Maui Discussion

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.

After much speculation, the Sears Maui store is officially scheduled to close on Nov. 14, 2021, company officials tell Maui Now.

Maui County’s “Safer Outside” program takes effect today, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. Under the new rules, restaurants are required to ask patrons 12 years and older proof of vaccination for indoor dining. Unvaccinated patrons must be served only in outdoor dining areas, takeout or drive-thru service.

County officials are calling Maui’s new set of rules “Safer Outside.” It includes the previously announced vaccine guidelines for eateries, and newly announced reduction in capacity for commercial recreational boating, ground transportation, and commercial tour operators. There will also be no spectators at indoor or outdoor sporting events.

Op-Ed: Maui County Councilmember Yuki Lei K. Sugimura provides information about the approximately $35 million that is still available for Maui County residents who need help with their rent, mortgage or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a second letter defending himself and his job, Maui District Health Officer, Dr. Lorrin Pang took on a third-person perspective, describing his role in the pandemic response and calling legislative actions to seek his removal “reckless.” Both Dr. Pang’s response letter and the initial Legislative Letter to Governor Ige are included.