The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today a modification to school reopening plans for all Oahu public schools to align with the new safeguards and restrictions prompted by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases on the island. Starting on Aug. 17, all Oahu public schools will be implementing full distance learning models. Schools will use next week, Aug. 10-14, to train and prepare for this transition. HIDOE has designed three phases for Oahu schools: First phase, in-person training (Aug. 17-20): During the first week of school, students will physically return to campus on a coordinated and scheduled basis, determined by each individual school, to connect with their teacher, receive training on the distance learning platforms, and address issues with connectivity and access to technology. Special considerations will be given to vulnerable students and their families for more in-person access to the school and teachers. Starting on Aug. 17, Oahu cafeterias will be serving only grab-and-go meals; in-person dining will not be allowed. After-school programs will be suspended until students return to in-person blended learning models. Second phase, ready to learn (Aug. 24-Sept. 11): For the remainder of the four-week period, full distance learning will be implemented. Staff will report to their designated work sites for continued distance learning instruction. Special education services that cannot be provided in a distance learning format will be available in person. Supervised in-person learning labs at schools will be available for students who do not have WiFi access. Third phase, transition to blended learning (Sept. 14): HIDOE will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii State Department of Health to assess whether or not students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. If distance learning will continue for the remainder of the first quarter of school, an announcement will be made on Sept. 8. Aug. 17 remains the official start date for all HIDOE students. Neighbor island school reopening plans will continue as planned, with blended learning models. All HIDOE buildings will remain open for faculty and staff, and employees will be expected to follow all health and safety protocols. “It is our mission to ensure that all students in Hawaii have equitable access to a quality education, even amidst this pandemic,” said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “Learning must take place as we continue to safeguard our island community. Mahalo to our students, teachers, staff and school communities for their continued support and flexibility during these challenging times.” Earlier this week the Department announced the launch of the Ohana Help Desk to provide self-service and chat support for families experiencing issues connecting to HIDOE systems remotely from home. The help desk will be able to assist with connectivity-related issues (e.g. network and wifi connectivity), access and security issues, device support (e.g. devices, applications, software updates) and general IT support. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve or as new health guidance becomes available, HIDOE will continue to adjust its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan to ensure that a safe learning and working environment is provided for students, teachers and staff. Updates about the school year will continue to be posted on the Department’s website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn).

With the high number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state, the Hawai‘i Department of Health will be introducing new metrics to assist in decision-making and to better track and manage the disease with a higher degree of accountability, announced Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson. The new metrics will augment existing metrics to assess the impact of policy changes and as a way for policymakers and the public to track the course of the outbreak. The Department of Health will use these metrics to enhance the current dashboard to effectively evaluate the four pillars of the public health response: prevention, detection, containment and treatment. They will be updated daily or weekly, depending on the specific metric, and be posted on HawaiiCOVID19.com, the website created specifically for information on the pandemic for easier access and navigation. “The Department of Health has been monitoring most of these measures since the beginning of the pandemic, such as the response time for contact tracing and the percentage of laboratory results that are positive. We have also been closely monitoring hospital capacity, including the number of hospital beds that are filled with COVID patients on any given day, said Anderson. “The combination of all of these tools and evaluating them together will enable us to make better decisions,” said Anderson, noting the enhanced metrics were selected during meetings with district health officers and the counties led by Dr. PJanet Berreman, DOH’s Kaua‘i district health officer. “This is not just an academic exercise. The accessibility of this information on a public dashboard allows us to clearly see how well we are dealing with this pandemic, helps others understand why decisions are made, and holds all of us to a higher standard.” Prevention The prevention-related metrics will track disease activity in Hawai‘i compared with other states and monitor implementation and compliance with safe practices. This will include metrics relating to face mask compliance. Prevention will also focus on food establishment enforcement metrics, including the number of complaints received on food establishments and the number of red placards that are issued. Detection In addition to continuing to track the “epidemiological curve,” or cases per day over time by county and sources of exposure, detection-related metrics will include the number of tests completed and the percent of positive cases of those tested, and sources of exposure. Containment Metrics relating to containment will include the percent of positive cases and contacts who are interviewed within 24 hours, the number of individuals and capacity of isolation and quarantine facilities, and laboratory testing turn-around time. Treatment In collaboration with the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i and hospital partners, the DOH will continue to monitor hospital capacity, including acute care bed occupancy by day and county for COVID-19 positive cases, intensive care unit bed occupancy and ventilator use by COVID patients. These metrics are especially important now as the number of COVID-19 cases have continued to climb rapidly over the past few weeks in Hawai‘i and elsewhere in the country. The escalating disease rate may potentially require the state to resume tighter controls and restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. This will be especially important as Hawai‘i prepares for the opening of schools and, potentially, the welcoming of trans-Pacific travelers. PDF: Hawai‘i Department of Health announces new metrics to better track and manage the pandemic

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Air Branch (DOH) has issued Notices and Finding of Violation and Orders (NOVOs) against four companies. All those responsible have or had the option to request a hearing to contest their alleged violations and penalties. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company at Camp 10 Quarry Rd., Maui, was cited for not conducting their 2017 and 2018 annual source performance tests on its 400 tons per hour Mobile Crushing plant. The violations were determined from an inspection and record reviews. A fine of $9,900 has been issued. Jas W. Glover, Ltd., on Kaumuali‘i Highway at Halfway Bridge, Puhi, Kauai, was cited for exceeding their particulate matter permit limit on the asphalt batch plant. The drum mixer/dryer also exceeded its visible emission permit limit. The violations were self-reported, and the company was fined $8,800. Powerscreen of California, was cited for late submittals of numerous written reports such as compliance certifications, annual emission and semi-annual reports. The violations were discovered during reviews of their two air permits and resulted in fines of $6,200 and $3,660. The company is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Tom’s Backhoe & Excavation Co., Inc, in Kula, Maui was cited for late submittals of numerous written reports such as compliance certifications, annual emission and semi-annual reports. The violations were discovered during an inspection and record reviews of their air permit. The company has paid a fine of $12,700. The NOVOs are listed at: http://health.hawaii.gov/cab/clean-air-branch/notice-and-finding-of-violation-downloads-pdf/ In general, fines are assessed to remove any economic benefit a company may have gained by not complying with their permit requirements. All fines are paid into a revolving fund that helps prevent or minimize damage to the environment. The Clean Air Branch (CAB) protects the people and environment of Hawai‘i by monitoring air quality and regulating businesses that release pollutants into the air. The CAB reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality. Through the air permit process, the DOH ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public. PDF: Hawai‘i Department of Health cites four companies for air permit violations

Public may traverse parks to access ocean. Stand-alone comfort stations, outdoor showers, Koko Head Shooting Complex Following a continued surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths, Mayor Caldwell’s Emergency Order 2020-23 includes the closure of City parks, most park facilities, all campgrounds, Botanical Gardens, and Community Gardens from Saturday, August 8 through Friday, September 4, 2020. In accordance with that Emergency Order, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is additionally announcing: 1. The closure of parks includes the closure of the following park facilities: beaches, pools, playgrounds, courts, fields, exercise equipment, dog parks, skateparks, the Koko Crater Tramway, and People’s Open Markets. Additional information about archery ranges and parking lots is included below. 2. Stand-alone comfort stations, outdoor showers, and the Koko Head Shooting Complex will remain open following their regular schedule. Stand-alone comfort stations are outdoor bathroom facilities not attached to other park buildings (such as gymnasiums or recreation rooms). Archery ranges in other City park locations will be closed. 3. You may still traverse a park to access the ocean, but you may not remain in the park or on the beach. Fishing below the high-water mark is allowed, but groups are not allowed and physical distancing must be observed. You may not traverse a park for other exercise needs such as walking, jogging, running and bicycling. 4. The City parks closure includes closure of the park parking lots. However, park parking lots with primary election ballot drop boxes will remain open until late Saturday, Aug. 8 to allow for the ballots to be cast by the 7 p.m. deadline. Those parking lots include: Kahuku District Park, Kāneʻohe District Park, Neal S. Blaisdell Park, and Waiʻanae District Park. Please vote. 5. Lookout parking lots will be closed. This includes, but is not limited to, parking lots for Diamond Head, Lāna‘i, and Hālona Blowhole lookouts. 6. All park permits are cancelled during the closure (including permits for camping, outdoor team sports, picnics, and commercial activities). Refunds will be issued, but please be patient. 7. Fall DPR classes are cancelled. Please continue to wear your facial coverings and practice physical distancing. Accommodations concerning this announcement are available upon request to persons with disabilities. Please call (808) 768-3003 or send an email to parks@honolulu.gov for further information. Mahalo and stay healthy.

Mayor Michael Victorino released the following statement on Gov. David Ige’s announcement to reinstate the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine: "We appreciate the Governor for following our request and making the difficult decision to reinstate the mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers. As cases continue to rise exponentially on Oahu, bold actions need to be taken to protect our communities on the Neighbor Islands. We pray for our friends, family and loved ones on Oahu, and remain committed to support the Governor and other Counties on curbing the spread of COVID-19. I also want to remind everyone to do their part and know that we will get through this pandemic together."

Gov. David Ige announced today that the inter-island travel quarantine will be reinstated, in part, on Tuesday, Aug. 11. During an afternoon news conference, the governor said that he would reinstate the quarantine for all interisland travelers, although details were still being developed. However, after further discussions with Attorney General Clare Connors, Gov. Ige has decided that he will approve the inter-island travel quarantine only for travelers arriving on the islands of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Maui and Kalawao. The quarantine requirement applies to any person traveling to these islands and between these islands. It does not include inter-island travelers arriving on O‘ahu. The period of self-quarantine will begin immediately upon arrival and last 14 days or the duration of the person’s stay on the island, whichever is shorter. Gov. Ige signed the 11th emergency proclamation Friday, which reinstates a partial inter-island travel quarantine. The rules go into effect on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. The rollback was first announced Thursday, as O‘ahu continues to deal with a surge of COVID-19 cases due to large gatherings. The rules state quarantine will only be mandatory for passengers arriving in the counties of Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi and Kalawao (Molokai). The quarantine requirement applies to any person traveling to and between the islands in these counties. It does not include inter-island travelers arriving on O‘ahu. The period of self-quarantine will begin immediately upon arrival and last 14 days or the duration of the person’s stay on the island, whichever is shorter. Gov Ige. said, “I have been working closely with all of our county mayors and we agree that reinstating part of the inter-island travel quarantine is necessary and the right thing to do at this time. We must protect our neighbor island residents in light of the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases on O‘ahu.” It’s also important to note that these rules don’t change quarantine protocols already in place for travelers coming into Hawai‘i from out-of-state. The inter-island quarantine continues through Aug. 31 unless it is terminated or extended by a separate proclamation. The previous inter-island travel quarantine affecting all inter-island travelers took effect on Apr. 1 and was lifted on June 16. The proclamation can be viewed here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2008022-ATG_Eleventh-Proclamation-for-COVID-19-distribution-signed.pdf

The County of Kaua‘i is reminding residents of the new Kupuna hours at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the process for rescheduling appointments online for the general public. Kupuna hours were adjusted this week as the county returned to a normal five-day work schedule. Kupuna hours are now offered from 8-9 a.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, no appointments are necessary for those ages 65 and older, and Kupuna will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on the overwhelming popularity of this pilot program, Kupuna are advised to arrive early enough to be in the building by 7:45 a.m. in order to ensure service that day. Except road testing, all other DMV services will be offered to Kupuna during these dedicated hours. Updates to the DMV’s Kupuna hours will be announced as changes are needed. Additionally, to accommodate the new Kupuna hours and the county’s return to a five-day work schedule, officials needed to cancel some appointments that were previously booked between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. A notice went out to those individuals, but officials are reminding everyone with canceled appointments that they must reschedule a new appointment online. “Appointments can be made up to 60 days in advance through our online system,” said Finance Director Reiko Matsuyama. “While we are currently working hard to call everyone impacted by the scheduling change, we are experiencing a heavy backlog. Those still needing to make an appointment are advised to check our website daily for new available time slots. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we continue to follow safety measures that limit in-person contact, while serving the public to the best of our ability.” DMV services are available to the general public by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made online at https://kauaidmvappt.cxmflow.com/en/WizardAppt/Units. To access the link through the County of Kaua‘i website, visit www.kauai.gov and click on the “GetInLineOnline” icon. A list of required documents and answers to frequently asked questions can also be found on the county’s website. For Drivers’ Licensing, please visit www.kauai.gov/DriversLicense and for Motor Vehicle, please visit www.kauai.gov/MVR. Please be sure to bring all required documents to your scheduled appointment. The county DMV ensures that the health and safety of the community and their associates has been and remains their primary focus. As a reminder, social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and masks will be required for entry and service. For more information or questions, please contact the Drivers’ Licensing Division at 241-4242 or the Motor Vehicles Division at 241-4256.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises the public that the Kuhio Highway Southbound contraflow between Kapule Highway and the Kapaa Temporary Bypass Road will resume on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. This involves weekday operations only, Monday through Friday, from 5:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The Wailua-Kapaa corridor on Kuhio Highway is monitored daily for traffic and congestion. A recent rise in traffic volume along this stretch was the impetus for the change. HDOT will continue to observe the situation and reintroduce Saturday contraflow as traffic conditions warrant. Mahalo for your patience and kokua in this process. HDOT will continue to monitor the traffic flow in the area and make adjustments as necessary to ensure efficiency and public safety.

South Kohala District Court Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 A South Kohala District Court employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The case, which was reported Tuesday, is the only confirmed case of any Judiciary employee statewide. The individual was asymptomatic but took a COVID-19 test as a precautionary measure, unrelated to the person’s work at the Judiciary. The employee is at home self-isolating. All employees at the facility were directed to go home, self-quarantine, monitor their health, and seek advice of a medical provider, including the possibility of getting their own COVID-19 test. DOH will also help conduct contact-tracing. The courthouse, which is located in the Waimea Civic Center complex, remains closed. Arrangements are being made for the facility to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Once facility cleaning is complete, reopening of the courthouse will be pending staff availability. As a result of the closure, the Chief Justice issued an order extending the filing deadline for documents due on Aug. 4 in the South Kohala District Court. All documents due to have been filed on Aug. 4 shall be deemed to have been timely filed if they are filed by Aug. 5, 2020. In addition, all hearings or trials canceled due to the closure will be rescheduled to the next available date with due consideration for any statutory mandates. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/2020/08/south-kohala-district-court-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19

The Honolulu Medical Examiner reported the death of a Honolulu man to the Dept. of Health, who had tested positive for COVID-19. The man was in the 40 to 59-year-old age group and he had underlying medical conditions. An investigation into his cause of death continues, and it is recorded as the 27th COVID-19 death in Hawai‘i since the beginning of the pandemic. Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson stated, “We all extend our condolences to the family and friends of this man. Every death reminds us how very serious this disease is. Coronavirus can strike down anyone of any age. We can all protect each other and prevent more hospitalizations and deaths.” DOH is reporting another day of triple digit coronavirus diagnosis. 144 cases today, with 139 on O‘ahu and five (5) on Hawai‘i Island. The headlines demonstrate that this is not the time for anyone in Hawai‘i to be letting their guard down: These are some examples of clusters that are under investigation: 71 cases linked to a series of funeral events 6 cases linked to a hot yoga class 12 cases associated with a birthday party Multiple household & other clusters associated with social interactions The majority of new COVID-19 cases continue to be associated with community spread: 24 of today’s newly diagnosed cases and only two associated with travel, though the risk factor for 118 cases are still under investigation. www.hawaiicovid19.com