Maui Mayor COVID-19 Update, Tuesday, March 31, 9:15 a.m.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is providing updates on Pacific Media Group’s network of Maui stations this week. Today, the mayor spoke with listeners of KISS FM 99.9 on Maui, and shared his thoughts on preparedness, testing and ongoing measures to flatten the curve of the COVID-19″ pandemic in the islands.

During this morning’s interview, the mayor reviewed the recently announced 14-day mandatory interisland quarantine for the month of April.

“At this point I believe it’s necessary,” said Mayor Victorino.  “When you look at where the cases are coming from, Maui is the second (which I’m not too happy about) and we’re working really hard to prevent any more from coming,” noting that most medical experts agree that Maui has not reached its peak yet.

He said leveling the curve is his goal to prevent an inundation of medical services.  He expressed a need to clarify the definition of essential workers amid current restrictions.

“I just ask everybody to use common sense,” said Mayor Victorino as he clarified the restrictions in place for beaches.  “Beaches remain open, however beach parks remain closed,” he said. Mayor Victorino said beaches are for exercise purposes as well as fishing and diving for sustenance.  The public is advised against gathering at the beach or laying on the beach to relax.

“This pandemic can only stop when we utilize social distancing, quarantines and areas where we’ve never gone before (working from home, staying at home).  This is the only way he said that “we’re going to really flatten the curve and start to see a decrease.”

*Note: 99.9 KISS FM is owned and operated by Pacific Media Group, which is the same parent company that owns and operates Maui Now. 

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now graphics. Image courtesy: file County of Maui.