Hawaii short of COVID-19 testing materials as governor and mayors mull continuing quarantine past Aug. 1, Legislature kills bill giving health director power to declare emergencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and Hawaii mayors via Zoom

Gov. David Ige and the state’s mayors will meet again to decide whether to lift the 14-day travel quarantine. After a marathon meeting Wednesday, Gov. David Ige, the county mayors and health officials will reconvene today to make a final determination on lifting the 14-day self-quarantine restriction that has largely kept tourists from visiting the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Discussion continues between mayors, governor on whether to postpone lifting Hawaii’s travel quarantine. After a five-hour meeting on Wednesday, July 8, the governor and the mayors are still trying to figure out a path forward for the state regarding travel. KHON2.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus testing capability to be reduced in half after mainland company cuts off supplies. One of Hawaii’s largest COVID-19 testing laboratories has been cut off from its mainland supplier of chemicals needed to continue to run tests locally due to a surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 surge on the mainland leads to shortage of testing supplies in Hawaii. A surge in new COVID-19 cases on the mainland is impacting how many coronavirus tests can be conducted in Hawaii each day. Diagnostic Laboratory Services, the largest locally-own lab in the islands, said its capacity for COVID-19 testing in Hawaii has been reduced from about 800 tests a day to 250. Hawaii News Now.

Surge in mainland cases impacting Hawaii’s testing capabilities. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who has been involved with COVID-19 testings on Oahu, says that the high demand for testing supplies in other states means our testing capabilities are going to be cut in half. KHON2.

Primary Hawaii virus testing lab loses services of supplier. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who leads broad testing efforts across the islands, said the supply loss means means the state’s testing capacity has been cut in half to about 2,500 daily. KITV4.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Won’t Give Health Director Broad COVID-19 Screening Powers. A controversial bill that outlined a state health department screening response during public health emergencies has died at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

New ICE rule won’t effect international students in Hawaii as universities plan to resume in-person classes. The University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University says it plans to resume in-person classes this fall. The decision helps international students in Hawaii facing deportation under a new federal rule. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii debates how close is too close for kids in classrooms. As Hawaii’s public schools gear up to reopen next month, one question has proved to be a lightning rod of concern: How close is too close in the classroom? Star-Advertiser.

Delay in tourism reopening could spell economic disaster for Hawaii. As the state ponders pushing back the reopening of the tourism industry from August 1, Hawaii’s economic driver remains in limbo. KHON2.

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United Airlines anticipates 386 Hawaii job furloughs. United Airlines expects to furlough 332 employees at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and an additional 54 at Kahului Airport for six months or longer beginning around Oct. 1, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hammer the airline industry and stifle Hawaii’s tourism-based economy. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines workers in Hawaii face layoffs as air travel industry struggles. United Airlines is preparing to make major layoffs beginning in October, and workers at two Hawaii airports appear to be in danger of losing their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

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Coal-Burning Ban Among Measures On Track To Clear Hawaii Legislature. Bills to regulate Lyft and Uber, prohibit sea walls and reform gun laws also have agreement between the House and Senate ahead of a final vote Friday. Civil Beat.

The Māʻili Measure: How Hawaiʻi Determines Damages for Thousands of Native Hawaiians. Thousands of Native Hawaiians are set to receive financial compensation from the state in a historic breach-of-trust case recently decided by Hawaiʻiʻs Supreme Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court official to oversee damages for Hawaiian homesteads. A court-appointed special master will determine the damages distributed to each plaintiff in a 1999 class-action lawsuit. KITV4.

Coronavirus Is Disrupting Cadaver Dissection At UH. COVID-19 is prompting the University of Hawaii to reduce some of its teaching programs, including a foundational course in human dissection. Civil Beat.

General gets fourth star, takes over command of Pacific Air Forces. A command pilot with 71 combat missions and eight prior Pacific postings — including most recently as deputy commander of U.S. Forces Korea — took over as head of Pacific Air Forces Wednesday in command of approximately 46,000 airmen serving mainly in Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Alaska and Guam. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii adds 23 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,094. Hawaii health officials counted 23 new coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections to 1,094 since the start of the outbreak in February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates: 23 New Cases Today; No Rollback After Sharp Spike; Kauai: TVRs Not For Quarantines. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Reports 23 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports 23 new COVID-19 cases statewide bringing the cumulative total to 1,094. Big Island Now.

Oahu

As US cases surge, council asks state to ‘consider’ delaying changes to travel restrictions. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to pass a resolution that asks the governor to ‘consider’ pausing his plan ― which is currently scheduled to go into effect Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Council holds off on $26M bond for rail. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted to hold off passing a measure to approve the sale of $26 million in general revenue bonds to help finance the city’s $9.2 billion, 20-mile rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Top contenders for Honolulu mayor make their case in ‘The Job Interview'. Hawaii’s primary election is just a month away, and the five leading candidates for Honolulu mayor are scrambling to make sure their messages are heard at a time when traditional campaigning is impossible and the scale of crisis facing the city is unprecedented. Hawaii News Now.

Rick Blangiardi: This Former TV Exec Wants To Be CEO Of Honolulu. Rick Blangiardi regularly used his platform on Hawaii News Now to criticize from the sidelines. Now he admits he doesn’t have all the answers either. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for Doug Chin to Police Commission. Mayor Kirk Caldwell appeared before the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday to reaffirm his support for Honolulu Police Commission nominee Doug Chin, whose appointment has run into opposition headed by a group dedicated to progressive causes. Star-Advertiser.

Walk-on visits to USS Arizona Memorial to resume Friday. The National Park Service is resuming a “limited number” of USS Arizona Memorial programs on Friday with visits to the sunken battleship and grave. Star-Advertiser.

New Deal Reached To Fix Laniakea Parking, Traffic And Safety Problems. For years, the North Shore beach has been a notorious traffic choke point and an unsafe crossing for visitors. A new court agreement could change that. Civil Beat.

Bishop Museum now permanent home of 2 artifacts gifted to Captain Cook. Two cherished artifacts once gifted to Captain Cook in the 18th century can once again call Hawaii home. An ʻahu ʻula and mahiole, (feather cloak and traditional helmet) once owned by Hawaiian Chief Kalani’opu’u will be held in trust by Bishop Museum. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Yes, window AC units require building permits in Hawaii County: DPW said energy code requires it, but it may be amended. West Hawaii Today.

Council provides CARES input. Bolstered by nonbinding resolutions seeking financial bailouts for very small and women-owned businesses, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an $80 million relief package tapping into federal coronavirus funds. West Hawaii Today.

Council Votes To Help Small Businesses During Pandemic. The Hawaiʻi County Council passed a resolution urging the administration to use $5 million in CARES Act money to fund a micro-grant program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Resolution urges gender equality in COVID-19 recovery programs. The Hawaii County Council was very supportive Wednesday of a resolution urging the county administration to consider gender differences when crafting COVID-19 recovery programs. Tribune-Herald.

Resolution urges action to find ways for Young Brothers to resume full cargo service to the Big Island. Hawaii County Council members joined a growing list of elected officials calling for government support for Young Brothers to resume regular intra-state shipping. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers Shipping Solutions Sought By Council.  Councilmembers are hoping that the inter-island shipping company can take advantage of federal resources under America's Marine Highway program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Proposals to limit terms, create new departments on tap. 6 charter changes up for first reading Friday in council. Six proposals that would limit terms for the mayor and council members, create departments for housing and agriculture and make other changes to county government will be considered by the Maui County Council on Friday. Maui News.

3000 Acres Burned in Hāli‘imaile Brush Fire: Haleakalā Hwy OPEN, Hāli‘imaile Rd CLOSED. An ongoing brush fire that started early Wednesday morning, has now burned an estimated 3,000 acres of brush. Maui Now.

Paia residents urged to remain vigilant as crews continue to battle large brush fire in Hali’imaile. Overnight, Maui fire department crews cut a large firebreak to protect residents in the area of Skill Village. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua'i Mayor expresses alarm over recent rise in COVID-19 cases. The Garden Isle's 10-week streak of being COVID-19 free ended on June 18 when a person who did not show symptoms tested positive. KITV4.

Kaua‘i residents reflect, consider reopening to transpacific travel. Since Mayor Derek Kawakami signed the first emergency proclamation relating to COVID-19 on March 4, life has been different for business owners and residents on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Another round of amending the Housing Policy. The county’s Housing Policy that was first enacted over a decade ago is seeing a set of revisions after it had not produced the affordable housing results the county originally intended. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i United Way secures relief funds. Noon, July 22 to the Kaua‘i United Way is the deadline for organizations wishing to be considered for funding from the federal Emergency Food &Shelter program designed to provide food, rent, utility and other assistance to people in need. Garden Island.

Hawaii's new tourism brand: 'safest place in the world,' airport arrivals triple, thousands wait hours in Oahu food line, Kauai goes to 4-day workweeks, taxing the rich, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

Plans in the works to market Hawaii as the ‘safest place in the world’. Most Hawaii businesses remain closed and the stay-home orders have not yet been lifted, but plans are already in the works to begin marketing the state to tourists as the safest place on earth. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee wants passenger quarantine improved and scaled up to accommodate rising visitors. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 today criticized loopholes in the mandatory passenger quarantine and said they want them sealed before visitor counts to Hawaii begin rising again. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Mull Further Restrictions On Tourists, But Data Show Most Virus Cases Are Residents. Data from the Hawaii Department of Health show that most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the islands are local residents. But some legislators are calling for increased quarantine restrictions on visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Airport arrivals triple in May, says state. Senators fear a resurgence of the coronavirus in Hawaii, citing lax airport visitor screenings and inconsistent quarantine enforcement. KITV4.

Airports official criticized over quarantine enforcement failures. An official tasked with overseeing the arrival of passengers at Hawaii’s airports was raked over the coals Thursday by members of the state Senate’s Special Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Monitoring Could Turn Hawaii Into A Tourist ‘Prison Camp,’ Critics Say. Among the possibilities state Attorney General Clare Connors has floated for monitoring tourists in quarantine are ankle bracelets and GPS monitoring. Civil Beat.

Mid-week visitor count moves higher, but out-of-state passenger trend remains low. Wednesday brought one of the highest counts of out-of-state visitor arrivals into the state since tourism lockdowns began in mid-March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adding one daily flight between Seattle, Honolulu. When people are ready to travel again, we wanted to know what airlines are doing to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. KHON2.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Are Trying To Figure Out How To Get Back Into Session. If details on social distancing and constitutionality can be worked out, the Hawaii Legislature could meet this month. Civil Beat.

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Clinical Labs of Hawaii ramps up antibody testing to further understanding of coronavirus. Clinical Labs of Hawaii started coronavirus antibody testing Thursday and is partnering with Hawaii Pacific Health which will start testing its employees Friday for free. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Health to begin coronavirus antibody testing for its employees. Hawaii Pacific Health will begin coronavirus antibody testing for 7,200 employees to assess the level of infection in the health care workforce. Star-Advertiser.

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No Quick Recovery, Say Hawai‘i’s Business Leaders. BOSS Survey of 404 local executives asks about Hawai‘i’s economic recovery, expected changes within their companies, the challenges of working from home, how they’ve adjusted their personal habits and more. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Eateries look to reopen dine-in areas with strict social distancing, hygiene practices. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he wants to see restaurants open their dining rooms by the end of May. Hawaii News Now.

Federal help for independent contractors, gig workers in Hawaii still weeks away. The state has already received more than 7,500 unemployment claims from independent contractors since a state web portal was launched Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Judges have released more than 500 Hawaii inmates during pandemic. More than 500 Hawaii inmates have been released early by state judges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by a court-appointed special master. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Hawaii inmates freed from overcrowded facilities to limit exposure to COVID-19. More than 650 inmates at Hawaii’s correctional centers have been released since March in the ongoing effort to reduce crowding in jails and prisons and to limit inmates’ exposure to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

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Information Lockdown At Hawaii Labor Department Stymies Coronavirus Stories. Civil Beat tried to pursue stories about workers in unsafe conditions or denied workers’ compensation claims, but the state labor department says it’s too busy to answer questions. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige to step back from blanket suspension of open meetings law. State attorneys are working on language that would restore at least some portions of the Sunshine Law that requires government meetings to be public, a law that was suspended as part of an emergency proclamation issued by Gov. David Ige in mid-March to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii coronavirus cases rise by 5 to 618. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 618, up five from Wednesday, the state Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOH Reports 5 New COVID-19 Cases. New infections were reported on the Big Island and Maui on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Public school round up: budget cuts and support for homeless students. Administrators looking at where it can cut from the budget; also considering buying buses to deliver supplies to homeless children. KITV4.

Walmart workers in Hawaii receive a total of $380K in bonuses. To give back in this time of uncertainty, one big box store is saying thank you to their employees in a big way. Walmart says associates in Hawaii received a bonus in their paychecks Thursday, which adding up to $380,000 statewide. KITV4.

No trims, no dyes, no perms for over a month. Under the state’s phased reopening plan, salons will be among the last to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘Mind-blowing': Advocates say huge turnout for food distribution underscores scope of need. In a startling display of the scope of need on Oahu, thousands turned out Thursday to get free food at the first of a series of distribution events aimed at helping laid off workers. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands wait in line for food distribution. Thousands of Oahu residents lined up for free groceries Thursday — many enduring a 2-mile line of cars and a four-hour wait — in one of the most dramatic examples of economic suffering brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people wait in line for hours for food on Oahu. Thousands of Oahu residents waited in long lines for hours on Thursday for 50 pounds of food provided by the City and County of Honolulu, the Bank of Hawaii Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation and the Hawaii Foodbank. KHON2.

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The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned. The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned after the department director who had been spearheading the initiative was placed on paid leave. KHON2.

Select businesses allowed to reopen in first steps toward reopening economy.  Oahu is dipping a toe into efforts to reopen Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Some businesses on Oahu allowed to reopen under mayor’s recovery plan. One of the services allowed to re-open is automated car washes. KITV4.

Waipahu woman released due to pandemic is now back in custody for a carjacking. She was among the hundreds of Hawaii inmates released early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County mulls extra property tax on the rich: Revenues sought as COVID-19 cripples budget. Both County Council Chairman Aaron Chung and Mayor Harry Kim said Thursday they’re considering an additional tax for residences where the building plus land is valued at more than $1.5 million or $2 million. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii’s lawmakers set blueprint for reopening. The process to reopen Hawaii has officially begun. On Wednesday night, nine of West Hawaii’s leaders held a virtual town hall laying out the plan for opening the state following its closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo jail population down 160 inmates due to court order. The inmate population at Hawaii Community Correctional Center continues to shrink as a result of an order by the Hawaii Supreme Court to reduce populations in the state’s jails and prisons to help prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in those facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Despite pandemic, Big Island real estate market fairly stable. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic affects industries worldwide, real estate activity on the Big Island remains relatively steady. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Parks for limited use, golf courses to reopen Friday. Face masks required when in public. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday afternoon the first round of reopenings, starting with some beach and inland parks and golf courses at 7 a.m. Friday. Maui News.

Texas visitor disobeys quarantine order several times. Houston man is arrested; opts to leave voluntarily. Maui News.

Speeding Citations Up 92% Since Start of Maui’s Stay-at-Home Order. Speeding citations on Maui are up 92% since the start of Maui’s stay-at-home order was implemented on March 20, 2020.  The data covers a five-and-a-half week period through April 29, 2020. Maui Now.

35-MW wind farm is proposed in Ulupalakua. Auwahi 2 would sit next to sister project on ranch land. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County is giving the 4-day work week a try. Starting next week Monday, some 400 county workers will have Fridays off. Their pay is not being cut. Hawaii News Now.

Not a furlough; Kauai County will test out a four-day work week. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami implemented a schedule change for county employees. KHON2.

Small businesses slowly readying for reopen. Slowly businesses are gearing up to open their doors after county and state officials have announced they’re starting to loosen up their restrictions and emergency rules. Garden Island.

Honolulu mayor wants Kauai, 'some neighbor island,' to be test case for reopening; visitors keep slipping through the cracks, private sailboats unregulated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rainbows on Kauai ©2020 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Mayor Slammed For Offering Kauai As Coronavirus Test Case. Mayor Kirk Caldwell backed away from comments suggesting reintroducing tourism on Kauai could show whether it was safe statewide. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell criticized for suggesting Kauai could be a ‘test case’ for restarting tourism. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is being sharply criticized today for suggesting in a televised interview Wednesday evening that Kauai or “some neighbor island” might be the best place to test out the re-launch of the state’s tourism industry as the risk of COVID-19 recedes. Star-Advertiser.

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More than 3,500 visitors have come to Hawaii since quarantine began. More visitors came to Hawaii by air Wednesday bringing the total visitor count to 3,561 since the state initiated emergency orders designed to collapse tourism to conserve resources for locals. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities hope arrests of visitors for quarantine violations deter others from coming. The state is exploring more ways to monitor visitors who are supposed to be quarantined for 14 days after arriving in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Enhanced screening measures at airport to help enforce quarantine mandate. State officials will now check the forms and confirm residents addresses through property tax records and phone numbers provided on the ag form will be called before leaving the airport to make sure it’s a real number. KHON2.

United will require flight attendants to wear masks or face coverings while on duty. United will require flight attendants to wear face coverings or masks while they're on duty starting April 24th. KITV4.

CEO: Hawaiian Airlines Got $654 Million From Feds. The airline says the money helps buy time for Hawaii’s largest private employer, which is burning through more than $4 million per day. Civil Beat.

Sailboats Finding Few Safe Harbors As Hawaiʻi Ports Lock Down. While many locations are looking to ease their COVID-19 restrictions – others are still on lockdown, including Hawaiʻi. This presents potentially dangerous challenges for those sailing the oceans in private boats. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Receives $16M From Feds To Boost Testing, Contact Tracing. Rural hospitals also received more than $800,000 to purchase personal protective equipment and perform more testing. Civil Beat.

4 New COVID-19 Infections Reported In Hawaii. In a span of the last three days, the Department of Health also reported seven more seniors have been hospitalized. Civil Beat.

Angst rises as Hawaii’s archaic system prevents timely unemployment payments. Jodi Kealoha, owner of 808 SUP, “A Mom and Son Shop,” applied for unemployment the fourth week of March after COVID-19 lockdowns closed her Haleiwa business. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell outlines plan to reopen businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Thursday he might allow some businesses, shut down due to the coronavirus, to open starting May 1. They include golf courses, automated car washes and limited operations of car dealerships and real estate companies, as well as other smaller businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: Reopen Golf Courses First, Church Services Will Have To Wait. While there’s no timeline yet, the city has plans in place for when businesses can reopen and certain activities can resume. Civil Beat.

Mayor unveils plan to gradually reopen Honolulu. Two days after Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced parks would reopen on April 25th, he unveils his plan to gradually reopen additional services to the public. KHON2.

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Honolulu Will Hold Off On Purchase Of Questionable Virus Test Kits. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city will talk with the state Department of Health before proceeding with the $1 million plan. Civil Beat.

In wake of state’s concerns, Caldwell puts his ambitious COVID-19 testing plan on hold. In a blow to the city’s push to “test, test, test,” Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s ambitious plan to provide 10,000 more coronavirus tests for Oahu residents is on hold. Hawaii News Now.

Screening and triage site for homeless expands at Keehi Lagoon. About 50 homeless people are staying in tents and being monitored at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park at the Provisional Outdoor Screening and Triage Facility, which is being expanded. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

3 tourists arrested in Hilo for quarantine violation. Two men and a woman, all from Everett, Wash., were arrested Wednesday in Hilo and charged with violating Gov. David Ige’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine order for visitors to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Three Visitors Arrested After Breaking Quarantine On Banyan Drive. Meanwhile, the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i has used $25,000 to send 19 visitors back to their airports of origin during the COVID-19 crisis. Big Island Video News.

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Kona Community Hospital reports first inpatient case of COVID-19. The patient tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was admitted to the hospital Wednesday, according to a statement provided by KCH spokeswoman Judy Donovan. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii COVID-19 Update: Kona Hospital Reports First Positive Patient. The adult patient, a resident with no history of travel, was admitted on Wednesday and is in stable condition, the West Hawaiʻi hospital reports. Big Island Video News.

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Emergency shelter to help get homeless off streets amid pandemic. The first residents of 32 temporary housing units in Hilo began moving in this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor likely to extend emergency orders through May. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday pointed to the end of May as a possible time frame for the end of Maui County public health emergency orders. Maui News.

Staff still does ‘not feel safe’. More still needs to be done with contact tracing, testing, PPE at Maui Memorial. Maui News.

Restaurant had 65 COVID-19 contacts. Merriman’s Maui had outbreak; only 3 confirmed cases. Maui News.

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Supreme Court rebuffs Maui County in water pollution case. Maui’s multimillion-dollar appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court ended Thursday with a rejection of the county’s argument that it doesn’t need Clean Water Act compliance to inject treated sewage from its Lahaina sewer plant into ground­water that eventually winds up in the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

US Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Maui Clean Water Act Case. The US Supreme Court Thursday issued a ruling on the Lahaina injection well case which requires the federal government to regulate groundwater pollutants that find their way into navigable waters, such as oceans.  The case focused on discharge from the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now.

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Work Begins Monday on $3.15 Million Maui Lani Roundabout. Construction work on the Maui Lani roundabout project will begin Monday, April 27, at the intersection of Maui Lani Parkway and Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului, the County of Maui Department of Public Works announced this afternoon. Maui Now.

Kauai

Restrictions could be relaxed if no community spread. Some sectors of Kaua‘i’s local economy could reopen on May 3 if current COVID-19 trends continue, according to county officials, but only if evidence of community spread doesn’t spring up between now and then. Garden Island.

With promising signs, Kauai could be the first to slowly ease restrictions. Kauai has had some of the strictest rules in place since the early days of coronavirus in Hawaii, including an island-wide overnight curfew and a strong enforcement of travel quarantine rules. It’s resulted in a low case count of just 21 positives and no deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Falling through the cracks. One visitor to Kauai not informed about quarantine requirement. The Kaua‘i Police Department could not share how many check-ins they have done daily or share the number of people they are monitoring at this time, but travelers and visitors have confirmed they were checked on in-person. Garden Island.

Hawaii mulls reopening state, unemployment comp system a nightmare, wayward tourists sent home, Maui IDs COVID-19 grouping at upscale restaurant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Labor Director Scott Murikami and Gov. David Ige  talk about state's unemployment system April 22, 2020

State is well-positioned to relax restrictions, health director says. After nearly a month of stay-at-home orders and quarantine to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, it is becoming clear that Hawaii communities are relatively free of COVID-19, and policymakers are considering the first steps to carefully begin to reopen the state, state Health Director Bruce Anderson said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

DOH discusses state’s reopening at COVID-19 senate committee hearing. At Wednesday’s special senate committee hearing, Dr. Bruce Anderson said more COVID-19 tests are needed, as well as increased contact tracing and personal protective equipment for medical providers before Hawaii should begin opening larger sections. KHON2.

‘What Was It All For?’: Divide Grows Over Hawaii’s Lockdown. Some protesters, small business owners and others chafe at the continued restrictions, but many worry about lifting those too early. Civil Beat.

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State says antiquated system to blame for unemployment claims backlog. Delays have left some unemployed workers waiting four weeks or more to get their benefits. Hawaii News Now.

Manpower Shortage, Hacking Compound Problems With Unemployment Claims Processing. Officials Wednesday continued to blame an antiquated computer system for the plodding process of filing for and receiving unemployment insurance in Hawai‘i, an issue they said was slated to be updated this summer. Big Island Now.

At least 700 state workers volunteer to tackle unemployment backlog. The first wave of about 200 state worker volunteers began tackling Hawaii’s massive backlog of unemployment claims. House Speaker Scott Saiki said a second shift will be added next week that could double the number of people processing claims. Hawaii News Now.

State volunteers begin processing unemployment filings for Labor Dept. at Convention Center. Hawaii went from having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. to now one of the highest. KHON2.

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HTA rolling out new procedures to prevent quarantine rule breaking. Multiple people have broken quarantine rules since it began, the latest being a pair that broke quarantine more than once. To improve the system, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is rolling out new procedures. KHON2.

Visitors still trickling into Hawaii, but most passengers are residents. A small flow of visitors is still coming into the state, despite onerous emergency orders and high-profile arrests of violators. Star-Advertiser.

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Antibody tests show COVID-19 was in Hawaii before first positive test. New COVID-19 antibody studies out of USC and Stanford hint that the coronavirus may have been more widespread than originally thought, which would significantly reduce the disease’s mortality rate. KHON2.

Hawaii’s coronavirus cases rise to 592, up 6. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 592, up six from Tuesday, state Department of Health officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Reports 6 New Cases of COVID-19. As of Wednesday, 75% of those infected by the coronavirus had recovered, according to Hawaii health officials. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reported six new cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the statewide total to 592. The state Department of Health identified three of the cases on O‘ahu, while the other three were reported on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Lawmaker implies state health director withheld information about 2 COVID-19 clusters. The state health director and the lead medical coordinator for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency were in the hot seat Wednesday before the state Senate Special Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii’s small businesses ready for more aid. An estimated 11,000 Hawaii small businesses tried but failed to snag forgivable federal loans for paying workers and certain bills amid the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the economy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses ready for next round of PPP loans. Island banks and businesses are gearing up for the second round of Payroll Protection Program loans, which can help keep even non-essential workers busy. KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Caldwell explains 30-day shutdown extension amid concerns. At least some in the local restaurant and retail industries were uneasy with Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s announcement Tuesday that he will extend his stay-at-home, work-from-home order — aimed at blunting the spread of the coronavirus —by an entire month through May 31. Star-Advertiser.

Virus Test Kits Touted By City Lack Federal And State Approval. Thousands of coronavirus test kits Honolulu plans to order from a Texas-based company haven’t been authorized by the federal agency that oversees test kits. Civil Beat.

When it comes to ramped up testing on Oahu, leaders aren’t on the same page. There’s growing criticism from state officials a day after Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced enhanced testing efforts. Caldwell said the city is spending $2 million to ramp up COVID-19 testing on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii quarantine violators picked up in manhunt after violating rules again. A couple, who were arrested Tuesday for violating the state’s quarantine order, gave law enforcement the slip and broke the rules again before finally getting sent home Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

2 visitors arrested for allegedly breaking quarantine leave Hawaii.  Two tourists who were arrested twice for violating the 14-day quarantine have left Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Businesses, residents struggle for survival in Chinatown. Chinatown’s Kekaulike Market saw a glimmer of encouragement when the week began with several dozen people shopping for produce following weeks of discouraging turnout. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Tourism reboot: What should tourism 2.0 look like in Hawaii County? Tourism, Hawaii’s No. 1 industry, is in a reboot, and tourism officials see it as a perfect opportunity to redefine how they go about marketing the state. West Hawaii Today.

Council votes to accept $5.3 million for police overtime. After months of delays and revisions, the Hawaii County Council finally approved a deal between the county and the state for reimbursement of police overtime costs incurred during the Thirty Meter Telescope protests on Maunakea last year. Tribune-Herald.

Roads-acquisition bill shelved. A proposal to allow the county to acquire key private roads around the island was postponed indefinitely after being roundly criticized during a County Council committee meeting Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

County Clarifies New Rule Requiring Hand Sanitizers At Stores. Businesses must now provide hand sanitizer to customers, or at least a place to wash hands as an alternative. Big Island Video News.

Remote, Rural Kaʻū Prepares For Possible COVID-19 Surge. At least one positive case of COVID-19 has been found in the Kaʻū region of the Big Island, according to state health officials. It's something this remote and rural district has been preparing months for. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Merriman’s confirms COVID-19 cases reported by DOH. Three coronavirus cases tied to Merriman’s in Kapalua had about 65 people potentially exposed to the virus in an incident that has since been deemed too small to be a cluster and a “very low” risk to public health, state health officials said Wednesday. Maui News.

Maui Restaurant COVID-19 Grouping Involved 3-4 Positive Cases and Up to 100 Exposed Contacts. Officials with the Maui District Health Office clarified information shared yesterday about a group of positive COVID-19 cases involving a restaurant on Maui.  Dr. Lorrin Pang said he misspoke by calling the group a cluster and said the group included 3 or 4 confirmed cases and 100 exposed contacts. Maui Now.

Maui Stay-At-Home Orders Will Likely Be Extended to End of May. Mayor Victorino said he’d likely report this coming Friday on the likelihood of extending Maui’s stay-at-home orders. Maui Now.

A 95-year-old Maui woman’s family is upset after she contracts COVID-19 while in the hospital. Pukalani resident Lillian Seiser, 95, was admitted to Maui Memorial Medical Center on Feb. 29 for a urinary tract infection and, six weeks later, tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Victorino announces his plan to start phasing in reopening businesses. On Wednesday he announced he plans to start phasing in reopening businesses in three to four weeks. KITV4.

Supreme Court sides largely with environmentalists in Maui wastewater case. The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that sewage plants and other industries cannot avoid environmental requirements under landmark clean-water protections when they send dirty water on an indirect route to rivers, oceans and other navigable waterways. Associated Press.

Kauai

Council addresses housing, Sunshine Law. Written testimony regarding the lifted Sunshine Laws was brought to the attention of the Kaua‘i County Council’s at its April 22 meeting. Garden Island.

Ahead of the curve in Renewable Energy. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative announced on Earth Day that the entity has achieved 56% renewable energy production for 2019, well ahead of its own strategic goals and the State of Hawai‘i’s mandated renewable benchmarks. The information was filed with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission this week in KIUC’s Renewable Portfolio Standard Annual Report. 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.