Showing posts with label thermal screening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thermal screening. Show all posts

Thursday, August 6, 2020

County mayors seek return of inter-island quarantine as Oahu COVID-19 cases spike, Green warns ICU could be overrun, airports install thermal screening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thermal screening at Honolulu airport PC:Screen grab from HDOT video
New thermal cameras now helping scan passengers in Hawaii’s airports. New thermal screening cameras have been installed at Hawaii airports that welcome trans-Pacific travelers to detect anyone who may have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Hawaii News Now.

Thermal Screening Now In Use At Hawaii Airports. The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division announced on Wednesday that thermal temperature screening equipment is now in use to help detect passengers with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above. Big Island Video News.

=====

Pressure builds to impose COVID-19 restrictions. The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to another triple-digit record on Oahu Wednesday, placing further pressure on Gov. David Ige and other top officials to impose tighter restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Neighbor Island Mayors Want Ige To Reinstate Interisland Quarantine. The mayors also asked the governor to keep schools closed until September. Civil Beat.

Mayors call for further restrictions on neighbor island travel. County mayors in Hawaii are taking action to slow down the spread of the virus within their communities, at least two mayors have requested for the governor to reimpose the two-week quarantine for all arrivals. KHON2.

Inter-island quarantine requested. Mayor Derek Kawakami, along with Mayors Harry Kim and Mike Victorino, are requesting Governor David Ige reinstate the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel after the state reported 900 new cases of COVID-19 over the past week. Garden Island.

Neighbor Island mayors to governor: Reinstate inter-island quarantine, keep schools closed. Hawaii’s three Neighbor Island mayors are urging the governor to reinstate a mandatory quarantine for inter-island travel and keep public schools closed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Renews Push for Interisland Quarantine. Citing concern over ongoing triple digit daily COVID-19 counts on the island of Oʻahu, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is renewing his request to reinstate the interisland travel quarantine. This comes after an initial request made nearly two weeks ago on Friday July 24, amid record increases in cases statewide. Maui Now.

=====

In ‘sobering’ warning, Lt. Gov. Green says Hawaii ICUs could be full by the end of the month. Hospitals in the islands could soon be on the verge of running out of intensive care space as COVID-19 infections surge on Oahu, public health officials warn. Hawaii News Now.

Green warns of COVID-19 hospital surge. An additional 173 new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday, pushing the state’s total case count to 2,389 as Lt. Gov. Josh Green warned of an impending hospital surge. West Hawaii Today.

Expect COVID-19 hospitalization spike in 1-2 weeks, says health experts. Officials say they are concerned that the consistently high COVID-19 numbers on Oahu may lead to more hospitalizations, and that this could overburden the hospital system. KHON2.

=====

Hawaii leaders are pleading with residents to help prevent COVID-19 spread. With yet another triple-digit increase in COVID-19 cases, calls to bring back the stay-at-home order are growing. KHON2.

Health expert says a potential second lockdown is not Hawaii's only option to turning things around. Hawaii is again bracing for a possible shutdown. KITV4.

Crucial Public Information Missing To Create A Local COVID-19 Model. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases surge, there is still no direction from Gov. David Ige on what should trigger the restrictions to help stop the virus, and when things can ease again. Hawaii Public Radio.

State To Publish New COVID-19 Prevention And Testing Data. New metrics will include face mask compliance and turnaround times for lab tests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmaker, union looking into California law regarding COVID-19 reporting. Hawaii House of Representatives Labor Chair Aaron Johanson thinks that Hawaii’s ability to contact trace could be dwindling, prompting him to consider legislation like California. KHON2.

Widespread, Frequent COVID-19 Testing ‘Can Wipe This Off The Planet’. Amid surging cases and widespread dissatisfaction with Gov. David Ige’s plans for schools and tourism, doctors and economists want ramped-up testing. Civil Beat.

Thousands of emergency order citations, many given to homeless, are being dismissed. Prosecutors in Honolulu and Maui county have begun dismissing thousands of citations issued by police for violations of emergency stay-at-home orders. Hawaii News Now.

Petition urging Governor Ige to demand RIMPAC cancellation receives more than 12,000 signatures. Though it will be scaled-back, the world's largest maritime warfare exercise is scheduled to take place in Hawaii's waters this month. KITV4.

Economist Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics joined Spotlight Hawaii today to talk about the state’s economic outlook in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Brewbaker argued that containing the virus and bringing the case count back down is the only way to ultimately revive the economy, even if that means a temporary shutdown of activity and more economic pain in the short run. Star-Advertiser.

Surge in virus cases highlights disparities for Pacific Islanders. Pacific Islanders make up just 4% of Hawaii’s population but represent 27% of the islands’ latest COVID-19 cases, far more than any ethnic group. Star-Advertiser.

Jury trials postponed to Oct. 2 after ‘concerning spike’ in Hawaii COVID-19 cases. All jury trials have been postponed until after Oct. 2 after a “concerning spike” in COVID-19 cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald ordered today. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Supreme Court Hears Challenge To Lawmakers’ Gut-And-Replace Tactics. Advocates for greater transparency say the process leaves the public in the dark. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments about lawmakers’ use of controversial gut-and-replace tactic. The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday about the Legislature’s practice of stripping a bill of its original content and substituting entirely different content, a process known as gut-and-replace. Tribune-Herald.

Court eyes ‘gut-and-replace’ gambit. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving what is known as a “gut-and-replace bill” that passed the state Legislature in 2018 and was enacted as Act 84. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii top court hears arguments over ‘gut and replace’ laws. Attorneys argued before the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday over how much lawmakers should allow the public to weigh in on legislation as laws are being drafted and voted on. Associated Press.

=====

Case, Kahele Raised $1.4 Million Despite A Lack Of Competition. They received hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interest groups and those with strong ties to the business community. Civil Beat.

Iwamoto Challenges Speaker Saiki For Hawaii House Seat. It’s the first time in eight years that the race has been contested in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats Select Lobbyist as New Party Chair. Tyler Dos Santos-Tam succeeds Kate Stanley for a new two-year term. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Homeless Voters Face Hurdles With All-Mail System. In Hawaii and other states, homeless people and the service providers who help them face hurdles when it comes to voting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Community Foundation disburses $721K to local nonprofits. Hawaii Community Foundation is distributing $721,000 in aid to 39 nonprofits across the Islands, using funds from the the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, that will support food security efforts in Native Hawaiian communities statewide. Pacific Business News.

Matson finds profit in China amid Hawaii’s economic downturn. The Honolulu-based company said it earned $32.8 million in the period, up from $18.4 million in the same three months last year, while revenue slipped to $524 million from $558 million. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii counts 173 new coronavirus cases, all on Oahu. The state Department of Health reported 173 new coronavirus cases today, all on Oahu, bringing the statewide total since the outbreak began to 2,763. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 173 New Cases. The state Department of Health reported 173 new COVID-19 cases today. All are on Oahu and reflects another triple-digit day of new infections. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Majority of Honolulu Council Seats Open, Election Could Set City's Future Direction. Five of the nine Honolulu City Council seats are up for grabs and the city’s next four years hinges on this election. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘A few’ employees at Manoa McDonalds have COVID-19, company confirms. Multiple employees at the Manoa McDonalds have tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii sheriff tests positive for COVID-19. A deputy sheriff for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, representing the first department employee confirmed to have the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy Sheriff Tests Positive for COVID-19 on O‘ahu. A deputy sheriff with Hawai‘i Department of Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

=====

52 WWII vets expected for end-of-war commemoration on Oahu as virus worries mount. With a Japanese helicopter destroyer, the battleship Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial behind them, officials announced Wednesday that 52 World War II veterans plan to attend events on Oahu marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the deadliest conflict in human history. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Ship returns from Great Pacific Garbage Patch with 67 tons of plastic trash. In the fierce midday sun at Kewalo Basin Harbor Wednesday, elephantine mounds of algae-wrapped, tar-stained, red and yellow cordage, poison-green fishing nets and bleached consumer plastics in various stages of decay were being unloaded from the weatherbeaten hull of the tall-masted cargo ship KWAI, which had returned to Honolulu that morning with its hold bearing 67 tons of marine trash collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch during 35 days at sea. Star-Advertiser.

67 more tons of marine debris has been removed from the Pacific. Environmentalists chipping away at the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” returned to land Wednesday after 35 days at sea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council passes construction code: New framework makes one permit for building, electric, plumbing and energy codes. Factory-built housing will continue to be allowed in Hawaii County’s new construction code, but with extra restrictions following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council after a protracted discussion. West Hawaii Today.

Council approves conservation tax incentive measure. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to provide tax incentives for property owners to set aside land for conservation purposes. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Five Hawaii Fire Department personnel sidelined after battalion chief tests positive for COVID-19. The battalion chief was headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station and asymptomatic at the time of testing. West Hawaii Today.

HFD Battalion Chief Tests Positive for COVID-19. A Hawai‘i Fire Department Battalion Chief assigned to the 2nd Battalion headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station has tested positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Traveling Physician, Nurse Meant For KCH Test Positive For Coronavirus. Two traveling healthcare professionals meant for employment at Kona Community Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus. Big Island Now.

Maui

South Maui affordable housing project heading to full council. Kilohana Makai plans 28 single-family homes near Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui Police Officer Death Investigation Underway. An investigation is underway into the death of a 44-year-old male officer with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui-built bio lab prepares for second launch in 2021. Mobile SpaceLab was launched in February and returned in April. A mobile space lab designed and largely fabricated in Central Maui successfully returned from orbit in April, and now the team of engineers and biologists are preparing for its second mission to continue conducting experiments on the International Space Station. Maui News.


Kauai

COVID quarantine violation in Wainiha. Kaua‘i police arrested 64-year-old Michael Rowan of Wainiha on Tuesday for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Finding solutions for eroded path. The county is considering four possible courses of action to address erosion on the multi-use Ke Ala Hele Makalae path for a section at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Oahu workers who went to Lanai positive for virus. Pulama Lana‘i employees who may have been exposed now in quarantine Maui News.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Attorney general defends quarantine enforcement, airport thermal screening to be installed, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations expected to continue rising, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from Facebook Live
Paul Jones, Deputy Chief for the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division, left, with Attorney General Clare Connors and Gov. David Ige discuss quarantine enforcement, July 16, 2020
Attorney general fine with compliance from quarantined. State Attorney General Clare Connors, Gov. David Ige and Paul Jones, deputy chief special agent for the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division, appear pleased with the level of compliance with Ige’s COVID-19 travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

State Officials Discuss Quarantine Compliance, Enforcement. State officials are conducting compliance checks on individuals entering the state who are subject to the 14-day quarantine mandate due to COVID-19. Big Island Now.

After Sep. 1, Hawaii may set up hotels for visitors to quarantine in. Once more visitors come, some are asking how the state will keep track of the people who choose not to pre-test and quarantine instead. KHON2.

=====

Thermal Temperature Screening Equipment to be Installed Immediately at Five Hawai‘i Airports. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has selected NEC Corporation, NEC Corporation of America and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaiʻi’s public airports. Maui Now.

Contract awarded for thermal screening, facial recognition at airports. The state Department of Transportation on Thursday announced that a contract to install thermal temperature screening of arriving passengers and facial recognition technology at Hawaii’s public airports will cost taxpayers $37.5 million throughout 10 years. Tribune-Herald.

NEC Corporation Named Hawaiʻi Airport Screening Technology Provider. The State has selected NEC Corporation and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaii’s public airports. Big Island Video News.

HDOT selects providers for airport thermal screening equipment. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has selected NEC Corporation and their partner Infrared Cameras Inc. to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaii’s public airports. KHON2.

State selects temperature screening provider for Hawaii airports. The state has officially picked a company to install thermal temperature screening equipment at Hawaii's airports. KITV4.

=====

As public schools prepare to reopen, lawmakers and teachers remain on edge. Public schools are set to reopen on Aug. 4. But some lawmakers say that’s too soon, citing concerns they’ve received from teachers who feel unsafe and unprepared. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Officials Back Superintendent’s Plan To Reopen Schools. State health officials say kids can be in the classroom as long as precautions are taken. But they expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases, too. Civil Beat.

When it comes to reopening Hawaii's public schools next month, the head of the Department of Education says its plan is complex and it's going to be a challenge.  That's what Superintendent Christina Kishimoto told state senators Thursday. KITV4.

Reopening schools discussion ongoing. Thursday, concerns about reopening schools too early were discussed between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 at the State Capitol. Garden Island.

Officials defend school reopening plan. Health Director Bruce Anderson said that the timing seems right for Hawaii’s public schools to reopen as planned on Aug. 4, but authorities will keep tabs on the coronavirus situation and shift gears as needed. Star-Advertiser.

Teaching Today Requires Transformation and Innovation. Interview with Robert Landau, Founder and Strategist, Two Roads Education. Hawaii Business magazine.

=====

Election ballots going out earlier than expected. Voters statewide began seeing their primary election ballots show up in their mailboxes Wednesday, ahead of the July 21 date that elections officials had been stating they should expect to start seeing the distinctive yellow envelopes. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii unemployment rate improves to 13.9% Hawaii’s unemployment rate improved dramatically to 13.9% in June even as the state grapples with a tourism lockdown that has kept tens of thousands of people out of work due to the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Unemployment Rate Unexpectedly Drops. The numbers released today showed the state unemployment rate going from 23.5% in May to just 13.9% in June, a difference of about 40%. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige hopes gloomy unemployment forecast won’t materialize. A report this week that Hawaii’s once-enviable low unemployment rate probably won’t be seen again until 2029 because of the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the pressure on the state to fund social service programs even in the face of a $2.3 billion budget shortfall, Gov. David Ige said. Star-Advertiser.

Substitute Teachers Face More Hurdles To Summer Unemployment Checks. While most subs are now set to receive payments, the DOE has listed hundreds of others as having denied work they may not have been offered. Civil Beat.

=====

UH Regents Defer Vote On Budget Planning Proposal. The board is expected to take up the resolution in August. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige names Elefante as acting Tax Director. Damien A. Elefante, who last week was confirmed by the state Senate to serve as chairman of the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, also will now fill in as acting director of the state Tax Department. Star-Advertiser.

=====

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Hawaii shoot up as new infections also rise. Hawaii is seeing the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 go up, in a worrisome trend public health officials say they’re watching closely. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawai’i Health Department reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 today. Sixteen cases are on Oahu, and three cases are pending. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 16: 19 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Clusters continue to grow at Pearl City Nursing Home and Kona Community Hospital. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 19 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally rises to 1,311. Today’s new cases include 16 on Oahu and three that are pending identification of residency, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Debate recap: 5 contenders share why they should be the next Honolulu Mayor. Three political veterans and two newcomers with business backgrounds took to the Hawaii Theatre stage on Thursday for a 90-minute debate. KHON2.

O'ahu businesses to remain open despite rising COVID-19 case numbers. As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said that he has no plans of shutting down gyms, bars or any other businesses. KITV4.

=====

Honolulu Gets Creative In Efforts To Test Sewage For COVID-19. New partnerships are being formed to address unforeseen challenges of COVID-19 testing. Civil Beat.

City completes significant phase in $82M sewer rehab project. The city announced Thursday that it’s nearing completion of the first phase of a major sewer rehabilitation project that’s required crews tearing up major thoroughfares in the area. Hawaii News Now.

City’s sewer consent decree work moving. City officials marked a milestone in the multibillion dollar effort to upgrade Oahu’s sewer system as part of a consent decree that was reached between the Sierra Club and federal, state and city agencies in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Accused crime boss Michael Miske Jr. kept alleged target close. Federal prosecutors allege Oahu businessman Michael Miske Jr. provided a 23-year-old man a place to live “so he could keep tabs on him” in the days leading up to the man’s murder. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors to argue alleged crime boss poses ‘grave danger’ to community. Alleged organized crime boss Michael Miske pleaded not guilty Thursday to 17 felony charges, including murder-for-hire, as federal prosecutors seek to argue that he poses a “grave danger” to the community and should remain in custody as he awaits trial. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County seeks proposals to spend $80 million: Fast-tracked bid request to get money on the street. Feed the hungry while supporting local farmers, fishers and restaurants is one goal of millions of dollars worth of grants being offered by the county. West Hawaii Today.

‘We needed to test everybody’: Kona hospital testing all employees, providers after 3 test positive for COVID-19. In a swift reaction to the news that three employees at Kona Community Hospital tested positive for COVID-19, the facility’s entire staff was tested for the coronavirus on Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Unemployment Improves to 23% in June, COVID-19-Related Discrepancies Affecting Counts. In Maui County, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 22.6% in June, an improvement from the 34% rate reported last month, but still significantly higher than the 3% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Hana and Piilani highways reopen to nonresident traffic. Mayor, residents urge masks, social distance when visiting E. Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Property tax deadline extended. To lessen the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the County of Kaua‘i has extended the deadline to pay property taxes to November 18, 2020. Garden Island.

Farm Bureau award includes hamburger in distribution. The hamburger, provided by the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch, was made possible through a $5,000 award from the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau done in May to acquire 1,347 pounds of ground beef from Makaweli Meat Co. Garden Island.

Friday, May 15, 2020

Raises nixed for top state officials, Honolulu plans to allow dine-in, modified lockdown to be extended through June, Ironman postponed, Maui fair canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Charles Freedman
Hawaii Capitol interior PC:Charles Freedman
Top State Officials Likely Won’t Get Pay Raises This Year. Gov. David Ige and his cabinet, state judges and lawmakers wouldn’t get pay raises this year under a proposal that won approval of a key panel of senators Thursday. Civil Beat.

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. Maui Now.

House bill deferring salary bumps for gov’t officials move to second reading. The Senate Ways and Means Committee on May 14 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. KHON2.

Many government officials may not be getting a pay raise this fiscal year. On Thursday the Senate Ways and Means Committee approved a measure to defer pay increases for members of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of government. KITV4.

=====

Gov. David Ige plans to extend Hawaii’s safer-at-home order through June 30. The governor said the state will consider reopening medium risk businesses as indoor dining restaurants, hair salons and barber shops. Star-Advertiser.

Governor says he’ll extend ’safer-at-home’ order through June, but lift more restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Wants To Extend Hawaii’s Travel Quarantine Through June. During a Facebook Live broadcast Thursday, Ige said he is looking to extend the quarantine, as well as the state’s “safer-at-home” mandate, through June. In the meantime, he and state officials will announce another round of businesses that may reopen and what kinds of activities may resume in the weeks to come. Civil Beat.

Governor To Extend “Safer-At-Home” Mandate Through June. Governor David Ige says he told the county mayors' that his intention is to extend the safer-at-home mandate through the end of June. Big Island Video News.

Governor Ige considering extending the 'safer at home' order until end of June. On Thursday afternoon Governor David Ige said he's considering extending his "Safer at Home" order until the end of June. KITV4.

Ige inclined to keep at-home order until June 30. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he’s inclined to extend his “safer-at-home” order through the end of June to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Associated Press.

Governor Ige: Hawai‘i’s “Safer-At-Home” Order Will Likely Be Extended Through End of June. Maui Now.

=====

Senator claims state dragging its feet on thermal screenings, mass testings at airports. Installing $20 million in thermal screening devices at Hawaii’s airports is a key part of re-opening the state’s tourism economy. But one state lawmaker said the devices won’t be available soon enough and he blames the state for the delays. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii officials pass the blame for loopholes in mandatory quarantine for incoming passengers. Hawaii’s plan for economic and community recovery and resilience hinges on collaboration, but city and state leaders are still fighting over who is to blame for loopholes in the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for incoming passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials told visitors not to come here on vacation, but some are doing it anyway. Even with tourism lockdowns in place, arguably the nation’s strictest, some of the visitors that came to Hawaii by air on Wednesday said they were coming for vacation. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Bolstering contact tracing. Hawai‘i state officials are doubling down on COVID19 contact tracing efforts, with a new training program from University of Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Department of Health. Garden Island

More than a dozen inmates granted early release amid pandemic have been re-arrested. Law enforcement authorities in Hawaii have re-arrested at least a dozen people who had been granted early release from jails because of the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to tap ‘Pandemic EBT’ program for an extra $25M in food aid. State officials plan to start a new program that will allow all families with children who receive free lunches at public schools to also get help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Is Opening Up Classrooms This Summer For Some Students. The schools superintendent said in-person instruction will be reserved for students who are struggling with virtual learning. Civil Beat.

=====

Lt. Gov. Josh Green opening free medical clinic in Honolulu for those unemployed, uninsured due to coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii’s lieutenant governor is opening a free clinic to specifically treat the recently unemployed who have lost their health insurance due to the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. governor, community doctor sets up Aloha Free Clinic to help the uninsured. Help is on the way for those whose health insurance benefits are about expire. KHON2.

Army of volunteers assembled to staff free health clinic for Hawaii’s newly uninsured. In addition to in-person visits, the free clinic plans to offer tele-medicine so providers can connect with patients living on neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

=====

No New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Hawaii. For two weeks, there have been fewer than six new cases reported each day. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Reports Zero New COVID-19 Cases Thursday. Hawai‘i Department of Health officials reported zero new cases of COVID-19 Thursday for the second time since the pandemic began in the state, and actually reduced the case count from 638 to 637 statewide by lowering the out-of-state diagnoses from 11 to 10. Big Island Now.

=====

Hawaii sees large spike in applications for food stamps. That increase reversed a trend throughout the first three months of the year, when the number of SNAP recipients was consistently lower each month than in 2019. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell wants to allow dining in at restaurants by June 5. Oahu residents could be sitting down in restaurants again on June 5. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is asking for the governor’s approval, and the governor seems to be open to the idea. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allows limited use of parks, religious activities. Mayor Kirk Caldwell extended his “safer-from-home” emergency order, with modifications, through June 30, and called for Gov. David Ige to allow indoor dining at Oahu restaurants starting June 5. Star-Advertiser.

Phase one of O'ahu re-opening kicks off Friday May 15. O'ahus retail shops and shopping malls have the green light to open at 12:01 am on Friday. KITV4.

Outdoor sports fields, courts in Honolulu to open with limitations. But with the threat of the virus still looming, some activities will not be enjoyed. KHON2.

=====

Oahu retailers make one final disinfecting sweep before opening doors to customers.  Merchants across Oahu have been sanitizing, posting social-distancing signs, and trying to figure out a new shopping normal. Hawaii News Now.

HART: Utility Work In Town Will Cost At Least $135M More Than Expected. Rail officials didn’t have a clear idea of how much the relocation work would cost when they awarded the contract to get it going. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ironman postponed. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Kailua-Kona’s biggest sporting event — the Ironman World Championship — to be postponed until 2021, an economic hit for Hawaii Island, which depends on the race bringing in thousands of visitors every year in the month of October. West Hawaii Today.

2020 IRONMAN World Championship In Kona Postponed Due To COVID-19. The World Championship has been rescheduled for February 6, 2021, but the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship has also been postponed with no date option determined. Big Island Video News.

IRONMAN Postpones World Championship Until February. For the first time in years, Kailua-Kona won’t host the IRONMAN World Championship in October. Big Island Now.

Maui

Home delivery, takeout of liquor is approved. Despite the majority of community testimony opposing takeout and home delivery for alcoholic drinks, the county Liquor Control Commission unanimously approved the measures during its meeting Wednesday in a boost for floundering restaurant owners. Maui News.

=====

COVID-19 forces cancellation of Maui Fair. The 98th Maui Fair has been postponed till next year due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, according to fair officials and Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui News.

Organizers agree to cancel Maui Fair at county’s request, just 5th time in history. Organizers today announced the 98th Maui Fair that was set for Oct. 1 to 4 has been called off at the request of the county due to the large crowds it attracts. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Fair CANCELED at Request of County Amid COVID-19 Health Concerns. The 98th Maui Fair, which was scheduled to take place over four days in October, is cancelled for this year due to public health concerns. Maui Now.

=====

$5.1B CIP budget focuses on projects that are ready to go. A Senate committee agreed Wednesday on a $5.1 billion capital improvement project budget that includes funding for Kaanapali Beach restoration, the widening of Puunene Avenue and other Maui County projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i temprarily adds hunting days for COVID19 response. Kaua‘i hunters are invited to apply for special use permits to hunt goats, pigs, and deer on closed hunting days in State Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves, and Game Management Areas. Garden Island.

Suicides Of 4 Young Men In A Week Raise Alarm On Kauai. On Kauai, suicide is an old problem. But it’s gaining new urgency as the island grapples with a spate of tragic deaths during the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.