End of Day Recap: Mayor Announces Phased Re-Opening Calling it Maui’s “New Norm”

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. PC: Department of Parks and Recreation

By Wendy Osher

END OF DAY RECAP – APRIL 29, 2020

Cautious Optimism: “Light at the end of the tunnel”

State officials are in agreement that they are seeing a flattening of the curve in terms of new infections with four new cases announced today–one in a Hawaiʻi resident on the mainland and three on the island of Oʻahu.  Mayor Victorino expressed cautious optimism at the news.

“We’ve had an average of one new case a day over the last 14 days. I think the curve is beginning to level off, but like I say, we’re not out of the woods yet.  I don’t want people to get excited and start running around; however, please understand–I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I was a dim light. Now I see a light.”

Maui’s “New Norm”: First phase includes some parks, golf courses, vehicle safety checks and automated car washes

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced his plans for the phased reopening of Maui businesses today calling the process a “new norm” for the people of Maui County.

“Major changes will be the opening of selected parks… opening of our golf courses (masks required) and allowing vehicle safety checks to be done,” said Mayor Victorino.

Mayor Victorino said automated car washes will also be part of the first phase of reopening.

Golf Guidelines: 

For all golf courses, only one person will be allowed in a golf cart unless the second person is a spouse or family member living in the same residence. There will be no flags at the holes, no rakes in sand traps, and there will be no refreshments sold or provided on golf courses.

Golfers also cannot share equipment and sanitization of each golf cart after each round is required.

Mayor Victorino notes that the County’s Waiehu golf course will conduct business without cash to eliminate hand-to-hand contact.

Parks Guidelines: for exercise only, no congregating, no organized sports

Effective on May 1st at 7 a.m. the county will be reopening select beach parks and interior parks for modified hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for exercise only.  Parks director Karla Peters explained the restrictions that will be in place for newly opened areas.

“The public will not be allowed to use playground equipment, ball courts or fields.  No dog parks, pavilions, skate parks or park gyms will be open. There will be no organized sports, congregating or use of grills, picnic tables or benches,” said Peters.

County beach parks included on the list are: Hāna Bay, Hoaloha Park, Hoʻokipa Beach Park, Lower Pāʻia Park, Kamaʻole Beach Parks I II and III, One Aliʻi Park, Wahikuli Wayside Park and Waiehu Beach Park.

Interior Parks that are included on the list are: “Duke” Maliu Regional Park, Hāna Ball Park, Keʻanae Park, Kahului Community Park, Keōpūolani Regional Park, Kilohana Park, South Maui Community Park, Līloa Drive Bike Trail, Lahiana Recreation Center, Nāpili Park, Lānaʻi Entry Park, the New Kula Ballfield (aka Kula Recreation Center) and Pukalani Park.

Already Approved for limited operation: floral, cannabis dispensaries, real estate and auto sales by appointment for critical situations

Some businesses already have been approved for limited operation.

This includes real estate and property management and car dealerships by appointment and for critical situations only when necessary.

The list of newly approved businesses what will have limited operations in the first phase include floral wholesale deliveries and cannabis dispensaries.

***Stay-at-home and work-from-home orders still apply.

Guidelines on Face Coverings:

Face coverings or masks will be required whenever leaving home starting May 1. Exceptions include: children under 5; while exercising; individuals with certain health conditions and certain financial institutions.

“We must remain vigilant with social distancing, wearing face coverings, and practicing good hygiene,” Mayor Victorino said in a press release update. “If we see increasing numbers of cases, we may need to re-impose restrictions. We will be watching for warning signs very carefully.”

Texas Man on Maui to be Sent Home Today After Violating Mandatory Self-Quarantine

A Texas man is voluntarily returning home to Houston today after repeatedly violating the mandatory self-quarantine rule in place for arriving travelers, state officials said.  34-year-old William Lefear was scheduled to end his mandatory self-quarantine on May 11th, but is opting to return home after being contacted by Maui Police repeatedly for allegedly leaving his hotel room late Monday and again on Tuesday evening.  He was arrested and released pending further investigation.  He was among four out-of-state individuals arrested in recent days across the island chain for similar violations of the state’s COVID-19 emergency rules.

https://www.facebook.com/countyofmaui/videos/1259129794277539/

*Video courtesy: County of Maui and Akakū.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provides his daily weekday update and answers media questions.