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.

“Halloween is On!” Trick-or-Treating is Back but Drive-Through Events are Encouraged While a return to door-to-door traditions is allowed this year, the Mayor is encouraging drive-through options like the “Halloween Drive-Through Adventure at Keōpūolani” Park in Kahului. The event runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Halloween evening, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

Mayor Victorino said: “Due to such late notice and lack of sufficient health and safety protocols in place, the County will not be able to issue a special event permit. The First Amendment march may proceed, and our community asks participants for adherence to all health and safety protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

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 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.

Governor David Ige joined Health Care leaders and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in announcing the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions on the island of Oʻahu. This includes allowing up to 1,000 attendees for outdoor seated entertainment (including UH football games), 500 attendees for indoor seated entertainment, and more, with safety measures in place.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has decided to lift the ban on spectators at youth sports events held outdoors, even though all of his requests that were submitted for approval earlier this week to relax current orders, were denied by the governor.

Maui County has earned a “D” grade from the national government accounting watchdog group Truth in Accounting, for leaving its taxpayers with bills of about $15,300 each to pay off its debt, according to the nonprofit Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi.

Councilmember Michael J. Molina is urging Maui Mayor Michael Victorino to reconsider his mandate restricting parents from watching their children play sports.

Today, NOAA Fisheries finalized a rule authorized under the Marine Mammal Protection Act that prohibits swimming with, approaching or remaining within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin.

Since the cleanup began on Monday, social workers were able to assist eight individuals to move into shelter with support services, and 11 have moved out of the area. As of Wednesday, county officials say five occupants remain temporarily camped on “privately owned land.” Two are planning to move into shelter on Thursday and the other three will relocate by Friday at the landowner’s request, according to a county press release.

Maui Now is conducting a survey focused on understanding the opinions and attitudes of community members about Maui County’s economy, leadership, and coronavirus response.