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Gov. Ige Takes Moment to Observe National Guard Salute to Hawai‘i’s Healthcare Heroes
Governor David Ige took a moment today away from meetings, conference calls, and administrative work associated with the state’s management of the COVID-19 crisis, to join others around the state in recognizing the sacrifices of the healthcare community.
Bill Seeks to Defer Salary Increases for Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches in Hawai‘i
The Senate Ways and Means Committee today approved House Bill 117 SD1, a bill to defer salary increases as recommended by the State Commission on Salaries for executive, judicial, and legislative government officials. The bill aims to help close the $1 billion deficit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and now moves to the full Senate for second reading.
Richelle Thomson Sworn in as Maui First Deputy Corporation Counsel
Maui’s Richelle Thomson was sworn in on Thursday as First Deputy Corporation Counsel. She succeeds Edward Kushi, who retired recently after 21 years of service.
No New Coronavirus Cases in Hawai‘i Today, One Resident Diagnosed Out of State Removed from Count
The state Department of Health reports that one Hawaiʻi resident who was diagnosed outside of the state was removed from the state count, resulting in new total of 637 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi since the state began identifying cases on Feb. 28, 2020. The last time before today that zero new positive cases were reported was last week on May 8. Prior to that, there was an eight week period of increase in new cases. As of noon on Thursday, May 14, 2020, there are 637 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with no new cases in the state. To date, 564 people have recovered including 92 in Maui County.
Social Media Video Helps MISC Catch Coqui Frogs at Nursery in Kahului
A outbreak of invasive coqui frogs reported in plants outside the Home Depot store in Kahului on Tuesday night, was identified and assessed before sunrise thanks to a social media post and rapid response from community members and experienced field workers.
Maui Senate Recap: Senators English and Baker Highlight Maui Legislative Work
Maui Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English joined fellow Senator Roz Baker, Chair of the Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee in a media briefing on Tuesday. The two discussed the abbreviated session, which is designed to take care of vital legislation amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Maui CIP Projects Approved by Senate Ways and Means Committee
CIP highlights for Maui include: $3 million for plans and designs of a new middle school in Central Maui; $500,000 for perimeter fence at ʻĪao Intermediate School; $9 million for Lealiʻi parkways and highways improvements; $11 million for Kāʻanapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement; $3 million for a ferry pier at Lahaina Boat Harbor; $4 million for improvements Waiʻanapanapa State Park in East Maui; $5 million for the Maui Regional Public Safety Complex; and $40 million for the widening of Puʻunēnē Avenue from Kamehameha Avenue to Kūihelani Highway.
Second Phase of Reopening Maui County Parks Begins Saturday, May 16
Mayor Michael Victorino announced the reopening of additional County parks and beach parks will take place on Saturday, May 16. The reopening of parks facilities includes select tennis and pickleball courts. County parks and beach parks included on the list below will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Food Distribution in Central Maui, Thursday, May 14
The County of Maui hosts a food distribution event in Central Maui at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the War Memorial Gymnasium parking lot in Wailuku.
Mayor Kawakami Extends Mandatory Quarantine for Incoming Travelers to Kaua‘i Through End of June
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 Wants FAA to Allow Hawai‘i to Impose COVID-19 Testing as a Condition to Boarding Planes for Hawai‘i
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.”
Maui Humane Society Distributes 2,600 Pounds of Pet Food
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.
Three More O‘ahu Coronavirus Cases Brings Hawai‘i Total to 638
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.
Bill Seeks to Boost High-Speed Internet Access for College Students During Pandemic
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.
Schatz Urges Hawai‘i to “Move at the Speed of the Virus” in Ramping Up Contact Tracing
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.
Four Seasons Resort Maui Employee Food Drive Aids 600 Workers in Need
“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.
Statewide Flyover to Salute First Responders Across Hawai‘i
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.
End of Day Recap: Mayor Says “Absolutely Not. Unless…” When Asked about Lifting Travel Quarantine on May 31st
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.
Polynesian Adventure Joins “Rolling Rally” at US Capitol on Wednesday
“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.
Out-Of-State Resident Tests Positive at Airport Screening, Brings Hawai‘i Total to 635
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.
