Maui Coronavirus Updates

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami today announced that he has signed Emergency Rule 9, which extends the mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers to the island of Kauaʻi through the month of June. The state’s 14-day travel quarantine remains in effect through May 31, 2020. It is still undetermined what Gov. Ige’s plans are beyond that point.

Case said: “Simply put, if passengers do not feel safe coming to Hawai‘i because they fear contracting COVID-19 on the flight or in Hawai‘i, or if Hawai‘i residents do not feel safe with passengers getting off planes in Hawai‘i, air travel to Hawai‘i will not recover leading to many consequences to include FAA and airport-supportive revenues. The same is true throughout the country and so the necessity of safe travel is in all respects a national one which FAA should better face now.”

A team of volunteers with the Maui Humane Society distributed more than 2,600 pounds of dog food and supplies to Maui community members in need this past weekend.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reports that there were 563 individuals released from isolation; and 81 cases (13%) that have required hospitalization. A total of 577 patients (90%) were residents. Maui County’s count remains unchanged from yesterday. Of the 117 cases in Maui County, at least 92 have been released from isolation, and 22 have required hospitalization. As of today, there were more than 38,881 individuals tested by clinical and state laboratories.  Of that number, 38,243 were returned negative. In Maui County, a total of 6,858 tests were returned negative to date.  There were 33 tests returned on Maui since yesterday.

The Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act would invest $1 billion for the creation of an emergency fund to support college and graduate students now studying from home.  

US Senator Brian Schatz who serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the funding encouraging state leaders to “move at the speed of the virus” in establishing a contract tracing program that is fully operational as soon as possible.

“It was really important to connect, despite the masks and social distancing. We were able to spread lots of good vibes and make sure our employees know they remain top of heart and mind,” said Four Seasons Maui at Wailea General Manager Marc Bromley.

The Hawai‘i Air National Guard and 15th Wing Active Duty Airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will perform a flyover throughout the State on Thursday, May 14, at around 11 a.m.

Mayor Victorino said he plans to announce tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13, 2020), Phase 2 of the opening of Maui’s parks, but expressed reservations when we asked him about the state’s travel quarantine and if he thinks it can be lifted on May 31st.

“Like many local small businesses, my operations have been absolutely devastated by the coronavirus,” said Terry Fischer of Polynesian Adventure, noting that buses sit idle while employees remain at home.

As of noon on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, there are 635 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with one new case in the state on the island of Oʻahu. This new case involves an out-of-state resident who was screened at the airport and subsequently tested positive.

By taking the 99.9 Kiss FM Coronavirus Survey, participants will be entered into a random drawing for a $100 VISA card for the winner to keep for themself.   The winner will also be asked to pick a nonprofit organization of their choice to receive an advertising package worth $5,000 in credit with Pacific Media Group radio stations.

Unit demand in Maui County was 200,000 unit nights, resulting in 69.6 percent occupancy (-13.5 percentage points) with an ADR of $301 (+10.2%), according to the Hawaiʻi Vacation Rental Performance Report compiled by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Aubrey Hord Photography and the Maui Food Bank are partnering to offer the Maui community a way to upgrade professional headshots while providing much needed support for those in need as part of the Maui Headshot Project.

Tara Dugan, digital sales director of MauiNow interviews Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Inc. CEO Kelly Pearson and director of operations, Stephen Bennett to learn how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their operations and what they are doing to support the community. Boys and Girls Clubs of Maui is a youth development organization with eight youth […]

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 the progress of the phased reopening of businesses in Maui County.

Major General Kenneth Hara, Director of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency said he is concerned about civil unrest if economic conditions continue to decline; and asked for a consensus to determine when the state will move from one risk level to the next.

Governor David Ige said Maui will split $175 million in federal funds with Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi counties as part of the CARES Act appropriation for the state.  

The Maui Police Department is doing a live walk through at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului on the first day of Maui’s phased reopening of businesses.  Many retailers remain closed or are in the process of cleaning.  Among the businesses that are open include Ben Franklin, Camellia’s Seeds, Lens Crafters and Shapers. Pearl’s and Baduas at the food court for take out orders’ however the tables and chairs have been removed from the dining area.  

As of noon on Monday, May 11, 2020, there are 634 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with two new cases in the state on the island of Oʻahu. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reports that there were 561 individuals released from isolation; and 81 cases (13%) that have required hospitalization. A total of 574 patients (91%) were residents Maui County’s count remains unchanged from yesterday. Of the 117 cases in Maui County, at least 91 have been released from isolation, and 22 have required hospitalization.