Mayor Update: Considers Designating Maui Quarantine Hotel for Arriving Residents

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provided an update as the County transitions to a stay-at-home order, in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and prevent an overburdened hospital system.

In an afternoon press conference, Mayor Victorino provided specifics on what’s open and closed, and announced a new Mayor’s Office Call Center.  The center will be available Wednesday and Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Thursday (Prince Kūhiō Day), Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 270-7855.

Mayor Victorino also discussed the possibility of designating a portion of a hotel property where returning residents could carry out their 14-day quarantine.

The idea was unveiled during a morning radio interview on Tuesday and explained further in response to a question posed by The Maui News during his press conference later in the day.

“I believe that if we quarantine from the moment they get off the plane for 14 days, that will reduce any opportunity for the COVID-19 virus spreading here in Maui County,” said Mayor Victorino.

According to Mayor Victorino, details and implementation have yet to be finalized, but he said he has assurances that a facility will be made available to the County as of the 14th.

“There is a possibility–we’re working on it right now for a hotel to give us a large area (a separate quadrant) so that these people can be quarantined in place. Basic services will still be provided–like room and for meals and other issues.  We have a program that we’re putting together that hasn’t been finalized, but they would have the basic services and be quarantined in the room for 14 days,” said Mayor Victorino

“Hotel workers that will be a part of that–and we’re hoping to have some of our professionals to help monitor,” said Mayor Victorino, expressing a need for medical staff to check temperatures on site.

The county and state imposed stay-at-home orders go into effect just after midnight (at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020) and remain in effect until April 30, 2020.

Mayor Victorino noted that where there are discrepancies between the state and county orders, the more strict of the two for any given provision will be applied.

EMERGENCY RULES

• Very similar to Gov. David Ige’s proclamation.
• Where there is a conflict between County rules and Governor’s rules, follow the stricter rule. *Example: Governor allows gatherings of less than 10 people. MAUI DOES NOT.

• Household members can walk, run, or bike outside together.
• If you need groceries, have one person gather and return home. When they come home, they should disinfect before going inside.

NEW UPDATES

• Drop boxes will soon be available for all payments (i.e. refuse, water, property tax, vehicle registration).
• You can also mail payments, pay online, or pay at kiosks. All service fees are being waived.
• All County offices are closed to the public. Allows us to save our protective gear for our first responders.
• All Drivers Licenses and State IDs expiring March 23 through May 15 have an additional 90 days from expiration.
• Call Center at the Mayor’s Office to help answer questions:
• Call 270-7855 | Open Wednesday and Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Thursday (Prince Kūhiō Day), Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

YES 

• Outdoor activities: Solo or only with immediate household members
• Swimming, biking, running, walking, surfing
• Florists – yes, as related to funeral services
• Work from home (“tele-work”)
• Restaurants, food trucks: take-out, delivery
• County beach parks are closed. Other beaches are open.
  Practice social distancing from others.Leaving home for “essential activities”:
  • Tasks related to health and safety (visit doctor)
  • Food, pet food, and supplies necessary for staying at home
  • Outdoor exercise
  • Caring for family member in another household
  • Caring for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable personsTravel to conduct minimal basic operations of non-essential businesses: maintain inventory/grounds, security, payroll/employee benefits.

NO

• Golf courses – may conduct grounds maintenance but no play
• Group sports or activities, such as basketball, soccer, baseball
• Publicly accessible pools, hot tubs (e.g., on hotel or condo properties)
• Florists, for other than funeral services
• Hair and nail salons
• Dine-in restaurant service
• Bars, nightclubs, theaters, public gathering venues
• County parks, including beach parks

Leaving home for non-essential activities:
• Sightseeing
• Joy riding
• Social gatherings, such as baby luau, weddings, picnics

Leaving home for non-essential business purposes:
• Real estate salespersons showing properties, except for property management purposes

MAUI POLICE DEPARTMENT

Law enforcement and using compassion and best practices by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Enforcement Approach:
1. Educating public
2. Warnings & Reprimands
3. Citation
4. Arrest

Calls to dispatch should be for urgent matters.
• For questions about the rules, please see Mayor’s Office Call Center.

MAUI FIRE DEPARTMENT

• County Beach Parks are CLOSED; Beaches are OPEN
• Lifeguard Towers are CLOSED
• Ocean Safety Officers will be educating people on the beach and responding to emergency situations

PARKS AND RECREATION

• Portable toilets available at a number of locations. List is available on the County of Maui website
• More portable toilets to be added in the coming days
• Water is still on at parks for hand washing and cleanliness

TRANSPORTATION

• Public transportation is still operational.
• For essential travel only; practice social distancing where possible
• All cash purchases of bus passes must be done on the bus.
• Buses being sanitized multiple times a day.
• Wharf Cinema Center Management Office and Queen Kaahumanu Center Transit Hub Greeter are not selling passes, until further notice.

HOUSING & HUMAN CONCERNS

Section 8
• Still processing Section 8 rent payments and applications. Also requests for adjustments are being done.
Kaunoa Senior Services
• Still doing Senior Transports and Meals on Wheels
• All Kaunoa leisure and congregate activities are CANCELED
Early Childhood Resource Center
• Working on plan to connect those essential workers in need of childcare with appropriate resources.
Volunteer Center – opportunities to help at www.handsonmaui.com
Immigrant Services Division
• No in-person appointments are offered; please call
Homeless Program Division
• Support to homeless provider agencies
• Working with agencies statewide, including Governor’s Homeless Coordinator, Department of Health, HUD and Coordinators from other counties.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS

PUBLIC WORKS
• Maintain operations of all three divisions.
• No services have been curtailed
• Working with State DOT on restricting select roads/highways to local traffic only
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
• DO NOT flush sanitation wipes down toilet
• Sewer and Refuse services to continue
WATER SUPPLY
• Water service to continue
PLANNING
• Prioritization is being given to permit reviews
• Installed drop-off and pick-up boxes outside permitting offices
• Commission/Board meetings working on plan for time-sensitive matters
LIQUOR
• Certification exam and education sessions canceled until further notice
• Renewal applications should be mailed to the department