A 20-year-old woman from Birmingham, Alabama was arrested this morning by Special Agents from the Investigations Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General. Anne S. Salamanca arrived in Honolulu on July 6, and four days later, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) learned she was out in public breaking the State’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. HTA informed the AG Special Agents, who were provided videos showing her dancing in a store and out dining with companions. KITV reported yesterday that Salamanca has millions of social media followers and claimed in a video that a law enforcement officer told her that if she had proof of a negative COVID-19 test, it was okay for her to escape quarantine. Attorney General Clare E. Connors said, “None of my investigators would convey that information, as it is incorrect.The fact Ms. Salamanca has so many followers makes her actions that much more dangerous and concerning. The spread of misinformation can have very severe consequences during an emergency situation like we are in now.” Yesterday, an anonymous caller identified the store where she was shown dancing. Special Agents contacted the retail establishment, which confirmed the report of her dancing there two days into her required quarantine period. Salamanca was arrested in Waipahu and booked. Relatives bailed her out of jail after posting $2,000 on her behalf. She is the 24th person on O‘ahu arrested by the Dept. of the Attorney General for violating the travel self-quarantine order.

After a record number of new coronavirus cases on Thursday, today the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH) is reporting another single-day record of 60 new COVID-19 infections. The majority of the cases, like yesterday, are on the island of O‘ahu (58), with one case on Maui, and the other one is a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed out of state. State Health Director Bruce Anderson said, “We’re concerned that this relatively high level of cases is persisting on Oahu. Some of the cases we’re reporting today are associated with existing clusters, known cases and household spread, but others are new, unassociated cases that indicate increasing community spread. In contact tracing, we continue to identify cases connected with gatherings or just hanging out with close friends. Until we all recognize the importance of physically distancing from people outside of their households and wearing masks, we face the prospect of even higher numbers.” “DOH is bringing on additional contact tracers to assist with case investigations and contact tracing,” said Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist. “As we have over 400 contact tracers now trained to augment existing staff resources, we have sufficient reserves for that purpose. Nevertheless, contact tracing and testing alone will not control the spread of COVID-19. Everyone needs to adhere to the safe distancing recommendations and wear masks when near others. That is the only way we as a community are going to prevent the spread of this very infectious disease,” said Park. For more information, please visit www.hawaiicovid19.com

The Department of Water Supply advises all customers to conserve water in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Douglas, which is forecast to bring strong winds, flash flooding and high surf this weekend. The adverse weather could disrupt electrical power to pumps and motors that keep water flowing through the County’s domestic water system. Customers should store drinking water now for use during the storm in the event water service is shut off. In general, consumers should ensure a safe supply of water for emergency use by storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for 14 days, and some water on hand for pets. Water and wastewater systems may be compromised if electricity cannot be supplied to power pumps and motors in the County’s distribution and transmission systems. In the event of a power outage, the Department of Water Supply may shut off valves and isolate tanks to reduce risk of damage and water loss. If this occurs, water will be restored as soon as it is safe for personnel to go out and open lines and flush them, if necessary. All irrigation systems and other non-essential uses of water should be discontinued until further notice. Unnecessary use of the wastewater system should also be minimized. Customers should monitor County updates and call the 24-hour service line (270-7633) only if a water problem occurs. Storm preparation tips are available at this direct link: https://www.mauicounty.gov/260/Hurricane-Preparedness-and-Safety-Info

Gov. David Ige today issued a pre-landfall emergency proclamation as the State of Hawai‘i prepares for possible impacts from Hurricane Douglas. The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state funds for the quick and efficient relief of disaster-related damage, losses and suffering that may result from the storm. “Our top priority is always the safety, health and well-being of our residents and visitors. Please take immediate steps to protect your families, loved ones, employees and property. We ask everyone to closely follow emergency instructions as we prepare for Hurricane Douglas,” said Gov. Ige. The disaster emergency relief period begins immediately and continues through July 31, 2020. For the latest information from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) please go to: http://www.ready.hawaii.gov Twitter: @Hawaii_EMA Facebook: @HawaiiEMA Instagram: Hawaii_EMA YouTube: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Linkedin: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has released the 2020 affordable housing income limits. They serve as guidelines in qualifying purchasers and renters for affordable units as required under various city programs. The affordable housing income limits are based on the median family income (MFI) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This year, HUD determined that the city’s MFI is $101,600, an increase of 2.6 percent from last year’s $99,000. Income limits increased by an average of 4.5 percent, while rental rates increased an average 4 percent. The DPP translates the HUD MFI to determine rental guidelines for various income groups and household sizes in Honolulu. For example, the limit for a household of four at the median level (100 percent) in 2020 is $125,850, up from last year’s $120,500. The maximum monthly rent for this household is $2,975 for a two-bedroom unit, according to DPP calculations. A complete list of the 2020 affordable housing income limits and maximum rents by income groups and household size is available at https://bit.ly/2OSFfGw.

Mayor Michael Victorino is asking County Council Chair Alice Lee and members of the Maui County Council to reopen their 8th-floor Council Chamber for public testimony. “I urge Council Chair Alice Lee and the County Council to reopen the Council Chamber for in-person public testimony,” Mayor Victorino said. “While they have provided video conferencing as an option for public testimony, there have been technical glitches such as dropped calls and disconnections. We all need to work together to support our communities with more transparency and greater effort to ensure our people are given a fair opportunity to be heard.” “The Kalana O Maui Building reopened June 22,” Mayor Victorino said. “We have safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include directions for physical distancing, readily available hand sanitizers and a requirement to wear face masks. These protect our employees and members of the public and allow for direct, in-person customer service.”

Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami has signed the second supplementary emergency proclamation on July 23, 2020, for the County of Kaua‘i as a result from severe storms and flooding during the March 2020 rain event on March 27-28, 2020. The second supplementary emergency proclamation further declares the provisions of the previous emergency proclamation. The disaster emergency relief period shall now continue until terminated 60 days after July 23, 2020, or by a separate proclamation – whichever comes first. The purpose of the emergency proclamation is to provide continued relief for disaster damages, losses, and suffering, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Kaua‘i residents and visitors. To view a copy of the second supplementary emergency proclamation and previous emergency proclamations, visit www.kauai.gov/kema.

WOMEN'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS BILLS SENT TO GOVERNOR IGE Measures address harassment in the workplace and domestic violence Several bills supported by the bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC) were passed by the Legislature this session and have now been sent to Governor David Ige for his signature. The bills focus on harassment in the workplace and domestic violence. The caucus had a larger package of bills at the beginning of the 2020 session, which addressed economic and family concerns, but due to the coronavirus pandemic many important bills were deferred until next year. "I'm thankful that we were able to pass several important Women’s Legislative Caucus bills during this abbreviated session," said Representative Linda Ichiyama (District 32, Moanalua Valley, Salt Lake, Āliamanu). "These bills will help protect domestic violence survivors and support safer working environments for everyone." HB 2054 HD1 SD1 prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to enter into a nondisclosure agreement related to sexual harassment or assault, it also prohibits retaliation against an employee for disclosing sexual harassment or assault. This will help to break the silence that protects perpetrators and keeps victims in the dark. HB 2060 HD1 SD1 provides that family courts may seal any record of a denied TRO or denied protective order; provided that these records shall remain accessible to law enforcement without a court order. Domestic violence perpetrators often file TROs against a victim as a method of retaliation or intimidation. Even though the TRO is ultimately denied, the victim still has it on her record, making it difficult to apply for jobs or housing. This bill would seal those records and help survivors make a new start for themselves. SB 2638 SD2 HD3 helps to ease court congestion of domestic violence cases and ensure consequences for batterers by establishing a petty misdemeanor offense of abuse of family or household members and allowing a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor abuse of family or household members offenses, provided that the defendant completes domestic violence intervention programs. It also makes consistent the types of documents accepted as proof of domestic or sexual violence victim status across various statutes so that a victim does not have to meet different standards. Finally, although not part of the Women’s Legislative Caucus package, the Caucus also supported HB2425 HD1 SD1, introduced by Representative David Tarnas (District 7, North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala), which amends the definition of "domestic abuse" under Hawaiʻi’s insurance laws and restraining order statute to include “coercive control.” Many domestic violence victims face not only physical abuse but also emotional and psychological injury as well. This brings the statutory definition closer to the lived experience of victims. "We are seeing a steady stream of requests for help from victims, who have followed the stay-at-home directive. This demand is a direct result of the pandemic," said Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC). "As in past years, we worked closely with the WLC on measures that will help survivors and meet their needs. We appreciate the Legislature’s support and their recognition of the challenges facing domestic violence victims and their families during these difficult times." “The four bills addressing workplace safety and domestic violence on the Governor’s desk are particularly important to help protect women in these very trying times," said Senator Rosalyn H. Baker (District 6, South and West Maui). "The Women’s Legislative Caucus champions bills that lift up women and seek to protect our vulnerable community members. We congratulate all in the community, including organizations that help victims of domestic violence heal, for working with us and our male colleagues to pass these important bills." If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, help is available 24/7 from DVAC: text to (605) 956-5680 or chat online at www.domesticviolenceactioncenter.org. The Women’s Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan group of all the female members in the State House and Senate, advocating for women, girls, and families in Hawaiʻi. WLC Co-Conveners for 2019-2020 are Senators Rosalyn H. Baker and Laura H. Thielen and Representatives Lauren Matsumoto and Linda Ichiyama.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies Oahu motorists that construction crews will be installing two multi-purpose poles for Intelligent Transportation Systems devices on Farrington Highway in the areas of Laaloa Street and Kalaeloa Boulevard to collect data and determine travel times through this main corridor. A single right lane closure will be in place on Farrington Highway in the eastbound direction between Waiomea Street and Kalaeloa Boulevard on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, through Thursday, July 30, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the setting of the concrete shafts for the equipment installations. In the event of bad weather conditions, roadwork may be scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 8. HDOT advises motorists to plan ahead and to drive with caution when traveling through the area. Electronic message boards will be in place to provide motorists with advance notice of the closure. Special Duty Police Officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and safety procedures. To view weekly lane closure updates, please visit our roadwork page on our HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/.

Today marks 17 weeks since the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started for all passengers arriving in Hawaii from out of state. Yesterday, 2,360 people arrived in Hawaii. During this same time last year approximately 35,000 passengers arrived in Hawaii daily, including residents and visitors. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel. This data was collected from the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Mandatory Travel Declaration Form. For Hawaii Tourism Authority and state updates regarding COVID-19 visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) encourages travelers to stay informed as Hurricane Douglas approaches the state. Residents and visitors should continue to monitor current conditions through updates from the National Weather Service and media outlets. HDOT is in communication with Federal, State, and County officials to coordinate preparation for the potential effects of Douglas. Updates on any actions or closures for airports, harbors, or highways related to severe weather will be posted on the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/ and social media accounts https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ and https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii As a reminder, storm readiness actions and traveler tips for airports, harbors, and highways are: Airports In general, State of Hawaii airports will remain open during weather events unless there is damage to the runway or terminal facilities; however, the Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keahole may restrict passenger boarding and deplaning during high winds or heavy rains. Airport managers have required emergency preparedness measures and will adjust their readiness posture should storm conditions develop in their area. Air travelers with confirmed tickets for travel into or out of Hawaii airports are encouraged to check with their airline for potential flight delays, cancellations, or travel waivers. Harbors HDOT Harbors Division coordinates with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regarding port readiness for heavy weather events. The USCG Captain of the Port sets port condition protocols (i.e., Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, and Zulu) based on changing weather conditions prior to storm impacts. Commercial ports for Maui and Hawaii County were set at Port Condition Whiskey as of 8 a.m., Thursday, July 23 Commercial vessels requesting to remain or enter the port are required to submit their mooring plans to the USCG and to the respective commercial harbor master with HDOT Harbors. The Harbor Master Notice providing instructions and forms can be obtained at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/harbors/hurricane-preparedness/ With over 98-percent of all imported goods being shipped through Hawaii’s ports, all ports will remain open and operational for as long as safely possible ahead of a storm making landfall to ensure the greatest amount of delivery of goods to the community. Highways HDOT Highways Division prestaging procedures include checking drainage systems along state routes to ensure they are clear prior to rain impacts; notifying crews of possible emergency call outs and procedures; securing of state base yards; and, topping off equipment and generators. Notification is also made to contractors working on state highways to prepare to remove BMPs and secure work areas. General storm preparedness advice for motorists includes: Keep your gas tank at least half-full in case you need to evacuate or move to higher ground. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and use your headlights if you are driving in rainy conditions. Turning on your headlights increases your visibility and helps make other drivers aware of you. Do not drive through fast moving water or water of indeterminable depth. You could stall out your car or your vehicle could be washed away. As little as 24-inches of moving water could possibly wash away a vehicle. Do not drive in high winds, especially in high profile vehicles as you risk your vehicle being pushed by winds or rolled over. After a hurricane or wind event, be cautious on the road as debris and live electrical lines could cause damage to you and your vehicle. Do not ever try to move a downed line yourself.

50 cases in Honolulu, three (3) on Hawai‘i Island, and two (2) on Maui comprise today’s COVID-19 case count of 55 new positive cases. This is the highest number of cases reported on a single day, since the Dept. of Health (DOH) began tracking cases in late February. The previous highest one-day count was on July 11, with 42 cases. Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “These cases represent people from all walks of life and varied professions, indicating the apparent challenges of maintaining safe practices is widespread across the state.” Anderson also extended condolences to the family and friends of the 26th person to succumb to coronavirus, an elderly O‘ahu woman. Her death was reported to DOH late Wednesday. DOH continues to track and investigate numerous clusters. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park echoed Anderson’s comments, “Most cases are occurring as a result of people socializing and getting together either with work colleagues, extended family, or friends in multiple type of settings—without wearing face coverings or distancing. I continue to hope all in our community will maintain safe practices, but unfortunately the persistence of new cases would argue against that.” The safe practices that everyone should know about and be practicing consistently are: Physical distancing of six-feet or more when around anyone outside your own household Wear masks when in public and/or unable to physical distance Frequent hand washing Stay home when sick “Regrettably,” Dr. Park added, “many of the cases we’ve seen in recent weeks suggest that one or more of the safe practices were not being followed by individuals or groups of people. Hawaii has done better and can do better; we all need to remember to maintain the safe practices in this COVID world.” Both Dr. Anderson and Dr. Park continue to consult with and advise Governor Ige and his leadership team on the nexus between the public health crisis and the need to restore Hawai‘i’s economy as quickly as possible. “Unfortunately, if we can’t get these numbers headed in the right direction, we may be facing the re-implementation of restrictions. No one wants that to happen and this is why it is so critical that everyone does their part, every day, everyplace in practicing safety for the sake of the health of all in Hawai‘i,” Anderson concluded.