LIVE Stream: Maui Police Update on Law Enforcement Response During COVID-19

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The Maui Police Department held a Joint Law Enforcement Agency press conference at around 12 p.m. today, Saturday, March 21, 2020. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu provided information regarding law enforcement response in Maui County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 positive cases rose to 48 on Saturday afternoon with confirmation from the state Department of Health that there are 11 news cases including seven more on Oʻahu, and two more cases each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Maui’s new total is now 7 positive.

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu held the briefing in an attempt to familiarize the public with the type of uniforms police are wearing and reassure the public that the department is operating with extra precautions in place.

“We decided to come together because there will be an impact on our personnel.  As we deploy our personnel to serve our community, we know we will come into contact with persons under investigation…  Our role is we will respond and actively patrol our streets.  Right now we know there is uncertainty in our community.  We will make sure that we’re there to support them–to reassure them that we are here to help,” said Chief Faaumu.

Mayor Victorino said COVID-19 testing is currently available on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.  Those seeking help for symptoms are asked to call their provider or doctor and make sure they answer screening questions before coming in. Maui, received an additional 200 kits, on top of the ones that were provided at an earlier date, and is on track to open a drive through testing location at the War Memorial Gymnasium parking lot on Monday.

Governor David Ige will also provide updates in an afternoon press conference set to start at 3 p.m.