Maui Discussion

We have not seen the Omicron variant here in Hawaiʻi as of this morning, but we are closely monitoring the situation and will identify the variant as early as possible should it show up here.”

Both Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said they would be getting rid of the six-foot distancing rule currently in place for restaurants, allowing eateries to resume full capacity for dining indoors, starting Dec. 1, 2021. Mayor Victorino said indoor dining is still limited to those who show proof of vaccination or testing as is currently the case.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi — a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational institute devoted to promoting individual liberty, economic freedom and limited, accountable government — conducted a survey of 933 people statewide about government regulations and found a majority think the state has too many regulations.

Amazon founder and executive chairman, Jeff Bezos reportedly purchased a remote 14-acre oceanfront estate  – 12 miles south of Kīhei – the property surrounded by rocky lava fields and state parkland. 

The US Labor Department issued its rule yesterday, requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for companies with 100 or more employees. Those who work for one of these companies will either need to get vaccinated or test at least weekly when the rule takes effect on Jan. 4, 2022.

In this era of COVID-19 and its attendant deprivations, never before has Maui seemed more like a house divided. What has led us here? Can we mend? Do we need to redefine aloha?

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced that indoor and outdoor organized entertainment events will return to 100% capacity for vaccinated residents a week from today, on Nov. 3, 2021. This includes a full capacity of 9,200 people at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Clarence T. C. Ching Stadium, Oʻahu’s largest outdoor venue.

Group leaders say they are seeking Mayor Victorino’s removal as they stand in opposition to ongoing emergency health mandates, calling the county government practices an “overreach” of powers.

DOH estimates there are 119,473 children 5-11 living in Hawaiʻi, which is roughly 8.4% of the state’s population. An FDA advisory committee is scheduled to meet Oct. 26 to discuss authorization of the vaccine and a CDC advisory committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 2-3 to discuss clinical recommendations.

An amended version of the County of Maui’s Public Health Emergency Rules to loosen restrictions, was approved by Governor David Ige and take effect this weekend.