Maui Coronavirus Updates

Mokulele Airlines expanded its Grocery Airlift on Friday to include flights to Lāna‘i, Hāna and Waimea.  The offer for free shipping is good for up to 50 pounds of groceries per customer and is valid for the rest of the April.

The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently reviewing requests for assistance under the COVID-19 Emergency Farmer Relief Program which offers some financial assistance to qualified farmers, ranchers and producers who have experienced damage to their operations due to COVID-19.

A woman, over 65-years-old is the ninth death from COVID-19. State officials say she had underlying medical conditions and had tested positive for the virus when she was hospitalized on O‘ahu.

Maui County has 14 new cases for a total of 80 confirmed positive (yesterday’s count was adjusted upward by one by the state Department of Health following their initial noon update). Of the 80 cases in Maui County, at least 40 have been released from isolation, and 7 have required hospitalization. Of the eight deaths in the state, three are in Maui County.

Nolan Espinda, Director of the Department of Public Safety, reported that the prison population has been reduced by 548 from March 2 to April 9 of this year.

“The meaning of this holiday does not change.  The way we celebrate must change,” said Mayor Victorino. “Please do not go to another house and have another over to yours.  Getting together with friends and family could directly put them at risk for COVID-19.  These are difficult times for all of us, but making changes now will save lives later,” said Mayor Victorino.

This sewing project began on April 1 with the assistance of the Hawaii Correctional Industries (HCI) who supplied the fabric, sewing supplies and sewing machines for the inmates.

The state launched a new web-based app called “Safe Travels.”  It is being rolled out as a way to monitor travelers who are subject to the 14-day quarantine in the State of Hawaiʻi. State officials say they believe the process will expedite and improve the ability of counties to conduct enforcement related to quarantine violations. 

State Health Director Bruce Anderson says one of the three deaths in Maui County is being investigated to determine if there were any ties to the cluster of COVID-19 positive employees identified at the Maui hospital.

LIVE STREAM: Mayor COVID-19 Update for April 10, 2020, 4 p.m.

The cluster of COVID-19 positive cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center increased from 15 to 19 today with news that there are three additional employees and one patient confirmed to have the virus. Maui Health tested 126 patients, caregivers and physicians this week, for COVID-19 infection.

Hawai‘i Has Two More Coronavirus Deaths, Including One More in Maui County. Maui County’s total COVID-19 Positive Cases is 65, including 3 deaths. Of the cases in Maui County, at least 36 have been released from isolation, and 5 have required hospitalization.

Don’t overfill the County trash cart. Its lid must be fully closed. Overfilled carts spill, exposing workers and the community to possible injury and illness. Overfilled carts may not be picked up.

A total of 663 people arrived in Hawaiʻi from out-of-state on Thursday, including 107 visitors, 171 residents, 241 transit, 45 intended residents and 99 crew members, according to new data compiled by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Dr. David Ulin, Chief Medical Director at Maui Health discussed differences between rapid testing and testing conducted at pop-up drive-through test sites, mask usage, how many COVID-19 positive cases have since recovered, and if the virus can survive in ocean waters where people surf and swim.

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 listeners of KPOA 93.5 FM on Maui, and shared his thoughts on new rules that take effect tonight, including a pilot nighttime curfew program that is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i is set to receive more than $130 million in new federal funding to help local hospitals and health care providers respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again for a second day on Friday, April 10, at Keōpūolani Regional Park.  Maui Mayor Michael Victorino reports that more than 700 tests were completed in Thursday’s testing at the location. 

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced a night-time curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night, April 10, for Maui County. Curfew will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Maui police say an unknown adult male forcefully entered a jewelry store in Pāʻia at approximately 2:55 a.m. on March 30, 2020, and allegedly removed multiple items estimated at over $100,000. The male suspect, later identified by Maui Police as Chase Mociun, 37, of Kīhei was arrested and charged for Burglary of a Building in a Civil Defense Emergency, Theft I and Criminal Conspiracy.  Due to County of Maui being in a Disaster Emergency Relief Period, police say the Burglary of a Building becomes a “B” Felony.