Maui Mayor Victorino Issues Open Letter to Residents Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Together, we are facing an unprecedented emergency in Maui County with the spread of COVID-19.  With many canceled events, changed work schedules, and closed businesses, the coming weeks are uncertain.  Everyone in our community is feeling the stress of the unknown and it brings many challenges for us all.

However, despite all the cancellations and changes in our daily lives, we must all remember one thing: ALOHA is not canceled.

I asked the Governor to take steps to stop visitors from entering Maui County to limit spreading this virus. The Governor announced today that travelers will be mandated to self-quarantine upon arrival to our islands. As Mayor, I don’t have the ability to stop incoming flights or mandate stricter quarantine measures for visitors and returning residents. The power we do have – which is shared by everyone in our community – is in our own actions and how we treat others.

For visitors, this means STRICTLY obeying quarantine and public health emergency rules. Once the quarantine takes effect, do not leave your accommodations for 14 days. Do not trespass or take roads that are restricted to only local residents in the area. All tourist attractions and activities are CLOSED.  Please understand that our residents are parents, grandparents, children, siblings, aunties and uncles, just like yours back home. Spreading the virus here means putting our kupuna – our seniors and grandparents, at risk. Think about how you would like to be treated in your own home, filled with your family and loved ones.

Here is an overview of current guidance and rules for all our residents and visitors:

PUBLIC GUIDANCE:

• Stay home as much as possible
• NO social gatherings of more than 10 people; please reconsider large family gatherings in your home.
• DO NOT hoard supplies

COUNTY CLOSURES:

• All County Beach Parks will close starting Monday, March 23
• All County Offices will be closed to the public starting Monday, March 23
• Waiehu Golf Course will close starting Monday, March 23
• All County Parks facilities are currently closed

OTHER CLOSURES:

• Bars
• Nighclubs
• Theaters
• Tourist Attractions
• Venues with large gatherings

NOTE: Takeout and Delivery ONLY for Restaurants and Cafes

CRITICAL SERVICES AND OPERATIONS REMAIN OPEN:

• Maui Police Department
• Maui Fire Department
• American Medical Response
• Healthcare Services
• Pharmaceutical Supply
• Food Supply and Agricultural Operations
• Financial Services

ALL OTHER BUSINESSES:

• Follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing measures and limited gatherings.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Law enforcement is taking a compassionate and common sense approach.
• Please obey all law enforcement.

We understand that these rules do not cover every single situation, but please use this as a guide and make social distancing for health and safety your top priority.

Please know that this situation is changing by the minute.  Stay up to date and follow any guidance from the County, State and Federal level as it is updated. We will do our very best to keep you informed.

This is Maui County. We are strong and come together for those in need. Social distancing measures and the 10 people or less rule may keep us apart physically, but it is in these moments where we grow stronger together.

We cannot stop or “cancel” our compassion, understanding and aloha for our family, friends and neighbors.