Mayor on Beach Use: “I’m Not Going to Let It Go”

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is providing updates on Pacific Media Group’s network of Maui stations as the County continues to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Today, the Mayor spoke with Shane Kahalehau of KPOA 93.5 FM on Maui, and shared his thoughts on beach use for exercise.

“The beach issue… I’m not letting it go,” said Mayor Victorino.  “I want clarification. I want our people to be able to use our beaches–to walk, run, exercise and swim… We don’t want congregating, but the rest, I’m all for it… If he (Gov. Ige) gives me the authorization to let people exercise and walk on our beaches… I will be the first Mayor to do that immediately,” he said.

1. Governor Ige’s latest proclamation includes an order that closes all state beaches. The Governor’s proclamation states: “All state beaches in Hawaiʻi are hereby closed. No person shall sit, stand, lie down, lounge, sunbathe, or loiter on any state beach or sand bar in Hawaiʻi, except when transiting across or through beaches to access the ocean waters for outdoor exercise purposes, such as surfing, solo paddling, and swimming, so long as physical distancing requirements are maintained.”

Over the weekend, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino sent a letter to Governor Ige urging him to reconsider or clarify rules “to expressly allow exercise activities to occur on the beaches.”

Other topics covered include timelines for reopening the economy, kupuna care, mask use and avoiding a second outbreak after reopening.