Tourists attacked in Waikiki, Hana road blocked by locals as aloha turns to anger against Hawaii visitors; 14-day quarantine for travelers begins, residents batten down for extended social distancing, more top COVID-19 and other news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pocket park in Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News

Visitors who took advantage of cheap airfare attacked in Waikiki amid growing virus fears. A mainland family who took advantage of the cheap airfares to Hawaii found themselves being victimized for it in Waikiki on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Closed? Tourists stuck on road to Hana. With no enforcement, local groups set up road blocks. Haiku resident Ramana Sawyer, who manages the Twin Falls attraction and the farm stand, said that he closed access to the area last Wednesday in response to recent county and state announcements. He still had to turn around more than 300 people Thursday. Maui News.

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Mandatory quarantine for all arrivals start Thursday. Starting tomorrow, the state will start placing everyone arriving at the airports under quarantine. Returning residents will have to stay home, while visitors will be forced to remain in their hotel room for two weeks. KHON2.

State's 14-day mandatory quarantine will apply to all arrivals, residents and non-residents. Governor David Ige issued an order to help stop COVID-19 from spreading and it goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. KITV4.

Southwest joins others in making cuts. Southwest Airlines is among the last of the carriers to announce flight reductions for Hawaii, which relies almost exclusively on airlift to bring visitors to the tourism-dependent state. Star-Advertiser.

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State health officials projecting the effects of COVID-19 in Hawaii could last months. State health officials are projecting the coronavirus will be a serious threat to Hawaii for up to five months with the peak of the outbreak yet to come. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Staying at home the only way to beat COVID-19. Gov. David Ige on Wednesday recognized the challenges faced by Hawaii residents during the statewide lockdown aimed at slowing the progression of COVID-19, and discussed ongoing efforts to provide relief to those affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

State Takes Steps to Help Hawai‘i Residents amid COVID-19 Pandemic. With the first day of the statewide stay-at-home order in the books, Gov. David Ige emphasized the importance of compliance in combating the coronavirus pandemic. Big Island Now.

5 New Cases of COVID-19: Hawaii State Total 95. As of noon on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the state total count of positive coronavirus cases was 95, including 4 new cases on Oʻahu; and one new case each on Maui and Kauaʻi.  Maui’s island count is now 13. Maui Now.

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Hawaii jobless rate tops 10% with 58,000 out of work. Estimated unemployment in Hawaii surged past 10% Wednesday, but extra financial relief for workers laid off or furloughed could be arriving relatively soon. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii’s economy falters, construction is a rare bright spot. While so much of Hawaii’s economy is grinding to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hawaii’s construction industry is ramping up. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Visitor Arrivals Down 87% to 4,131 on Tuesday from 32,330 on the Same Day in 2019. Maui Now.

State offering financial help. State officials on Wednesday announced a host of efforts intended to ease the financial blow from the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Workers Are Already Running Low On Protective Gear. Some more rural Hawaii hospitals say their normal vendors are rationing supplies. Civil Beat.

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Ige, Green Smooth Over Differences On COVID-19 Response. Hawaii’s lieutenant governor said he and the governor talked about working more closely together on the coronavirus crisis. Civil Beat.

Green briefs County Council: Lt. Gov. pushes for stricter coronavirus protections. Lt. Gov. Josh Green vowed Wednesday to continue his message of greater social distancing, more coronavirus testing and stricter laws to cut off the deadly disease before it overtakes the islands — regardless of what’s been going on in state Capitol corridors. West Hawaii Today.

Lt Gov Green Gets Into The Nitty Gritty On COVID-19 Readiness. Big Island Video News.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Addresses Alleged COVID-19 Response Exclusion. Green clarified his role in the statewide effort to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that if his recommendations aren't being received adequately, he will "tell the entire planet." Big Island Video News.

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Chief justice wants jail populations reduced to limit COVID-19 infections. Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald has directed some top Hawaii judges to work with police and prosecutors to identify jail inmates who can be quickly released to reduce the inmate population in Hawaii’s packed jails to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus among the prisoners and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prison Plan For COVID-19 Emphasizes Hygiene Over Inmate Releases. The state says that, despite overcrowding, there will be room to isolate sick inmates. Civil Beat.

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From South America to Hawaii Without A Single Health Check. As the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe, Americans returning to the U.S. were entering the country without any health screening. Hawaii Public Radio.

Boat Harbor Restrooms Reopen To Ensure Availability for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness. Effective now, all DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation restrooms statewide at small boat harbors and boat ramps across the state will reopen, to observe CDC guidance for ensuring availability of toilets and hand washing facilities for people experiencing homelessness during this COVID-19 emergency. Maui Now.

EPA blocks unregistered disinfectant from entering Hawaii ports. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today said it has stopped several shipments of an illegal health product – Virus Shut Out — from entering U.S. Pacific ports due to violations of federal pesticide laws. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Will Increase Meals To Meet High Demand. DOE officials acknowledge meal shortages at some sites. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Homes Loan Payments Deferred For 6 Months. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Hawaiian Homes Commission has approved an emergency postponement of mortgage payments for DHHL direct loans. Big Island Video News.

Visitor industry is ready to help with crisis. The industry has offered support to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency from employee resources to hotel repurposing. HI-EMA is also evaluating the Hawai‘i Convention Center for medical overflow options if needed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Said It Would Reopen Public Bathrooms. It Hasn’t. The CDC says park bathrooms should be open 24 hours a day. Honolulu still isn’t following those guidelines. Civil Beat.

City works to reopen park comfort stations . Officials say that they have been working to open these facilities and that they will be locked during the evening park closure hours, which has been done before. KHON2.

Malls and beaches empty, stores close and layoffs mount as stay-at-home order sets in. Waikiki, the state’s No. 1 tourist destination, was all but deserted Wednesday. Malls looked like ghost towns with most of their retail shops closed. And popular beaches were empty. Hawaii News Now.

Blood Bank of Hawaii asking Oahu residents to keep donating. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is putting out a desperate call for donations during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Blood Banks Need Your Help To Avert ‘A State Crisis’. Supplies are dropping and hospitals are conserving blood as much as possible. But health officials say it’s still safe to give blood. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19: Kiaʻi Leave Maunakea, Observatories Suspend Operations. Activity on Maunakea has come to a halt due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and existing observatory personnel are staying at home. Big Island Video News.

Coronavirus threat prompts TMT opponents to pull back from Mauna Kea protest camp. After more than eight months of nonviolent protests at the base of the Mauna Kea Access Road, the opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are pulling out of their camp and telling their supporters to take shelter from the novel coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

TMT Protest Camp Packs Up Due To COVID-19. Camp elders promised to return if construction is planned to resume. Civil Beat.

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Nurse Believes Big Island Hospital’s Policies Could Spread COVID-19. A 20-year veteran of Hilo Medical Center is concerned that a lack of personal protective equipment, coupled with what she described as unsound hospital policy, could turn a facility on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawai‘i into an epicenter for its spread. Big Island Now.

Few out and about on first day of statewide lockdown. Whether it was because of Gov. David Ige’s order to lock down the state or simply due to inclement weather, few people were out and about on the first day of the state’s five-week stay-at-home order. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii Community Hospital seeks masks, other gear. Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea is participating in a statewide drive to collect personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some call to open county restrooms. Homeless and their advocates call it health issue. Maui News.

Maui Critical Service Providers Seek Public Donations of Protective Equipment. Maui non-profit organizations Aloha House, (including Maui Counseling Group), Mālama Family Recovery Center, and Maui Youth and Family Services, are seeking the public’s help to obtain personal protective equipment, so their staff can help clients with critical substance abuse and mental health treatment needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Many Maui Hotels Temporarily Suspend Operations. The list of hotels around Maui and across the state are rolling out plans to address the reduced visitor load and mass cancellations as mandatory quarantines for arriving travelers, and newly implemented stay-at-home orders go into effect. Maui Now.

Kauai

Learning new rules. Mayor Derek Kawakami re-emphasized the bottom line of this Emergency Rule No. 5, which localized Gov. David Ige’s statewide stay-at-home order, a rule that took effect Wednesday just after midnight. Garden Island.

Budget talks to continue. The Kaua‘i County Council convened differently on Wednesday, as Councilmembers Luke Evslin and Mason Chock participated remotely via telecommunications in the meeting to practice social distancing amid the current COVID-19 outbreak. Garden Island.

Residents hopeful on day one of stay at home. Amid a stay-at-home order and travel quarantines for those traveling to Hawai‘i from the mainland or internationally, families on Kaua‘i are finding ways to cope, follow rules and support the community. Garden Island.

KPD looks to restructure salaries. Promotions within the Kaua‘i Police Department have been difficult to fulfill due to pay inversions, and KPD Chief Todd Raybuck believes he’s found a cost-effective solution. Garden Island.

Politics forces Lt. Gov. Green off coronavirus response team, first COVID-19 death announcement was in error, tourism plummets, schools stay closed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market ©2020 All Hawaii News

Farmers Markets Face Challenge In The Time Of The Coronavirus. As people learn new habits in response to concerns about the novel coronavirus, where and how people get good food is high on the list of new challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Website launched to help keep Hawaii’s restaurants afloat. A new website developed by the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation hopes to support restaurants statewide by providing an updated list of locally owned businesses that offer takeout or delivery services. Tribune-Herald.

Major hotels close across the state; job losses mount to more than 40,000 since mid-February. Hawaii is counting down to an almost full collapse of the state’s visitor industry. On Sunday the state’s daily airline passenger counts, which in peak times average about 50,000 passengers a day, had fallen to about 7,000, and of those only about 3,000 were likely visitors. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green Banned From State’s Virus Response Effort. After recently naming him as the state’s liaison, Gov. David Ige has now essentially fired Green, a medical doctor, from participating in the coronavirus effort. Civil Beat.

Legislator calls for Lt. Gov. Josh Green to take over COVID-19 response. Rep. Cynthia Thielen is calling for the state Legislature to appoint Lt. Gov. Josh Green as Hawaii’s COVID-19 emergency director. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Doctors Battle State Health Department Over COVID-19 Testing. Lt. Gov. Josh Green and doctors call for more tests to stem a wave of patients while the state health department advocates conserving testing capacity. Civil Beat.

‘We are worried,’ medical professionals and hospitals seeking help with supplies. More hospitals are asking for help. Those who work in health care say they need more personal protective gear. KHON2.

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Hawaii COVID-19 cases rise, death reclassified. A Maui health care worker was among 14 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Hawaii on Tuesday, and the state’s largest health system called for community donations of masks and other protective gear designed to help safeguard those on the front lines of the crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 Cases Hit 90. On Tuesday, 14 new cases were confirmed in the islands. Civil Beat.

90 Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in Hawai‘i: 14 New Cases. This includes 12 new cases on Oʻahu, bringing that island total to 64; and one new case each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, bringing their island totals to 12 and 5 respectively. Maui Now.

Re-Test of Death Case Is Negative; Cases Now 90; Oahu Stay-At-Home Order In Effect. Hawaii Public Radio.

State backtracks on first COVID-19 death, says test results were ‘misread’.  In an embarrassing blunder, the state Department of Health acknowledged Tuesday that test results which led to Hawaii announcing its first coronavirus-related death had been misread ― and the individual did not die of the illness. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii health officials backtrack on state’s 1st coronavirus death; retest is negative for virus. The Hawaii Department of Health today reclassified a death formerly attributed to the coronavirus as negative for COVID-19, blaming the confusion on a report being misread. Star-Advertiser.

State Retracts COVID-19 Death Report, Tested Negative. The first reported death from COIVD-19 was erroneous, health officials said today, after test results were misread. A second test came back negative. Big Island Video News.

Department of Health says COVID-19 retest associated with death comes back negative. The Department of Health says an internal communication of a COVID-19 test at the Dept. of Health resulted in a report being misread and initiated a retest of samples today from an Oahu adult, who died on March 20th. Tuesday evening the second test came back negative for COVID-19. KHON2.

DOH Reevaluates Test Results of Fatal COVID-19 Case. Health officials are reevaluating the test of an adult who tested positive posthumously for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Reevaluation of Hawai‘i’s First Reported COVID-19 Death Comes Back Negative. Maui Now.

Task force doctor defends COVID-19 screening of senators. Dr. Scott Miscovich, a private physician on Oahu who is a senior adviser on Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s COVID-19 Task Force, said Tuesday he conducted the testing of several asymptomatic senators at the state capitol on Thursday after Sen. Clarence Nishihara tested positive. Tribune-Herald.

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Superintendent: Hawaii Schools To Remain Closed Through April 30. Despite the continuing school closures, the DOE school system, on a whole, remains open and operational, said the superintendent. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools To Stay Closed Until April 30, At Least. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced today school facilities will remain closed to students through April 30, based on the latest guidance and information from health officials and elected leaders. Big Island Video News.

DOE schools closed until April 30. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced Tuesday that school facilities will remain closed to students through April 30 based on the latest guidance and information from health officials and elected leaders that includes the Stay-at-Home, Work-at-Home Order signed by Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.

DOE extends school closure until April 30. The Hawai'i Department of Education is extending the closure of public schools until April 30th. KITV4.

Hawaii public school campuses to remain closed through April 30. Public school facilities will remain closed through at least April 30 as authorities urge broad swaths of the population to stay home to stop the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

DOE schools to remain closed through April 30. The Department of Education announced on Tuesday that schools will remain closed through April 30. KHON2.

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‘Campus is dead,’ UH president says. Monday represented the first day of full online instruction for 50,000 University of Hawaii students and 10,000 employees around the system, UH President David Lassner told the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Office of Public Defenders has petitioned the Hawai’i Supreme Court to release inmates convicted of misdemeanors or of parole technicalities through the use of grants, pardons and reprieves to lower facility population and potentially prevent a community spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

As popular hiking trails close, several remain open. DLNR has been tracking popular locations where people continue to ignore closures, said DLNR communications specialist AJ McWhorter in an email, and Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are patrolling closed state parks and other shuttered DLNR facilities. Star-Advertiser.

In Coronavirus Era, Hawaiians Reconsider Cultural Traditions. Coronavirus-related guidelines for personal space are challenging Native Hawaiians and other Polynesians, who grew up in close-knit societies where hugs, kisses and a practice called honi are cultural norms. U.S. News & World Report.

Oahu

Honolulu to reopen park restrooms while parks remain closed in response to coronavirus. The City and County of Honolulu has reversed its decision to close its more than 300 park restrooms around the island while the parks are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Reopen Public Bathrooms, State Keeps Theirs Closed. Bathrooms at state parks and harbors, which homeless people rely on, are closed. Civil Beat.

More cruise ships coming to Honolulu for food, fuel. At least three more cruise ships are expected to dock in Honolulu Harbor for fuel and provisions — but no disembarkations — with dozens of such ships stranded at sea worldwide and diverted from ports with and without passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

As access to coronavirus testing improves, results are lagging. High demand for coronavirus testing forced the state’s first regional treatment center in Kaneohe to move to a new building with a bigger clinic. The new site is across the street at 45-1141 Kamehameha Highway next to the Aloha gas station. Hawaii News Now.

New city plan allows restaurants to temporarily take over metered parking stalls. With the city's help, parking problems are much less of a concern for eateries because customers can wait in their vehicles.  KITV4.

Community Groups Offer Free Lunch To Kids. The grab-and-go meals at a handful of sites around Oahu supplement the DOE’s own meal service which began this week while schools are closed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim administration studying stay-at-home proclamation for possible exemptions. Hawaii County’s legal department is combing through a stay-at-home emergency proclamation Gov. David Ige signed Monday, looking for interpretations that best fit the Big Island, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Issues New COVID Proclamation Cancelling Meetings, Permit Deadlines. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim issued a second supplementary emergency proclamation on Tuesday, hours before the state was set to begin its “stay at home” mandate at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning. Big Island Video News.

COVID-19 mass screening draws more than 1,600; nearly 300 tested Monday. The line of automobiles extended over a half-mile as residents descended upon Old Kona Airport Park for West Hawaii’s first drive-up COVID-19 testing Monday morning. West Hawaii Today.

HMC prepped to conduct about 100 COVID-19 screenings per day, if needed; seeks donations of protective equipment. More than 200 people have been tested for COVID-19 at Hilo Medical Center’s drive-through testing site since it launched a week ago. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Considers Designating Maui Quarantine Hotel for Arriving Residents. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provided an update as the County transitions to a stay-at-home order, in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and prevent an overburdened hospital system. Maui Now.

Maui Health System employee contracts COVID-19. No visitor policy starts this Wednesday. Maui News.

Drive-thru testing center up and running at War Memorial. Officials test 75 for coronavirus on first day. Maui News.

Maui Leads State in Vacation Rental Supply. Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties in February with over 230,000 unit nights, an 39 percent increase from a year ago, according to a report from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lockdown begins today. Today is the first day of the Kaua‘i stay-at-home order, which went into effect just after midnight Tuesday, residents were stocking up to hunker down as Mayor Derek Kawakami released the details of the Kaua‘i stay-at-home plan. Garden Island.

Statewide stay-at-home ordered for Hawaii, state sees first COVID-19 death, unemployment website bolstered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA Director Ken Hara and Gov. David Ige announce stay-at-home order PC:Governor's Office

Ige Orders Hawaii Residents To Stay Home. Full text of the proclamation here.

Ige announces statewide business, travel restrictions to limit virus’ spread. On the same day that Hawaii reported its first death from the new coronavirus, Gov. David Ige announced hours earlier new statewide restrictions Monday on the movements and activities of Hawaii residents to try to slow the spread of the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Orders Hawaii Residents To Stay At Home. The order follows similar mandates by the mayors of Maui and Honolulu counties — and it’s an action legislative leaders have been pushing for the last few days. Civil Beat.

To face ‘unprecedented’ virus threat, state issues stay-at-home order. The governor on Monday issued a sweeping “stay-at-home" order for the state as part of an aggressive push to stop the spread of coronavirus in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Governor issues statewide order to stay home. Hawaii residents, except for essential workers are ordered to stay at home. That’s the latest mandate by Governor David Ige. KHON2.

Governor Ige issues statewide stay-at-home order to start Wednesday. Governor David Ige announced that he signed a third supplementary proclamation in response to the COVID-19 outbreak on Monday. KITV4.

Ige orders Hawaii residents statewide to stay at home to combat coronavirus spread. Gov. David Ige ordered all Hawaii residents to stay home starting Wednesday under a statewide shutdown intended to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and extended the deadline for state income tax return filings by three months. Pacific Business News.

Ige: Stay home, Hawaii. The order, which he signed Monday, goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and remains in effect through April 30. Tribune-Herald.

Stay-at-Home Order in Effect for Hawai‘i Beginning Wednesday. Gov. David Ige announced Monday that the entire state is under a stay-at-home order beginning at 12:01 a.m. March 25 and extending through April 30 due to concerns around the potential spread of COVID-19 throughout the state. Big Island Now.

Governor announces statewide ‘stay at home’ order. Gov. David Ige announced a statewide stay-at-home order starting Wednesday through April 30, following similar orders issued by Maui and Honolulu counties to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Maui News.

Governor Ige Announces Statewide Stay-At-Home Order. Governor David Ige this afternoon issued a statewide Stay At Home Order that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning, March 25, and remain in effect until April 30th. Maui Now.

Health care workers: Stay-at-home orders in Hawaii are too lenient, confusing. In an open letter Monday, Hawaii health care providers told the governor and three of Hawaii’s mayors that emergency orders put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus in the islands are confusing ― and too lenient. Hawaii News Now.

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State reports first coronavirus-related death in Hawaii. The state reported its first confirmed coronavirus-related death on Monday night, saying the victim was an Oahu adult with no recent history of travel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Has 1st COVID-19 Death, State Stay-At-Home Order Announced; Cases Stand at 77. The state Department of Health said Hawaii has recorded its first death from the coronavirus. The Oahu adult with multiple underlying conditions died on March 20. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials report state’s first death from coronavirus. The Hawaii Department of Health tonight announced that an Oahu adult is the state’s first death from the new coronavirus, COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Announces First Death From The COVID-19 Virus. The Hawaii Department of Health announced Monday night that an Oahu adult is the first state resident to die from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Update: First Death Reported In Hawaii. Monday's dramatic day of government action ended with the chilling report of the state's first coronavirus death. Big Island Video News.

State Reports First COVID-19-Linked Death. An O‘ahu adult who died March 20 is Hawai‘i’s first death from COVID-19, the Hawai’i State Department of Health announced Monday. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s first death from COVID-19. An Oahu adult is Hawaii’s first death from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. KHON2.

O'ahu adult is Hawaii's first death from COVID-19. Hawaii's first death from COVID-19 is an O'ahu adult. KITV4.

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Hawaii’s unemployment assistance gets a fix. Hawaii’s partially paralyzed unemployment filing system got a technological shot in the arm Monday that should allow a tsunami of laid-off workers to register for benefits immediately. Star-Advertiser.

State creates new webform for filing unemployment claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations established a new webform for filing unemployment claims that is available 24/7. Tribune-Herald.

State Rolls Out New Webform For Unemployment Claims. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced the establishment of a new webform for filing unemployment claims that is available 24/7. Individuals can file claims by using a new online webform and choosing to either file a new claim or continue an existing claim. Maui Now.

After days of stumbles, state fixes system for filing unemployment claims. With tourism all but shut down in Hawaii, hundreds of workers are being laid off and encountering a system for unemployment claims that’s overwhelmed. Hawaii News Now.

State sets up call center to provide assistance for unemployment claimants. The local unemployment offices remain closed to walk-in and in-person services. KITV4.

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Local hospitals asking for medical supply donations. Some hospitals in the state are asking people to donate masks and other medical supplies. KHON2.

Inouye negative for virus, says Senate president arranged testing of asymptomatic senators. There is a scarcity of test kits for COVID-19, locally and nationally, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Hawaii Department of Health guidelines advise that apparently healthy individuals who show no symptoms of the virus shouldn’t be tested — even if they are known to have been in contact with an infected individual.Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii public school cafeteria workers begin free meal service. Public school cafeteria workers distributed 1,089 breakfasts and 2,603 lunches to children Monday, the first day of the free Grab-and-Go meal service for students on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii island and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii to close 40 branches temporarily. Bank of Hawaii said Monday that it will temporarily close 40 of its 68 branches across the state and the West Pacific Region due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii researcher and team pursue potential coronavirus vaccine. University of Hawaii researcher Axel Lehrer is working with New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company Soligenix, Inc., to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, the team announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

UH Research Team Developing COVID-19 Vaccine. Animal trials could begin in several weeks. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Malls, hotels and other businesses close as city’s stay-at-home order takes effect. Responding to a flurry of questions about what constitutes an “essential” activity, the mayor on Monday acknowledged that his “stay-at-home” order was broadly worded to allow daily activities to continue while also working to stop the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell's "Stay at Home/Work from Home" order takes effect. Mayor Caldwell issued an emergency order on Monday to combat the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

EMS inundated with non-emergency calls, asks public to stay home. The City and County of Honolulu’s Emergency Medical Services said they’ve been responding to hundreds of Covid-19 related calls, most of which they said are non-emergencies. KHON2.

Honolulu Bus Drivers ‘On The Front Lines’ Of The Coronavirus Crisis. Passenger counts have plummeted as COVID-19 numbers climb. Some drivers remain wary of what lies ahead. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Army closes several gates at Oahu bases due to COVID-19. The United States Army Garrison announced Monday plans to close gates at four Oahu bases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Army closes several O'ahu installation gates. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii to close five gates in response to COVID-19. KITV4.

Military training, preparedness in Hawaii running into conflict with coronavirus social distancing. All gyms on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam have been closed until further notice after a “patron” of the Hickam gym tested positive for coronavirus, the base said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

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As the city’s stay-at-home order goes into effect, many Oahu businesses had no choice Monday afternoon but to shut their doors for the foreseeable future. The fashion industry ― including hair salons, eyelash studios, and other spa services ― weren’t considered “essential” services under the order. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana, Pearlridge limit shopping for essentials only. Shopping for all but basic necessities has been put on hold on much of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Surfers and walkers fear disregard of distancing rules will cause harm to all. All City and County of Honolulu parks had been closed to the public since Thursday, but people were allowed to exercise outdoors if they stayed 6 feet apart, and to cross city parks to access the ocean, where the city has no jurisdiction below the high-­water line on the beach, which lies under state control. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Spending On Homeless Stagnates Even As Problem Persists. The city says it needs the state to expand mental and behavioral health services for the homeless population for more spending to do any good. Civil Beat.

Kahala Hotel & Resort to temporarily close to help stop spread of coronavirus. The Kahala Hotel & Resort will temporarily suspend operations beginning Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the company announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Beachgoers Ignore Closures Across Big Island. All state parks in Hawai‘i are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic circling the globe, but that’s not stopping Big Island residents and visitors from visiting the beach. Parkgoers ranged from indifferent to indignant about the idea that the state and county are attempting to close off the oceanfront to the public in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Maui

MPD preps for COVID-19 impact; officer quarantined. Officer had contact with person under investigation for virus. Maui News.

About 75 Tested for COVID-19 in Maui Drive Through Site. About 75 people were tested Monday for COVID-19 on the first day of testing at the drive-through site at the War Memorial Gym parking lot on Maui, according to the Maui District Health Office. Maui Now.

Unused Rental Vehicles Pile Up Around Kahului Airport Ahead of Quarantine Order. With many travelers opting to leave before a mandatory quarantine takes effect on Thursday, and stay-at-home order take effect on Wednesday, the overflow of returned rental vehicles is starting to pile up around Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Kauai

Looking at lockdown. Mayor Derek Kawakami announced the Kaua‘i Stay At Home order on Monday, promising more information for the public today and confirming the fourth case of COVID-19 on the island. Garden Island.

Lights out for seabirds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has finalized the first draft of the Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation plan, which outlines steps Kaua‘i is taking to minimize light pollution and other dangers to the threatened Newell’s shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli, Hawaiian name: ‘a‘o), the endangered Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis, Hawaiian name: ‘ua‘u), and the endangered Hawai‘i distinct population segment (DPS) of the band-rumped storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro, Hawaiian name: ‘ake‘ake). Garden Island.

Hawaii shutting down, issuing stay at home orders, 14-day quarantine for arrivals, some say state isn't doing enough to protect against COVID-19, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki surfers ©2020 All Hawaii News

Oahu, Maui issue stay-at-home orders in ‘extraordinary’ push to stop spread of virus. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued an emergency “stay at home” order Sunday for Oahu, saying only employees who deliver essential services — from health care to banking to groceries, gas and car repair — should be leaving the house every day to report to work. Later Sunday, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino followed suit — and the governor said he was conferring with the state Attorney General’s Office to issue a statewide “stay at home” mandate. Hawaii News Now.

As the number of coronavirus cases in Hawaii climbs to 56, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Maui Mayor Michael Victorino are ordering residents to stay at home and work at home if they aren't essential workers, following the lead of San Francisco and other jurisdictions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu, Maui mayors issued stay-at-home orders to flatten coronavirus curve. The majority of Hawaii’s population was ordered to stay at home until April 30 to help stop the spread of the coronavirus as the mayors of the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County ordered non-essential workers to work from home for the next five-and-a-half weeks, and Gov. David Ige said Hawaii is headed for a statewide stay-at-home order. Pacific Business News.

As Honolulu, Maui Order “Stay At Home”, Big Island Awaits Mayor Kim. On Sunday, the mayors of the City and County of Honolulu and the County of Maui issued stay-at-home, work-at-home orders in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of which has already upended life in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

'Close the state down’: Critics question Ige’s approach to coronavirus. After Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Maui Mayor Mike Victorino issued stay-at-home orders for residents, Gov. David Ige said he plans to issue a statewide plan after a legal review. Hawaii News Now.

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14-day quarantine to begin Thursday for arrivals to Hawaii. In the state’s toughest measure yet in battling the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. David Ige on Saturday ordered residents and visitors returning to Hawaii to undergo a 14-day quarantine starting Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to quarantine all arrivals to the state for 14 days. Hawaii’s governor has instituted a mandatory 14-day self quarantine starting Thursday of all people traveling to the state as part of efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus. Associated Press.

Quarantine order starts Thursday for people entering Hawaii. Gov. David Ige on Saturday afternoon announced a 14-day quarantine mandate for visitors and residents arriving to Hawaii via all modes of travel effective Thursday until further notice. Maui News.

Here’s What The Governor Can Do In An Emergency. The Emergency Management Act expands the governor’s powers during a crisis. Civil Beat.

Kahele, Gabbard Expresses Concern Over Governor’s Proclamation. Hilo State Senator Kai Kahele implored Governor David Ige to take further action immediately, as a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine begins Thursday for all arrivals into Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaiian Airlines to cease most flights. As the state’s visitor industry moves quickly toward protective hibernation, Hawaiian Airlines announced Sunday that it will suspend most of its long-haul passenger service and reduce its schedule of flights to the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines Will Suspend Most Long-Haul Service Starting Thursday. The airline, which is Hawaii’s largest private employer, faces uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines, in preparation for a 14-day government quarantine order for all Hawaii arrivals set to begin Thursday, announced Sunday it will maintain its regular flight schedule through Wednesday to allow guests to return home and to accommodate the repatriation of aircraft before finalizing significant reductions of its domestic and international passenger network. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian to Suspend Most Long-Haul Passenger Service. Hawaiian Airlines will sideline most of its long-haul passenger service in response to a 14-day, state-ordered quarantine for all arrivals beginning Thursday, March 26. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Air to suspend most N. America, international flights, some interisland routes. In the wake of Gov. David Ige’s travel quarantine mandate, Hawaiian Airlines announced Sunday that it will suspend most of its North America and international routes beginning Thursday and cut some of its Neighbor Island routes starting Wednesday. Maui News.

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8 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, officials say. Eight more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Hawaii — including another child — bringing the state cases to 56, the state Department of Health said today. Star-Advertiser.

8 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Health said the total case numbers rose to 56, including six new cases on Oahu and two on Maui. Civil Beat.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/03/8-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-hawaii/

Blood Bank of Hawaii Calls for Donations as COVID-19 Creates Nationwide Shortage. Hawai‘i’s blood supply is dropping fast as concern over the spread of COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of nearly 30 blood drives that had been scheduled through May. Hawaii Business.

38 Hawaii public schools to kick off free Grab-and-Go Meals on March 23. Stop by one of the designated schools to pick up a grab-and-go meal for each child present in the car. KHON2.

Your Child Care Center May Still Be Open. As coronavirus cases rise in the state, child care centers emerge as an “essential function” for front-line workers. Civil Beat.

What stores offer senior shopping hours in Hawaii? To protect a high-risk group from exposure to COVID-19, stores around the state are starting to offer special hours dedicated to seniors and those with chronic conditions. KITV4.

Hawaii Prosecutors Retool Policies To Avoid Filling Up Jails During Pandemic. One prosecutor — Justin Kollar of Kauai — has signed on to a national initiative to release some low level offenders not considered a threat to the community. Civil Beat.

Walk-In Voting Canceled For Hawaii Democratic Primary. The party will add another round of mailed balloting for the April 4 presidential contest, but details are still being finalized. Civil Beat.

Is Climate Change Affecting The Spread Of Disease? A warming climate could negatively impact Hawaii residents’ ability to fight off diseases like the flu and COVID-19, and will enable the spread of more ailments. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issues stay at home, work from home order. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell today issued a “stay at home, work from home order” for Oahu effective Monday at 4:30 p.m. through April 30 in an attempt to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Orders ‘Stay At Home, Work From Home’ For All Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed an emergency order on Sunday requiring all Oahu residents and visitors to stay home except for essential activities. Civil Beat.

Stay at home, work from home order announced for Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that he signed an emergency order which involves Oahu residents to stay at home and work from home. KHON2.

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Norwegian Jewel cruise passengers will disembark in Honolulu on Monday for ship repairs. Hawaii officials and Norwegian Cruise Line will transport the nearly 2,000 passengers to chartered flights in isolation to avoid public contact amid ongoing concerns about the spread of coronavirus. KITV4.

Cruise ship passengers to go directly to airport. A Norwegian Cruise Line ship will begin offloading its 2,000 passengers at Honolulu Harbor today after initially being denied permission to do so because of the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Norwegian Jewel docked in Honolulu, passengers will disembark to airport. Another cruise ship is seen docked in Honolulu. The Norwegian Jewel arrived Sunday afternoon. KHON2.

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Disney, Four Seasons hotels at Hawaii's Ko Olina Resort's to close due to coronavirus. Ko Olina Resort — including the Four Seasons Resort Oahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and the Ko Olina Golf Club — will close to the public on Tuesday because of the coronavirus, which will put more than 2,500 employees out of work for an unspecified amount of time. Pacific Business News.

Tripler has dealt with at least 4 known cases of COVID-19. So far, officials have reported at least four cases tied to or treated by Tripler Army Medical Center staff. Hawaii News Now.

Owners of abutting Honolulu buildings remain locked in a renovation dispute. Two historic downtown Honolulu office buildings could use some social distancing on Queen Emma Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Green to address County Council: Council to hear COVID-19 update Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is scheduled to address the Hawaii County Council during a teleconference Wednesday that includes a question-and-answer session with council members. West Hawaii Today.

Council seeks lockdown: Resolutions ask Ige, Kim to ‘push the pause’ button amid COVID-19 scare. Shut it down already, the County Council urged Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim in a pair of nonbinding resolutions approved unanimously Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano businesses hope current problems won’t mirror 2018 struggles. As Big Island tourism struggles during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Volcano businesses are hoping to avoid a repeat of their problems during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Claim that TMT needs performance bond alive on appeal. Foes of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope are appealing to Hawaii’s appellate court in hopes of overturning a lower court rejection of their argument that the project requires a substantial security bond before starting construction. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Coffee Farmers Favor 100% Labeling Rule. These farmers want the Kona name to be reserved only for 100% Kona coffee. Hawaii Business.

Maui

Maui ‘stay at home and work from home’ order starts Wednesday. Mayor Michael Victorino issued Sunday afternoon a “stay home and work from home” emergency order for all residents and visitors in Maui County — effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday until April 30 — amid efforts to flatten the coronavirus curve. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino issues stay at home, work from home order. Victorino said critical services will still continue and everyone will still be able to get groceries and other essential products. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Stay-At-Home Order, Effective March 25 to April 30. Mayor Michael Victorino announced an update to Public Health Emergency Rules ordering those in Maui County to stay at home and work from home, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui mayor outlines what’s essential and not essential in stay-at-home order. A “stay-at-home” order issued for Maui will go into effect on Wednesday, Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino said. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

More COVID-19 rules ‘likely’. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, in consultation with Governor David Ige and the mayors of the other islands, is expected to refine Kaua‘i’s response to the COVID-19 during announcements that will be released, today. Garden Island.

Mayor On Curfew — ‘I’m Willing To Be Criticized For Overreacting’. Derek Kawakami, frustrated by the tourist influx, imposed a curfew for the island. Civil Beat.

Curfew takes effect with no violations. The people on Kaua‘i responded positively to the mayor-mandated curfew that took effect on Friday. Garden Island.

Hawaii to start quarantining airport arrivals, first legislator tests positive as COVID-19 cases climb to 26, criticism mounts against state, local leaders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian airlines at Honolulu airport ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii airports planning to mandate 14-day home quarantine for incoming residents and visitors. Hawaii airports will begin mandating a 14-day quarantine for both residents and visitors coming to the islands, according to Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

The State plans to quarantine everyone coming to Hawaii for 14 days. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green wants to implement a 14-day quarantine for both residents and visitors coming into the islands. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green adds pressure to secure visitor arrivals. He wants to suspend all non-essential travel to the state through April 30. Hawaii News Now.

Petition fighting for mandatory 14-day quarantine for all visitors to Hawaii gains support. Maui COVID-19 Facts, a group that wants a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all travelers to Hawaii is quickly gaining support. The group sent a petition to Governor Ige on Thursday, showing the number of signatures nearly doubled overnight, with more than 10,000 signatures. KITV4.

MIT Researcher: Honolulu Airport Wasn’t A Virus ‘Super-Spreader’ This Time. The author of a study on Honolulu’s unique potential to spread contagion says we’re lucky the coronavirus moved west out of China, not east toward the islands. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii now has 26 cases of coronavirus. A television star and lawmaker are among the 10 most recent people in Hawaii to contract the coronavirus, which jumped to 26 from two cases in just one week. Star-Advertiser.

New coronavirus cases to the state include lawmaker, actor and medical center employee. The Hawaii Heath Department said all of the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases here in Hawaii are travel related. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Update: 26 Cases Reported Statewide. There remains only one reported confirmed case of COVID-19 on Hawaiʻi Island, health officials say. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Confirms 10 New COVID-19 Cases Thursday. Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson announced 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i as of 1:20 p.m. Thursday. Big Island Now.

DOH emphasizes social distancing. Ten more cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Hawaii — eight on Oahu and two on Maui — bringing the total to 26, state health officials said. Tribune-Herald.

DOH Testing in Hawaii For COVID-19 Remains Deliberately Narrow. Lt. Gov. Josh Green slammed the pace of the state Department of Health’s screening program as a “total fail.” Civil Beat.

Why Hawaii Is Not Fully Prepared To Care For Surge In Coronavirus Patients. In less than a week, the number of cases of coronavirus in Hawaii increased from 2 to 16. Are Hawaii’s hospitals fully prepared for the influx of coronavirus patients? Two studies say no. Hawaii Public Radio.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki urges Gov. David Ige to ‘shut down’ the state for 15 days. House Speaker Scott Saiki is describing the handling of the pandemic thus far as “utterly chaotic,” and is urging Gov. David Ige to shut down the state and have residents shelter in place for the next 15 days. Star-Advertiser.

House speaker ‘implores’ governor to institute immediate statewide shutdown for 15 days. House Speaker Scott Saiki is calling on the governor to institute an immediate statewide shutdown for 15 days, requiring people to shelter in their homes or hotel rooms to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Saiki To Ige: State’s Handling Of COVID-19 ‘Has Been Chaotic’. The Hawaii House speaker urges the governor to order “an immediate statewide shutdown” of the state for the next 15 days. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Says State Response 'Utterly Chaotic,' Wants 15-Day State Shutdown. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii House Speaker Calls For State Shutdown, Shelter In Place. Calling the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic "utterly chaotic" with "mass confusion among the public", House Speaker Scott Saiki called on the Governor to take immediate action. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s newly created Special Senate Committee on COVID-19 held its first meeting Thursday, as the state Department of Health confirmed six new cases of COVID-19. Garden Island.

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Sen. Nishihara in quarantine as Legislature closes indefinitely. Just hours after he was notified he tested positive for the new coronavirus, state Sen. Clarence Nishihara found himself confined Thursday to a bedroom in his Waipahu home without even a TV to pass the time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Senator Tests Positive For Coronavirus. Health officials screened as many as 70 lawmakers and staff after Sen. Clarence Nishihara tested positive. Civil Beat.

State Capitol building closes after senator tests positive for coronavirus. The state Capitol building is closed following news that state Sen. Clarence Nishihara tested positive Thursday for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s public schools will start offering grab-and-go meals for kids Monday. Two dozen public schools across the state will begin serving grab-and-go breakfast and lunches Monday to help students who might otherwise miss meals during the extended three-week spring break. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Will Offer Meals Outside Some Cafeterias While Schools Are Closed. Many students depend on school meals to keep from going hungry. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawai‘i cancels graduation. The University of Hawai‘i is canceling the traditional commencement ceremonies, said University of Hawai‘i President David Lassner during a meeting of the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents at the Honolulu Community College via teleconferencing. Garden Island.

University of Hawai‘i Commencement Ceremonies Canceled. Calling it a “difficult decision,” University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner announced the cancellation of all traditional commencement ceremonies at all 10 campuses in the US system, including the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Kahului. Maui Now.

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Unemployment online system crashes from onslaught of claims. The overload in unemployment claims, which have been steadily rising as COVID-19 concerns clamp down on Hawaii’s economy, caused a misleading reported drop in Wednesday’s activity. Star-Advertiser.

State Labor Department apologizes, explains solutions for lagging website. Officials say an overload of claims being filed online caused the problem. KHON2.

Hawaii Unemployment Claims Skyrocket As Coronavirus Crisis Continues. Thousands of people are trying to apply for unemployment insurance as Hawaii’s tourism and service industries tumble. Civil Beat.

Hilo, and Now Honolulu, Dodge Influx of Cruise Ship Passengers. Big Island residents are breathing a sigh of relief after state authorities canceled a cruise ship’s emergency plans to unload hundreds of its passengers at Hilo Harbor. State transportation officials say the Holland America Line vessel is now set to arrive in Honolulu Friday, but none of its more than 800 passengers will be allowed off. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City pulls lifeguards from Oahu beaches. Residents and visitors swam at their own risk at Oahu beaches Thursday after city officials instructed lifeguards not to go to their observation tower stations over concerns that they could be exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Unauthorized vendors fill a gap left by departing city beach concessions. Despite Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s announcement Wednesday that the city’s parks would be closed the next day, there were at least 100 tourists enjoying Kuhio Beach Park on Thursday morning, according to Dave Carvalho of the city concession Pacific Island Beach Boys, who was waiting to hear whether the city Department of Enterprise Serv­ices would order his concession to close that day. Star-Advertiser.

A major Waikiki hotel closes its doors to encourage visitors to return home safely. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Hale Koa Hotel, but the Waikiki resort — which caters to military families — decided to close its doors Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Twin-tower Keeaumoku project wins Council OK. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday gave the green light to a twin-tower condominium project that is expected to add nearly 1,000 more residential units to the Keeaumoku Street area. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inouye in isolation; Big Isle senators react after Nishihara tests positive for COVID-19. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye of Hilo said she was tested Thursday for the COVID-19 coronavirus and will remain in isolation in Honolulu until she receives the test results. Tribune-Herald.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing comes to Kona on Monday. The 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. effort is being undertaken by Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s COVID Task Force with help from the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation and Ironman Foundation. West Hawaii Today.

Feeding the hungry: Food Basket seeks monetary donations, paper bags, volunteers. The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, is seeking the community’s help as they face uncertain times providing food for our island’s hungry as the coronavirus pandemic continues. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim’s Plan Poses Serious Health Risks, Scientists Say. Kim’s plan also contrasts starkly with the policies soon to be enacted by mayors on every other major island — as O‘ahu and Maui will mandate social distancing practices for all restaurants, bars and related businesses, and Kaua‘i will enforce a 9 p.m. curfew indefinitely. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Announces Public Health Emergency Rules for Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a number of Public Health Emergency Rules effective as of 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2020, directed toward limiting the gathering of groups of people and curtailing vehicular transportation except for essential activities or operation of essential business or government functions, such as travel to and from work and medical appointments. Maui Now.

Emergency rules take effect Friday. County to require closures of certain businesses; road to Hana for local traffic. Maui News.

Online fees waived for water, trash, property taxes. Credit card and transaction fees for online payments for real property taxes, trash pickup and water bills are being waived, and a Molokai and Lanai COVID-19 update will be livestreamed Friday, Maui County said. Maui News.

Maui Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing Expected to Launch Early Next Week. Preparations are underway to ready the War Memorial Gymnasium parking lot in Wailuku as Maui’s drive-through testing site for COVID-19. Maui Now.

2 new Maui cases are residents who returned from Europe. Two Maui residents who traveled back from Europe together were among the 10 new cases reported in Hawaii on Thursday, according to county and state officials. Maui News.

Kauai

Mail it in or make an appointment. Most county offices are closing to the public due to COVID-19 spread-prevention techniques. Garden Island.

Utility disconnections suspended. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and Hawai‘i Gas have both suspended service disconnections for Hawai‘i residents in response to anticipated economic hardships for members and customers. Garden Island.

Doctors sound the alarm on Hawaii coronavirus risk, counties lack medical facilities, most mayors closing parks, restaurants, Kauai imposes curfew, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A hospital in Hawaii, public domain photo

All 16 Hawaii coronavirus cases related to travel; ‘no evidence of community spread,’ health officials say. The state Department of Health said today that the two new cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, are Oahu residents who had traveled outside Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii medical professionals ask Gov. David Ige to mandate extreme social distancing measures. Nearly 100 Hawaii doctors and medical providers are imploring Gov. David Ige to mandate the shutdown of all non-essential businesses and order residents to stay home to stop the rapidly spreading coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Community Urges Ige To Mandate Business Closures, Keep People Home. In a letter, 94 local doctors and health professionals urged Governor David Ige to immediately take more decisive action to limit the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Are Hawaii Hospitals Prepared For A Pandemic? The state health director says Hawaii’s hospitals are already near capacity, with expansion difficult. Oahu hospitals have 477 ventilators, Kauai County has 18 ventilators, Maui County has 27, and Hawaii Island has 39. Civil Beat.

Green criticizes lack of testing as Hawaii cases rise. State public health officials think community spread will eventually occur in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

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Public schools to close through early April as state scrambles to stop spread of coronavirus. The state plans to close schools through early April as part of a massive effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Classrooms Not Scheduled To Reopen Until April 7. The Department of Education update means six more instructional days are canceled. Civil Beat.

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Despite governor’s plea, visitors are still coming ... and crowding into eateries. Despite government warnings not to travel, many visitors are arriving at Honolulu’s airport for spring break vacations. They’re also gathering in enclosed spaces. Hawaii News Now.

1 in 4 hotel workers could lose their jobs. About 1 in 4 workers in hotel-supported jobs in Hawaii could lose their jobs in the next six months as the COVID-19 pandemic attacks the health of the state’s tourist economy. Star-Advertiser.

Number of unemployment claims statewide doubled in just 24 hours. The number of unemployment claims statewide doubled in just 24 hours from 1,500 claims to 3,000 claims on Tuesday. KITV4.

Hawaii Unemployment Website Glitches As Applications Surge. Hospitality workers and service-industry workers are losing their jobs as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. Civil Beat.

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Counties implement their own restrictions. The state Department of Health clarified Wednesday that “while these are not mandates with consequences for non-compliance, these directives require the cooperation of businesses, organizations and individuals to be effective from a public health perspective". Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Mayors’ Responses to COVID-19 Differ Starkly. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard suspending presidential campaign, will support Joe Biden. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday announced she’s suspending her presidential campaign and will offer her support to former Vice President Joe Biden. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i Representative Tulsi Gabbard suspends campaign for president. In a statement to her supporters, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard announced that she is suspending her campaign to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. KITV4.

Gabbard Hosts Telephone Town Hall For Hawaiʻi Residents. This afternoon, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) hosted a telephone town hall for over 10,000 Hawai‘i residents where she was joined by Hawaiʻi Lt. Governor Josh Green, a practicing physician who has served as the state’s lead official coordinating its COVID-19 coronavirus response. Maui Now.

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Programs Emerge To Help Borrowers, Small Businesses Cope With COVID-19 Crisis. A former state attorney general says it’s important for people and small businesses to know their rights. Civil Beat.

New $2.5M Hawaii Fund Aims To Help Nonprofits With Coronavirus Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to job losses, quarantines and lots of uncertainty in the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines deepens cuts to nearly 40% systemwide. Hawaiian Airlines on Wednesday night deepened its systemwide flight reductions to nearly 40% in April as COVID-19 cases spread in Hawaii, resulting in restrictions that put downward pressure on travel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines further cuts flights to adjust for lower demand. Hawaiian Airlines announced they were continuing to cut back on flight offerings amid declining demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Reduces Flight Schedule Systemwide. As COVID-19 cases, (and government restrictions) increase, Hawaiian Airlines is making further adjustments to its network. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Caldwell orders restaurants closed except for takeout, drive-thru and delivery. Oahu restaurants and bars will be able to offer only takeout, drive-thru or delivery food services — or otherwise need to shut their doors — under a new and sweeping emergency proclamation issued Wednesday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Last Call: Caldwell Orders Bars, Restaurants To Restrict Service Starting Friday. The mayor also closed city parks and other public facilities. Civil Beat.

City orders restaurants, bars and night clubs to close dine-in services for 15 days. Honolulu’s mayor is widening his closures of city facilities to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and has ordered restaurants, bars and clubs to close dine-in services. Hawaii News Now.

City mandates all Oahu restaurants, bars and nightclubs to cease indoor service. The Chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, Tom Jones, said the impact could see about half of the restaurant employees without work. KHON2.

Mayor orders Honolulu restaurants, bars to close indoor dining for 15 days to stop COVID spread. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday signed a supplemental COVID-19 proclamation ordering all restaurants, bars and nightclubs on Oahu to close indoor services starting Friday for 15 days as Hawaii deals with the coronavirus pandemic. Pacific Business News.

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City parks closing until the end of April. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today all City and County of Honolulu parks will be closed until April 30. KHON2.

City closes all city parks, golf courses and Honolulu Zoo. Honolulu’s mayor is widening its closures of city facilities to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Some are practicing social distancing, others are ignoring warnings, what is being done to protect residents? On Wednesday, Waikiki Beach was completely packed with people who were obviously closer together than six feet. KHON2.

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Officials say passengers, crew must remain on 2 cruise ships heading to Honolulu. Hawaii Department of Transportation officials said Wednesday afternoon that two cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers and crew members will be allowed to dock at Honolulu Harbor, but no one on board will be allowed to leave the ships. Star-Advertiser.

2 Cruise Ships Turned Away By Other Ports Head To Honolulu. Two cruise ships turned away by other ports are headed to Honolulu. Associated Press.

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Rotary International cancels June convention, which would have brought 20,000 visitors to Honolulu. The Rotary International Convention, the state’s largest piece of group business this year, has canceled its plans to come to Hawaii in June. Star-Advertiser.

2 Oahu men arrested for illegal harvest of nearly 785 Opihi. Two Oahu residents were cited by DLNR conservation officers after they were allegedly caught picking hundreds of opihi from rocks in a marine life conservation area. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii men arrested for illegal harvest of nearly 800 opihi. The men were charged with a petty misdemeanor and if convicted could be fined or face jail time. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Cleanliness is next to productivity: Kim vows county will remain open for business. Office doors are propped open and the buildings reek of bleach and disinfectant. But coronavirus or no, Hawaii County is open for business and Mayor Harry Kim intends to keep it that way. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i County Parks, Beaches to Remain Open as Mayor Kim Creates Cleanliness Task Force. Hawai‘i County has no plans to close down its public parks and beaches in response to the COVID-19 outbreak across the state, Mayor Harry Kim said Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Council schedules emergency meeting: Videoconference meeting to address COVID-19; emailed public testimony encouraged. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea hospital expanding COVID-19 testing to six days a week. he Waimea facility will now offer drive-up testing for patient’s with physician’s orders at the entrance to Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital Primary Care Clinic Monday through Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Popular Hilo eateries begin laying off employees. Some East Hawaii restaurants are following Gov. David Ige’s Tuesday recommendation to move to a takeout/delivery service model during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, while other eateries are choosing to continue their dining room operations. Tribune-Herald.

‘It’s the right thing to do’: Local restaurants adjust operations amid coronavirus. For many West Hawaii restaurants, it was business as usual Wednesday; however some are heeding Gov. David Ige’s suggestion to switch to carry-out service amid the coronavirus pandemic. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Mayor Victorino Announces Public Health Emergency Rules for Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a number of Public Health Emergency Rules effective as of 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2020, directed toward limiting the gathering of groups of people and curtailing vehicular transportation except for essential activities or operation of essential business or government functions, such as travel to and from work and medical appointments. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Victorino announces new rules for Valley Isle residents. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino “greatly encouraged” families to shelter in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus. On Wednesday, the county took similar steps as Oahu in ordering all bars, nightclubs, theaters, and tourist attractions to close by Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Victorino announces Public Health Emergency Rules for Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a number of Public Health Emergency Rules effective as of 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2020, directed toward limiting the gathering of groups of people and curtailing vehicular transportation except for essential activities or operation of essential business or government functions, such as travel to and from work and medical appointments. KITV4.

Recreational options for families on break dwindle because of virus. County open-air parks closed; theaters dark; food donations needed. Maui News.

Clerks to reschedule court cases. Clerks helped people reschedule their District and Family Court cases, and some inmates appeared by videoconference for court hearings, as measures were implemented Tuesday in 2nd Circuit Court to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. Maui News.

Maui Permitting Agencies Announce Revised Procedures Due to COVID-19. The County of Maui’s key permitting departments have announced revised procedures for permit applications and inquiries due to COVID-19 impacts. Maui Now.


Hāna Highway (Route 360) Restricted to Local Traffic Until Further Notice. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation informs the traveling public that Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Kapakalua Road and Hāna Town is restricted to local traffic until further notice beginning March 18, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor issues mandatory curfew, limits airline travel to essential needs only. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami today announced he has implemented an islandwide nighttime curfew beginning Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai mayor implements island-wide curfew to reduce spread of COVID-19. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami initiated an island-wide curfew on Wednesday in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

Kawakami: “Kaua‘i is on Vacation”; Implements Nighttime Curfew Starting Friday. Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S.K Kawakami has implemented, via emergency rule, an islandwide nighttime curfew beginning Friday, March 20. Maui Now.

Molokai

Molokai residents protest at airport. On Molokai on March 18 dozens gathered outside the airport with signs urging visitors to go away. KHON2.