-person testimony will be allowed at this time due to COVID-19. Following several delays due to COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Senate’s 2020 session finally adjourned permanently on July 10. This special session will only address the pending judicial appointments.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Two ceremonies will honor our POW/MIA Department of Defense personnel that day. The first ceremony will be hosted by the Honorable David L. Norquist, Deputy Secretary of Defense, and held at the Pentagon at 2 p.m. EST (8 a.m. HST). The second ceremony will be hosted by Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, DPAA’s Deputy Director of Operations, and held at the DPAA facility in Hawaii at 10 a.m. HST (4 p.m. EST). Both ceremonies will be streamed live online by the Defense Media Activity. The links to the ceremonies, as well as a message from DPAA Director Kelly McKeague, are posted below. Message From DPAA Director Kelly McKeague POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony in Hawai'i National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies share the common purpose of honoring those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing.

Three companies were among the first group of businesses to receive funding to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) under a program administered by the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) and the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT). Over $1 million in grants were awarded to Hawai‘i small businesses to help establish a local supply chain of cleaning supplies and PPE in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Awards can range between $10,000 to $500,000, with larger awards possible if determined necessary by HTDC. The program was appropriated $10 million of federal CARES Act funds by the Hawai‘i State legislature. The PPE Supply Chain program provides grants to Hawai‘i small businesses with 50 employees or fewer. The main goal of this program is to increase the local capacity for producing cleaning supplies and PPE to help keep Hawai‘i safe. The program also has equally important secondary objectives of providing economic support for Hawai‘i’s struggling small businesses and supporting businesses that provide job opportunities for displaced workers. Additionally, HTDC’s priority is to advance innovative solutions related to the PPE supply chain. The participant must be producing or plan to produce PPE/Cleaning Supplies commonly procured by the State through the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (Hi-EMA) “We’re trying to keep people safe and accelerate the economic recovery. If we can start producing our own supplies to meet the local demand, the jobs stay in Hawai‘i and the money circulates in the local economy," said Mike McCartney, director of DBEDT. COVID-19 has Hawai‘i facing serious economic challenges, leading many local businesses to find creative ways to navigate the new economy. The PPE Supply Chain program is providing important financial relief for small businesses impacted by ongoing shutdowns and increasing the local capacity for producing much needed supplies which will be crucial to the state’s recovery. The program aims to ramp up local manufacturing capacity to ensure COVID-19 safety supplies are available for the community while keeping the money circulating in the local economy. Online applications are being accepted now through HTDC’s website at www.htdc.org. Completed applications are due no later than October 26, 2020. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Submitted applications are being reviewed as they are received with awardees announced on a weekly basis. Applicants can view a previously recorded online info session and access frequently asked questions on the HTDC website. Contact PPE@htdc.org for additional assistance. Companies awarded by the PPE Supply Chain program $500,000 - Kamanu Composites, LLC, face shields $236,797 - Lanikai Brewing Company LLC, hand sanitizer $500,000 - Min Plastics & Supply, Inc., face shields

In response to President Trump’s Executive Orders signed August 6, 2020, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) today announced prohibitions on transactions relating to mobile applications (apps) WeChat and TikTok to safeguard the national security of the United States. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the U.S. Today’s announced prohibitions, when combined, protect users in the U.S. by eliminating access to these applications and significantly reducing their functionality. “Today’s actions prove once again that President Trump will do everything in his power to guarantee our national security and protect Americans from the threats of the Chinese Communist Party,” said U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “At the President’s direction, we have taken significant action to combat China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personal data, while promoting our national values, democratic rules-based norms, and aggressive enforcement of U.S. laws and regulations.” While the threats posed by WeChat and TikTok are not identical, they are similar. Each collects vast swaths of data from users, including network activity, location data, and browsing and search histories. Each is an active participant in China’s civil-military fusion and is subject to mandatory cooperation with the intelligence services of the CCP. This combination results in the use of WeChat and TikTok creating unacceptable risks to our national security. As of September 20, 2020, the following transactions are prohibited: 1. Any provision of service to distribute or maintain the WeChat or TikTok mobile applications, constituent code, or application updates through an online mobile application store in the U.S.; 2. Any provision of services through the WeChat mobile application for the purpose of transferring funds or processing payments within the U.S. As of September 20, 2020, for WeChat and as of November 12, 2020, for TikTok, the following transactions are prohibited: 1. Any provision of internet hosting services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S.; 2. Any provision of content delivery network services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S.; 3. Any provision directly contracted or arranged internet transit or peering services enabling the function or optimization of the mobile application within the U.S.; 4. Any utilization of the mobile application’s constituent code, functions, or services in the functioning of software or services developed and/or accessible within the U.S. Any other prohibitive transaction relating to WeChat or TikTok may be identified at a future date. Should the U.S. Government determine that WeChat’s or TikTok’s illicit behavior is being replicated by another app somehow outside the scope of these executive orders, the President has the authority to consider whether additional orders may be appropriate to address such activities. The President has provided until November 12 for the national security concerns posed by TikTok to be resolved. If they are, the prohibitions in this order may be lifted. The notices for these actions will be posted on the Federal Register at approximately 8:45AM EDT on Friday, September 18, 2020. Background: On August 6, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Orders (E.O.) 13942, Addressing the Threat Posed by TikTok, and E.O. 13943, Addressing the Threat Posed by WeChat. In the E.O.s, the President determined that the apps capture vast swaths of information from U.S. users, leaving the data vulnerable to CCP access for nefarious purposes. Commerce, at the Direction of the President, was required to identify transactions within 45 days to protect national security and the private data of millions of people across the country. Today’s announced prohibitions fulfill the President’s direction and mitigate national security risks.

Seven spear fisherman cited for illegal activities in Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District and Fisheries Management Area Seven Honolulu men face multiple charges after officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE) received a call reporting illegal fishing in the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) and the adjoining Waikīkī Fisheries Management Area (FMA). Three officers from Division One of the O‘ahu DOCARE Branch had been patrolling Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline after receiving complaints about a large group of divers taking both regulated and undersized fish from the waters there. While conducting surveillance an officer got the call about similar activities happening in the MLCD. They rerouted to Waikīkī and from San Souici Beach, officers observed ten lights illuminating the water. They watched as two men came to shore. When they contacted one of them, the partner fled back into the water. He notified the entire group and all the dive lights went out. The DOCARE officers then tracked the men to the Diamond Head side of the Waikīkī Natatorium. Eventually one man got out of the water and signaled the others they were in the clear. Officers then observed all the men get out of the water with spears, dive gear and fish. All seven men now face multiple charges including Prohibited Activities in an MLCD and FMA, having no diver flag, and possession of undersized fish. DOCARE officers inventoried approximately 130 fish, including Palani, Kala, U‘hu, He‘e, Ulua, and sea cucumbers. All the aquatic life was dead and was returned to the ocean. A month ago, on August 15, eight spear fishermen were also picked up in the MLCD and FMA for the very same violations. They had about 100 fish in their possession. In both cases, the suspects will have to appear in court and could face fines and/or jail time. DLNR Chief Jason Redulla said, “We are deeply appreciative of the people who are helping us watch out for our precious aquatic resources and reporting potential violations to DOCARE. Taking fish from any State MLCD is akin to stealing a baby from a nursery and we take these violations seriously and will pursue violators aggressively.” Call 643-DLNR or use the free DLNRTip app to report violations.

With the popular Ahu O Laka sandbar in Kāne’ohe Bay currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, recreational boaters have moved away from anchoring at the sand bar. DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Administrator Brian Neilson said, “The bay has some of the best, in-tact coral reefs (patch reefs) in all of Hawai‘i and many people have worked for years to remove invasive algae and even invasive corals to preserve this unique and special coral reef ecosystem. Damaging the reef with a prop or anchor can cause injury to these living reefs that could take generations to repair, if ever.” *To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/422196912 Boaters, divers, snorkelers, and fishers are being reminded that the patch reefs are extremely sensitive to human interaction and people should be very cautious around them. Steps to protect the reefs include: Do not touch, kick, rest, or stand on the coral Avoid touching anything and stirring up sediment Never drop anchor on coral Use adequate anchor line to avoid dragging an anchor across the reef Use a spotter to avoid hitting reefs If an anchor is stuck do not yank it, but dive or snorkel to release Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement are making regular patrols of Kāne’ohe Bay. Anyone found damaging or disturbing these fragile reefs, intentionally or not could be cited.

Online Submissions Available Starting Tomorrow In an effort to make the quarantine exemption process easier and more efficient,  the State Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), developed a new web-based form which goes live on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. Previously those seeking exemptions, such as critical medical or infrastructure workers had to communicate with, and provide information to, the State via emails. The new online form and  submission system will mean more efficient interactions with exemption seekers, better data gathering and access for decision makers. Currently, exempt travelers will still have to provide an e-mail approval documenting exempt status at State airports. Work is already underway to synchronize the exemption digital platform with Hawai‘i’s SafeTravels platform for a more integrated and seamless experience. This applies to trans-Pacific travel and not interisland as each county has its own exemption rules and process. Before the digital system is active, applicants can still submit their requests by email to COVIDexemption@hawaii.gov. Any requests submitted before September 19, 2020 will be processed via email in the usual course. People seeking exemptions are asked not to submit duplicate exemptions requests via email and the digital system, as that may delay processing. As a reminder, people who receive approval for the modified quarantine exemption are still required to self-quarantine when they are not performing their approved essential functions. This means they may only break self-quarantine to perform their critical infrastructure duties and not for grocery shopping, outdoor exercise, or anything else outside their self-quarantine location. Beginning tomorrow exemption seekers can fill out their requests online as well as review a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) at: travelexemption.hawaii.gov

The State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning (OP) Statewide Sustainability Program is pleased to announce a series of virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions to inform everyone about the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan (the Plan). The Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan is being updated and revised to serve as the State’s climate and sustainability strategic action plan. “The people of the State of Hawaiʻi have long understood the challenges of our finite resources and the importance of co-existing with our ʻāina,” said Governor David Ige. “We are witnessing rising sea levels, temperature rise, and a decrease in precipitation; these climate change hazards require long-term sustainability planning to guide strategic implementation.” To ensure that the plan reflects a sustainable and achievable vision, the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning is renewing the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan for the decade ahead. The revised plan will guide the coordination and implementation of Hawaiʻi’s sustainability and climate adaptation goals, principles, and policies (per Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §226-65). It will also provide recommendations for a sustainable and resilient economic recovery for Hawaiʻi. The public is invited to participate to learn about the Plan and contribute to its revision process. “This is an opportunity to integrate our local communities’ vision into the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan and provide recommended actions to guide Hawaiʻi’s sustainable economic recovery,” said Mike McCartney, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. “The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we live and work, and Hawaiʻi’s economic recovery must reflect these changes while incorporating our sustainability goals for a resilient future.” The virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions will provide opportunities for on-line participants to share their perspectives on Hawaiʻi’s ongoing sustainability and climate change initiatives, both local and statewide. These virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions will provide information on the update process and planned improvements as well as solicit feedback regarding ongoing sustainability and climate change initiatives, gaps in existing policies and efforts, and recommended actions that the government, organizations, communities, and individuals can take to achieve the plan’s goals over the next 10 years. “We look forward to hearing how the community envisions the future of Hawaiʻi. Your manaʻo and experience can help shape Hawaiʻi’s future through this renewal of the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan,” said Danielle Bass, State Sustainability Coordinator. “The United Nations aptly named this decade --spanning between 2020 and 2030-- as the ‘Decade of Action,’ the revised Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan will align with this momentum and provide recommendations for the next 10 years to achieve a sustainable and climate resilient future for our islands.” The virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions will be separated into comprehensive and topic-focused categories and will be held on the following dates: Comprehensive Virtual Information Sharing Sessions Friday, September 25, 12:00 Noon — 1:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvcuqprjMtE9U1fKZtSr6aqMQbkSnN3RfF Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 am — 11:30 am https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkcOCvrTgoGtaSGx0a_F2muDhO4cBxCebq Tuesday, October 13, 2:00 pm — 3:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIuc-6grD4sEtUxZzQG7q_Etbfp9bnwij-W Tuesday, October 27, 7:00 pm — 8:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtdeqtrD0jGtIG1CbR3H_xSgQcn8Ul9avZ Topic-Focused Virtual Information Sharing Sessions Climate Action & Resilience: Friday, October 2, 9:00 am — 10:30 am https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMldOyvrj8uG9VDXrHu9lW10wd9Lv7K2WHg Natural Environment: Monday, October 5, 1:00 pm — 2:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqcOigpzIrGtTuCqiVhf1PSdISD0Ecmceg Rural Livelihoods & Traditional Customary Practices: Friday, October 9, 11:00 am — 12:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvcumsrDgtE9Tzk5bcCJuHtmZiaNDTMRde Social Stability & Human Health: Friday, October 16, 1:00 pm — 2:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUoduGuqjwqHtV88pwklS9fhoe4d9WiO2RX Urban Communities & The Built Environment: Wednesday, October 28, 3:00 pm — 4:30 pm https://icfi.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctce6tqj0tHdadQUyjt-qb0g7Wmdyw82s3 Public involvement will help to keep the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan priorities timely and relevant. If you cannot participate in the virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions but would like to contribute to the plan update, a survey is also available to solicit initial feedback through a short online survey, which will be open until September 23, 2020: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaii2050. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Danielle M. M. Bass, Office of Planning, at Danielle.m.bass@hawaii.gov, allowing one week for accommodations. The State Office of Planning thanks all on-line participants for their time and manaʻo.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health issued a comprehensive, 28-page guidance document for all schools today to ensure the education of Hawaiʻi’s youth during the pandemic continues with minimal disruption and risk to students, teachers and staff. The guidance includes metrics school leaders will be able to use when determining how best to respond to changing conditions within their communities. “Our guidance is based on mitigation strategies promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approaches to school reopening that have been implemented in other states,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, acting state epidemiologist, who spearheaded the development of the document. “We recognize one size does not fit all, so instead of blanket statewide guidance, we developed a regional approach because disease transmission rates can differ on each island. This empowers school leaders to be responsive in the context of what is happening in their community.” Schools may choose from among three different learning models: learning from home in which students and teachers engage in virtual classes only, traditional in-person learning in the classroom, or a hybrid blended learning model that combines both home learning and in-person classroom learning. The learning model is based on community transmission levels with different thresholds established for elementary and secondary students. This metric is the number of positive COVID-19 cases per 10,000 over a 14-day period by island. The Department of Health updates this metric every other week and posts this on its website: https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii/ It is important to note this metric is different from the number of cases by county or the number of year-to-date cases by county that are also reported by the health department through daily updates. For example, Oʻahu, which has a population of 974,563, had a total of 1,937 cases from September 1 to 14. This translates to 19.9 cases per 10,000 for Oʻahu for that 14-day period. Based on the community transmission thresholds, both elementary and secondary schools should consider adopting a blended learning model. In addition to community transmission levels, schools must also assess their preparedness and capacity to execute mitigation strategies. This includes implementing and enforcing physical distancing, providing face masks and face shields for all student support personnel, establishing cohorts or small groups of students and staff that remain together with limited mixing between groups, planning for students or staff who become sick at school, promoting appropriate hygiene, establishing a cleaning and disinfection schedule for high-touch surfaces, identifying a school COVID-19 program coordinator, limiting non-essential visitors at the school, and a communication plan when there is a positive case in the school. The full guidance can be found at https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/files/2020/09/COVID-19-Guidance-for-Schools-UPDATE-with-Appendix-091620.pdf. The metrics are posted at https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii/ (scroll to the bottom of the page). Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/hawaii-department-of-health-issues-school-guidance-to-protect-the-health-of-students-teachers-and-staff/