#pandemic
Reflecting on pandemic five years later, Maui hospital officials say crisis prepared them for fires, future emergencies
In the pandemic, Maui Health had to run an emergency operations center, set up community clinics, tap into other health care facilities for assistance and communicate better with staff and the community.
Five years after pandemic, hospital workers on Maui still remember the mental toll
Nurses at Maui Memorial Medical Center during the COVID pandemic went to great lengths not to bring the virus home and spent months in isolation from loved ones and neighbors who applauded their bravery but feared being around them.
Pandemic, shipping costs sunk the century-old Maui Fair. Can a former mayor revive it?
Bringing back the annual fall tradition of thrilling rides and delicious food booths is a challenge made tougher by high costs and the county’s focus on rebuilding Lahaina after the 2023 wildfire.
For young people returning to the islands, family helps ease the cost burden
“I have family on this side able to take me in because if not I would probably be on the Mainland.” – Ivy Navarro, Lahainaluna alum
‘Through hell and back’: Lahainaluna’s senior class shaped by pandemic, wildfire
“I would just say we’re a very persistent and resilient class,” senior Lola Donez said Sunday. “We’ve literally been through it all I guess, and we’re still standing, we’re still here graduating. We still accomplished what every other high school student accomplishes when they graduate — we just kind of had to go through a lot more hardships.”
Cathy Betts stepping down as director of Department of Human Services
Department of Human Services Director Cathy Betts will resign her state leadership role in May to become executive director of the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, the Governor’s Office announced.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health updates COVID-19 prevention strategies at local schools
The Department of Health recently released an update of comprehensive K-12 school guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols.
WHO says COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern
The World Health Organization today said that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue, and no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Study suggests Molokini is being “overused”
Overall, the team’s findings suggest that “Molokini is being overused, and that management is needed to improve not only ecosystem health but the visitor experience,” said Russell Sparks, DLNR Aquatic Biologist.
AlohaCare launches Imua Loa with $300,000 in holiday giving
With contributions of $300,000 to benefit 20 organizations throughout the islands, AlohaCare has launched its newly named community giving program called Imua Loa.
Free college courses in Hawaiʻi to learn skills in healthcare, technology, trades
Free workforce training is available to Hawaiʻi residents in the field of healthcare, technology and skilled trades through UHʻs Hana Career Pathways program.
Emergency rules authorize out-of-state nurses to practice medicine temporarily in Hawaiʻi
Gov. David Ige signed emergency rules authorizing out-of-state nurses to temporarily practice medicine in Hawaiʻi without a state-issued license but with certain requirements being met.
UH study: 23% of Hawai’i nurses are considering leaving workforce due to pandemic
In a recent University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study, 23% of Hawaiʻi nurses surveyed said they are considered leaving the workforce because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maui County extending application deadline to April 30 for $5,000 small business grants
Maui County has extended the application deadline to April 30 for its Small Business Grant Program, which provides $5,000 federally funded grants to small businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
ʻAi Hua food voucher program accepting applications from Native Hawaiians impacted by pandemic
The ‘Ai Hua food voucher program now is accepting applications from Native Hawaiians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
202,000 visitors to Maui in November 2021, 30,000 fewer than pre-pandemic 2019
In November 2021, 202,246 visitors to Maui spent $352 million, which was 6.8% less than the $378 million spent by the 232,330 tourists in pre-pandemic November 2019.
Sen. Schatz urges Hawaiʻi to stop interruptions of learning in K-12
US Sen. Brian Schatz called on the Hawai‘i Department of Education and the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools to adopt, as feasible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “test-to-stay” guidance, which allows students to stay in school if they are exposed to COVID-19, reducing time away from school and stopping learning loss.
Average Rate for Maui County Hotels at $531 for Nov. 2021; Occupancy at 65%
Maui County hotels led the state in November 2021 with average daily rate of $531, revenue per available room at $347 and occupancy at 65%, according to the latest Hawaiʻi Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Letters: Vaccines, Tax Relief, Taxes, Pickleball, Black Rock Trash, Kanaha Pond Stench & More
Whatʻs on the minds of Maui residents? This version of Maui Nowʻs letters to the editor includes opposing views about the vaccine, pickleball noise, Kanaha Pond stench, Black Rock pollution, supporting ʻAina Kupuna tax relief for ancestral land inheritance, kudos to Kīhei Post Office Postmaster, stop forgetting lessons of our ancestors and much more.
Maui County Vacation Rental Demand Down 39% in September 2021 vs. 2019
For September 2021, the demand for Maui County vacation rentals was 138,400 unit nights, down 39 percent from September two years ago, before COVID-19 became a global pandemic, according to the latest Hawai’i Vacation Rental Performance Report from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.
