Maui Mayor Requests Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions, Awaits Governor’s Approval

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has made a request to Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige to ease some COVID-19 restrictions in the county due to a steady decline in the number of cases, the stabilization of the health care system and a 7-day average testing positivity rate of 2.22 percent, lowest in the state.

Victorino would not specify what he requested, saying only: “Businesses, big and small, the hospital industry, farming and all our medical areas will be happy to hear some of these changes. And you the resident, because you made it happen, will be the benefactors.”

When Victorino was pressed for details at Fridayʻs press conference, he said Maui County requested many of the same easing of restrictions Gov. Ige approved for Oʻahu today.

“I believe come early next week, weʻll be able to loosen restrictions across the board in many areas,” VIctorino said.

With the help of the public health mandates that took effect Sept. 15, Maui Countyʻs 7-day average of COVID-19 cases went from a peak of 57.6 per 100,000 on Aug. 25 to 11.3 today.

However, Victorino emphasized residents and visitors should continue to follow the current restrictions still in place.

County Managing Director Sandy Baz also encouraged those who are not vaccinated to do so. Maui Countyʻs vaccination rate is at 62% of the total population, the lowest in the state and 10% less than Honolulu Countyʻs vaccination rate of 72%.

Of the seven people currently hospitalized on Maui with COVID-19, all are unvaccinated, with two people in the ICU and one on a ventilator.

To get vaccinated on Maui, go to www.mauinuistrong.info to find a clinic near you or for seniors or homebound people, call the County’s Office of Aging at 808-270-7774 to schedule an appointment.

The Maui District Health Office will resume giving vaccinations at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Tuesdays from 1-4 pm starting next week, across from Starbucks.  At all MDHO locations you do not need to have health insurance to get a vaccine.

Pfizer booster shots also are now available at Maui Health for eligible people, including those 65 and older, people in nursing homes, assisted living residents, foster care residents and community care residents and those 50 to 64 with underlying health conditions. The people must be fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine last dose taken at least six months ago. To register, go to vams.cdc.gov or call 808-242-2273 for assistance.

The Maui District Health Office also is providing Pfizer booster shots, including for those in a work setting that puts them at higher risk (ie healthcare, visitor industry, etc.) are welcome if they had Pfizer for their prime series.  Moderna boosters are not currently recommended, but those who are immunocompromised may get a 3rd shot of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.