A new amendment to the Emergency Order Ho‘oulu i Honolulu 4.0, recently approved by Governor Ige, requires face coverings be worn by all persons within a fitness facility – employees, clients, guests, etc. – at all times. This would be the case unless one of the exceptions listed in Order 5 of the emergency order applies, for example; individuals with medical conditions or disabilities where wearing a face covering may pose a health or safety risk. Previously, the Fitness Facility had the discretion to allow the client/guest to remove the face covering if necessary to safely complete an activity. Fitness facilities must warn patrons to only perform exercises to the extent they can breathe comfortably while wearing a face covering and that exercise tolerance and ability will be hindered so patrons may need to alter their workout routine. “This is about keeping everyone safe, and showing our aloha by wearing face coverings,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “We want gyms to stay open, so people have somewhere to exercise and keep up with healthy practices during this pandemic. However, we’ve already seen that this virus can spread in environments where people are indoors exercising together. This is another way for us all to keep one another safe.”

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.

With the National Weather Service closely monitoring the oncoming category 3 Hurricane Douglas, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai’i. Hurricane Douglas is currently moving on a consistent track towards the islands and is projected to reach the Hawaiʻi island sometime Saturday night. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands, and Hurricane Douglas could bring significant impacts even if it doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai’i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) reminds residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies that should also include face masks and hand sanitizer since we will be simultaneously mitigating against the COVID-19 pandemic as well. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai’i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Luke Meyers, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” The COVID-19 pandemic also poses an additional challenge during a hurricane: the issue of shelter. “We’ll be managing both incidents at the same time, but we urge residents to take into account that due to the necessary physical distancing measures put into place by the pandemic, shelters will not be able to operate at their usual capacity. Occupancy in shelters will be lower,” said Meyers. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and just one storm can result in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It can also result in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai’i. With the possible shutdown of ports, goods and services could be weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. • Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. • Sign up for local notification alerts (i.e., HNL.INFO). • Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding of what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family intends to shelter in place or go to a friend’s or relative’s house. • Build an emergency kit containing up to 14 days of food, water, medicine and other personal hygiene including masks and hand sanitizers. • Assess and consider investing in flood insurance. • Consider retrofitting your house or investing in hurricane clips. Source: https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/hi-ema-reminds-residents-to-prepare-for-hurricane-douglas/

Office of the Governor: With Storm Approaching Governor Ige & HI-EMA Issue Hurricane Safety Reminders Gov. David Ige was joined by Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Luke Meyers on Tuesday for a Facebook live to talk about hurricane preparedness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Meyers pointed out that hurricane season runs from June 1 – Nov. 30 in the central pacific, and HI-EMA has been tracking a number of storms so far this year. While the peak for hurricanes usually occurs in late summer, Meyers said, “It only takes one storm to impact the islands, so we have to keep our guard up.” Meyers also highlighted six things residents should keep in mind this season to prepare: Know the hazards where you live, work, and play Sign up for weather alerts to stay up to date Develop an emergency plan with your family Build a 14-day emergency supply kit, this year including masks and hand sanitizer Consider hurricane or flood insurance if you’re in a high-risk area Consider structural mitigation like hurricane clips or shutters The Facebook live is part of a “community connection” feature the governor uses to keep residents updated with the State’s efforts and response to COVID-19. To re-watch the livestream:https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge/videos/681597089088014/ Department of Health: 25th COVID-19 Death is O‘ahu Man The Dept. of Health reports the death of an O‘ahu man, between 40-59 years-of-age as the state’s 25th death of a resident due to coronavirus. His death was reported late yesterday, and “all of Hawai‘i joins in extending condolences to the family and friends of this man, during this very difficult time,” said Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson. This is the fourth COVID-19 death in this age group and is the 18th on O‘ahu. There have been six (6) deaths among Maui residents, and one (1) Kaua‘i resident’s death which occurred out-of-state. Today, DOH reports 17 additional positive cases of COVID-19, all on O‘ahu. Hawai‘i COVID-19 Counts as of 12:00 noon, July 22, 2020 www.hawaiicovid19.com For more tables, charts and visualizations visit the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division:https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: June 2020 Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report Hawai‘i hotels across the state continued to report substantially lower revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and occupancy last month compared to June 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to HTA, statewide RevPAR in June 2020 decreased to $25 (-89.3%), ADR fell to $162 (-42.4%), and occupancy declined to 15.6 percent (-68.3 percentage points). To view the full report: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/4894/hta-june-2020-hawaii-hotels-performance-final_revised.pdf 2,208 Passengers Arrive on Tuesday Yesterday, a total of 2,208 people arrived in Hawai‘i including 493 visitors and 890 returning residents. There was a total of 27 arriving flights. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday but does not show interisland travel. University of Hawai‘i: UH Manoa COVID-19 Plan for Fall UH released more details on its Fall 2020 reopening plans Wednesday. The university sent a letter to students and staff reminding them its top priorities are the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff - while also committing to provide the best possible learning, teaching, and research experience for the campus community. All eight UH campuses have been working together on developing COVID-19 guidance going forward. Some of those plans include requiring face coverings when indoors, doing daily check-ins on a UH app or web form that monitors COVID-19 symptoms, and practicing physical distancing. The school says it’ll be easier to keep six feet apart from others since there will be fewer people on campus and more courses will be offered online. Teachers have also worked to reduce physical classroom and lab capacity by 50-percent. In total, 54-percent of students are anticipated to do online-only learning, 23-percent will be in person, and another 23-percent will be in a hybrid plan. There have also been slight changes to amenities on campus. Dining and food services will have modified seating and self-serve drink stations will no longer be available. Study areas like the Hamilton Library or the Sinclair Student Success Center as well as the Warrior Recreation Center will reopen, but you’ll have to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing rules. Custodial staff will continue disinfection measures and regularly clean high-touch surface areas such as elevator buttons, door handles, and faucets. UH has also set up a protocol for positive or suspected cases of COVID-19. All students and staff must self-report to University Health Services Mānoa when they are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19. The university will then help with quarantine or isolation, contact-tracing, communication, and facility disinfection. UH will also soon be launching an updated website with FAQ’s for students, faculty and staff, and campus visitors. To view more: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2020/07/22/uh-manoa-covid-19-plan-for-fall/ Department of Land and Natural Resources: Swimmers and Fishers Asked to Share Aloha After the lifting of certain restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people returned to Hawai‘i’s ocean waters. Akin to “playing well with others in the sandbox,” the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is encouraging swimmers and fishers to share aloha when in the water. Summer is the season for inshore fishing for ‘oama, pāpio, halalu, sardines, and a number of other fish species. Fishers go where the fish are, and this summer fish are showing up in places that haven’t usually been popular fishing sites. Some of these same places are also frequented by swimmers. “We’ve been seeing higher than usual fishing activity around the state, ever since April, when the governor allowed people to cross closed state beaches in order to fish,” said Brian Neilson, DAR administrator. “In a few locations, fishers and swimmers have been using the same areas, which can lead to potential conflicts.” See Ocean Playground is For All news release here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/07/22/nr20-104/

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is warning its licensees and the general public of scammers posing as state officials to intimidate potential victims into divulging personal information. In the latest scam attempt reported to the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) this week, a registered nurse received a phone call with the caller ID displaying the state office’s actual phone number. The caller pretended to be from the state Board of Nursing and told the nurse that she was under investigation before proceeding to request confirmation of personal information, including bank account information. A person claiming to be a police officer also spoke on the phone in the effort to intimidate the nurse. DCCA advises the public that before any telephone communication occurs, a professional or vocational licensee that is under investigation by the department would first be notified in writing from the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO). RICO will also never ask for private or sensitive information over the telephone. In addition, RICO does not employ police officers or use them for any part of its investigative work. Licensees can call 587-4272 to confirm if they are the subject of a formal RICO investigation. While in this recent instance the target was a nurse, it is likely that the caller could spoof another phone number and pretend to call from another state board in other attempts to scam different licensees. With any suspicious phone call, DCCA advises that a safe practice is to hang up before revealing any personal information and for the individual to initiate a return phone call by calling a number researched on their own, rather than relying on the caller ID, to ensure that they are speaking with the actual agency. Suspected scams may also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Hawai'i Passenger Arrivals by Air Report for July 22, 2020 provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority​: Yesterday, 2,208 people arrived in Hawaii. During this same time last year approximately 35,000 passengers arrived in Hawaii daily, including residents and visitors. The state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started on March 26th for all passengers arriving in Hawaii from out of state. 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/

On 7/22/2020, the Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 17 new positive cases on O‘ahu for a cumulative total of 1,435 cases statewide (reported since 2/28/2020). Of those cases, 11% have required hospitalization, and 1,339 (93%) were residents. A total of 108,813 individuals have been tested in the state. For more information visit https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/

Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued his COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 10, which clarifies the mandatory requirements for wearing face coverings while in public settings. The Rule spells out certain exempt instances such as health conditions in which face coverings are not required, while mandating that face coverings be worn in most circumstances while in public. Under the Rule, a business or organization may refuse to allow entry or service to a worker, customer, or patron that refuses to wear a face covering. “Wearing a face covering in public is so important,” said Mayor Harry Kim. “These coverings protect each other from possible infection from COVID-19.” Mayor Kim said that there is evidence that communities where wearing face coverings is widespread have lower rates of COVID-19 infection. “The more people understand that wearing a face covering is crucial, the sooner the virus will have fewer people to infect, and the sooner life can start to return to normal,” Mayor Kim said. “Everyone must wear a face covering in public as a matter of course to keep us all safe.” Social distancing is another key component that Rule No. 10 maintains.  Gatherings remain limited to 50 persons indoors and 100 person outdoors, with six feet of social distancing maintained between persons.

U.S. District Court Judge Jill A. Otake denied a motion today, for a preliminary injunction, from a South Carolina traveler who challenged the State of Hawai‘i’s current mandatory traveler quarantine. In a 25-page long ruling, Judge Otake pointed out that, “Like many states across the nation and countries around the world, Hawai‘i has issued a series of Emergency Proclamations to limit the spread of COVID–19, a novel severe acute respiratory illness with no known cure, no effective treatment, and no vaccine…Further complicating efforts to contain COVID-19 is the fact that individuals who are infected but asymptomatic . . . may unwittingly infect others.” The plaintiff, his wife, and two children arrived in Honolulu on July 9 and their mandatory 14-day quarantine is scheduled to end tomorrow. Plaintiff argued that, though he was aware of the quarantine rule before coming to Hawai‘i, it will cause the family to lose 40% of their 36-day long vacation. He was seeking $25,000 in punitive damages and $300.25 for each day they are subject to quarantine. The court’s decision notes that in a previous case (Carmichael), Governor Ige successfully demonstrated “that his Emergency Proclamations have a real or substantial relation to the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Furthermore Judge Otake writes, “The jump in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Hawai‘i since the issuance of the Carmichael order lends further support to the quarantine. And the alarming resurgence of cases on the mainland, both before and after the Court issued Carmichael only buttresses Defendant Ige’s position here.”

Yesterday, 2,703 people arrived in Hawai'i. During this same time last year approximately 35,000 passengers arrived in Hawai'i daily, including residents and visitors. The state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started on March 26th for all passengers arriving in Hawai'i from out of state. 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 Hawai'i Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Mandatory Travel Declaration Form.

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. continues accepting applications for the Hawaii Emergency Laulima Partnership (H.E.L.P.) program. Through June 30, MEO received 5,690 applications and approved 4,361 for financial assistance through the program, for a total of $1.9 million in assistance. The County of Maui has now allocated $5 million in general funds for the H.E.L.P. program, up from the initial $2 million when the program was launched. The program provided assistance to 11,775 individuals through the end of June. “This program is helping our working families impacted by COVID-19 with essentials such as rent, food and utilities,” Mayor Victorino said. “This support helps our residents until they can safely return to work.” The H.E.L.P. program provides financial assistance for Maui County residents to bridge the gap created by layoffs and reduction in work hours resulting in loss of income due to COVID-19. Assistance may be used for food, personal hygiene, medicine, rent, mortgage, utility payments, phone or Internet service, insurance or other essentials. Most of the assistance has been for food, with 4,574 applications for nutrition assistance, followed by utilities, 1,385 applications; and rent/mortgage, 878 applications. MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe said: “The response has been overwhelming as the need is great. There are so many individuals applying for HELP that have never had to utilize any type of assistance in the past. They are grateful. When talking to recipients, you hear a sense of panic, and then a sigh of relief when we tell them assistance is on the way.” Individuals who need assistance can still apply online at www.meoinc.org. The application form and instructions are available on MEO’s home page, along with an online tutorial. Applicants are asked to submit all of the required supporting documents. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: Only one individual per household may receive assistance. A qualified individual shall not possess more than $5,000 in liquid assets. A household shall be designated based on its most current tax filing. A household shall not apply for assistance more than once in a 30-day period. Beginning July 1, the maximum assistance in a 30-day period has increased to: Family of 1-2, $500 Family of 3-4, $750 Family of 5-6, $1,000 Family of 7-plus, $1,250 Individuals who’ve already received assistance may apply for additional assistance on MEO’s home page at meoinc.org. Additional documentation is not needed for applicants who’ve already received assistance, except for a copy of a bill to be paid or for food vouchers. Applications can be submitted online or at one of the secured drop boxes located at: Front parking lot of the MEO office at 99 Mahalani Street, Wailuku Front entrance of the Kalana O Maui (County) Building in Wailuku Molokai and Lanai community members may submit applications online or at their local MEO office: Molokai: 380 Kolapa Place, Kaunakakai Lanai: 1144 Ilima #102, Lanai City For more information, email information@meoinc.org or call 249-2990.

State Moves Forward with Reopening of Public Schools on Aug. 4 Governor and DOH support HIDOE’s “Return to Learn” plan as part of phased approach or Hawaii’s recovery During a joint news conference this afternoon, Governor David Ige, Hawai‘i State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, Board of Education (BOE) Chairperson Catherine Payne, and Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto confirmed the state’s plans to move ahead with school reopening for students on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Teachers return on Wednesday, July 29. Ige cited the state’s decision to push back the pre-travel testing program to Sept. 1 as one of the reasons to move forward with HIDOE’s reopening date, stating, “We do not want to reopen our schools and receive more travelers simultaneously. A phased approach will help ensure a safe return for our students and minimize other factors that could lead to the spread of COVID-19 that we have been able to carefully manage so far.” “The Department of Health has been working closely with the DOE on ensuring the safe reopening of schools,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We will continue to work with the DOE in assisting them to ensure their staff are fully informed, response plans are in place, and safe practices and reporting protocols are ready prior to the opening of schools.” State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said, “The planning process has followed CDC recommendations and DOH guidance on ohana bubbles, masking, and distancing variations by age. These measures will not completely eliminate possible cases, but they will reduce the risk to students and control the spread of illness in schools.” To minimize the spread of COVID-19, DOH has advised HIDOE to use a symptom screening checklist for staff and students, which is included in HIDOE’s Return to Learn Health and Safety Handbook. The guidance reads as follows: Help stop the spread of illness by interviewing and visually inspecting all individuals (from at least six feet away) using the following symptom checklist: feverish or unusually warm (has flushed cheeks) coughing/sneezing sore throat shortness of breath/difficulty breathing headache/stomachache/nausea muscle pain/unusual fatigue new loss of taste or smell “The importance of our students’ mental health cannot be lost in this conversation. The Department’s distance learning survey findings made clear that parents have had great concern about their children’s social emotional well-being during these extended school closures,” added BOE Chairperson Catherine Payne. “School closures have caused major disruptions to learning and development, exacerbating pre-existing issues of access and equity. Last school year, our students lost 46 in-person instructional days, and each additional day will only increase the learning gaps for our students.” As the situation evolves or as new health and safety guidance becomes available, the State will adjust plans to ensure that a safe learning and working environment is provided for students, teachers, and staff. For more information about HIDOE’s Return to Learn plan: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/school-year-2020-21.aspx