Governor Ige Announces Statewide Stay-At-Home Order

Governor David Ige this afternoon issued a statewide Stay At Home Order that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning, March 25, and remain in effect until April 30th.

The announcement comes on the heels of similar Stay-At-Home orders announced yesterday on Maui and on Oʻahu.

Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kaua‘i) made the following statement this afternoon, saying he strongly supports Governor Ige’s decision to issue this stay-at-home order.   “It is critical that we act now to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community from this disease. This action is a huge sacrifice that we could have never imagined a year ago, but we must face this challenge. All of us working together can stem the tide of COVID-19. I thank the Governor for implementing our recommendation for the stay-at-home order,” he said.

As of noon on Monday, March 23, 2020, there is a total of 77 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. New positive results were received today for 16 individuals–including 12 more cases on O‘ahu bringing that island total to 53, two more cases on Maui brining the Valley Isle total to 11, and two more Hawai‘i Island cases for a total of 5 on the Big Island.  Kaua‘i’s case load remains at 3.  Health officials note that further information is still pending of five of the new cases.

“The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and requires aggressive action,” said Ige. “I have been in discussions with our county mayors who are developing their own plans to meet the unique needs of their counties. We also agree that a statewide order is necessary for cohesion and consistency.” 

To ensure that the state continues to provide essential, core services, there are exemptions in the following categories: Healthcare services, grocery stores and pharmacies, food production and farming, public and private schools, restaurants offering take-out services, hotels and motels, construction, and essential government functions.

In turn, residents can leave their homes for various needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine and gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, and those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawai‘i, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals and any other related services, and outdoor exercise – including surfing, swimming and walking pets.

Non-compliance would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or up to one year in jail, or both. 

For questions about exemptions, email CovidExemption@hawaii.gov.

Those who would like to volunteer ideas or resources to assist in the response effort should email CovidKokua@hawaii.gov. 

Gov. Ige also announced the state is extending tax deadlines for the Hawai‘i 2019 individual and corporate income tax filing and payments. The deadline is extended from April 20 to July 20.

Taxpayers do not need to take any action to participate in the tax relief program. The department is making necessary system changes to include the new dates. However, taxpayers expecting a refund for tax year 2019 should file as soon as possible.