Hawaii PPE orders canceled, state expanding COVID-19 testing, Gabbard calls for firing of top Health Department staff, lawmakers want tourism stopped, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Governor: State's PPE Orders Canceled With No Explanation. The federal government has told state officials they are largely on their own when it comes to finding protective gear for their health care and emergency workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor defends pandemic response as Hawaii reports 6th COVID-19 death. The governor defended the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday, saying that Hawaii is outperforming much of the country in its efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii health officials say stay-at-home order is working . So far more than 15,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the state. KHON2.

Hawaii Officials Announce Expanded COVID-19 Testing. Hawaii COVID-19 testing criteria now includes people not showing symptoms who have been in close contact with people who have tested positive, Department of Health officials said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

State expanding on those who can receive COVID-19 testing. Under a new state protocol, people who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will be tested, whether they’re showing symptoms or not. KHON2.

Contact Testing of Public Instated in Hawai‘i’. Public contact-testing will now be a regular part of Hawai‘i’s approach to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Lieutenant governor disagrees with CDC guideline to only test those with COVID-19 symptoms. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday said he has some issues with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines about testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

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Tulsi Gabbard To David Ige: Fire Your Top Health Officials Or Resign. The Hawaii congresswoman believes Health Director Bruce Anderson and State Epidemiologist Sarah Park have botched the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Gabbard Calls for Firing of Hawai‘i Health Leaders. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday said heads should roll at the top of Hawai‘i Department of Health. Big Island Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls for LG Green to Take Lead on Coronavirus; Wants Dr. Anderson and Dr. Park Fired. Representative Tulsi Gabbard this afternoon called for Lieutenant Josh Green to lead the state’s coronavirus crisis. Maui Now.

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Military won’t say how many COVID-19 cases in Hawaii. Officials said military COVID-19 case information is funneled through Tripler Army Medical Center to the state Department of Health on a daily basis — and the military cases are captured in the daily state totals that are publicized. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawaii National Guard personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Defense said today. The individuals were not a part of the COVID-19 Guard activation or in the Joint Task Force supporting various missions around the State. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawai‘i National Guardsmen test positive for COVID-19. The Guardsmen were not a part of the Guard activation or in the Joint Task Force supporting various missions around the State, according to the Hawaii National Guard. KITV4.

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Hawaii records 6th coronavirus death as cases climb to 435. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state has recorded its sixth death from coronavirus and that cases have risen to 435, up 25 from Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Sixth Person Dies From COVID-19 In Hawaii. There are now 435 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, with 25 new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours. Civil Beat.

A sixth coronavirus-related death has been reported today on Maui, as the total number of COVID-19 cases statewide has increased by 25. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers want changes to keep visitors out of Hawaii during the pandemic. State officials are admitting that most visitors aren’t adhering to quarantine rules aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii. Lawmakers are now demanding a better way to track arrivals. Hawaii News Now.

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Over 700 state workers paid to sit idle; some will be assigned to help process unemployment claims. Senate committee takes state HR director to task for taking too long to respond to calls for more manpower. KITV4.

State to redeploy initial idle workers by Monday. Reinforcements could be headed to process a massive backlog of Hawaii unemployment claims as soon as Friday or Monday from a pool of 706 idle state workers. Star-Advertiser.

More Than 700 State Workers Are Home Awaiting Reassignment. The Senate special COVID-19 committee has been trying to get the workers moved to agencies that need extra help during the coronavirus crisis. Civil Beat.

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State Conservation Officers Cite 34 For COVID-19 Order Violations. Those cited entered closed state parks across the islands. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green questions plan to release prisoners. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday questioned a controversial plan to release low-risk jail inmates to try to block the spread of the new coronavirus in the state’s overcrowded correctional system, telling state senators that if corrections officials have the right personal protective gear, then prison is safer than Costco. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Unlikely To Open Again This School Year. State education officials want to see a lengthy period without any new coronavirus cases reported before they’ll feel comfortable bringing kids and teachers back together. Civil Beat.

Oshima to Lead Hawai‘i Economic Recovery Plan. Gov. David Ige has created a new position within his administration to lead Hawai‘i’s economy back from the current recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Native Hawaiian agency pushes for broad moratorium on rental evictions. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says Native Hawaiians are at greater health and financial risk due to the pandemic and it’s urging Gov. Ige to issue a broad moratorium on rental evictions. Hawaii News Now.

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Irene Hirano Inouye, widow of Sen. Daniel Inouye and leader in U.S.-Japan community, dies at 71. Irene Hirano Inouye, the widow of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, died Tuesday after an extended illness, according to the U.S.-Japan Council. Star-Advertiser.

Irene Hirano Inouye, Widow Of Sen. Dan Inouye, Dies At 71. Her work included historic preservation and membership on major boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

6 crew members of Pride of America cruise ship in Honolulu Harbor test positive for coronavirus. Two of the crew members have been hospitalized and four are in isolation on the ship, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said today. Star-Advertiser.

HDOT confirms six COVID-19 cases on Pride of America. The Hawai'i Department of Transportation confirmed that six crewmembers on board the Pride of America cruise ship had tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

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City adds more buses to control crowded trips. The union for bus drivers says it’s received concerns about city buses being too crowded. KHON2.

More Oahu Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Scheduled. More community testing will be offered by a private medical group on Oahu this week. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit Plans To Stock Oahu Public Bathrooms During Pandemic. The city declined to put soap in public restrooms, so one group is launching a collaborative solution. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Zoo receives accreditation after two years of trying. The Honolulu Zoo announced Wednesday it has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission after years of effort. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Zoo achieves esteemed AZA accreditation. The Zoo doesn't want to monkey around when it comes to getting and keeping the AZA accreditation. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council asks Trump to ban travel to Hawaii. The County Council on Wednesday unanimously threw its support behind three county mayors in asking President Donald Trump to ban all non-essential travel to the state, after Mayor Harry Kim declined to sign the mayors’ joint letter. West Hawaii Today.

Council Asks Trump For Hawaii Travel Ban. The Hawaiʻi County Council voted today to pass a resolution urging the President to issue a ban on all non-essential travel to the State of Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Show us the money, Council says. Schatz explains CARES Act distribution process. Honolulu and Maui get millions for mass transit, and Honolulu gets a direct infusion of $387.18 million of the $1.25 billion the state’s getting from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act. What about Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Council resolutions urge Ige to impose moratorium on evictions. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday passed a pair of last-minute resolutions urging Gov. David Ige to suspend evictions statewide for residents and small business owners alike. Tribune-Herald.

Several variables could be behind differing totals of COVID-19 cases. The number of COVID-19 cases reported daily by the county Civil Defense agency has often differed from the number reported each day by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Discussion on Maunakea Reimbursement Moves Forward. Hawai‘i County Council continues to move the discussion of state reimbursement forward on costs incurred by the county to handle the protest against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Memorial changes policy on masks after 15 healthcare workers test positive for COVID-19. It’s been two weeks since the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect, and on Wednesday, there’s news of a cluster of COVID-19 cases on Maui, and the sixth COVID-19 death, an elderly man on Maui. KHON2.

‘Cluster’ of 15 Maui hospital staff have COVID-19, officials say. Infection results come a week after hospital allows masks to be used. Maui News.

At least 15 employees at a Maui medical center test positive for COVID-19. Hawaii’s first cluster of health care workers infected with the novel coronavirus was discovered on Maui, which also reported its second death within days. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Discusses Maui Cluster of COVID-19 Positive Cases. State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said the Maui death involved an unattended death and was confirmed by the medical examiner. Dr. Anderson also said the 15 cluster cases on Maui are not new, contrary to earlier information provided by the Joint Information Center. Maui Now.

COVID-19 Drive Through Testing in KAHULUI on THURSDAY; and in HANA on FRIDAY. The first two hours of the Kahului clinic are reserved for first responders and health care workers.  The news comes on the heels of a confirmed cluster of 15 workers with Maui Health that tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui County unemployment claims nearly 11K. Statewide figures have jobless numbers near 25% of workforce. Maui News.

Kauai

Ticketed for sunbathing. To date, the Kaua‘i Police Department has issued nearly 60 citations for breaking state and local stay-at-home orders. Of these, 15 have been to beachgoers. Garden Island.

34 cited for rule breaking in state parks. On Kaua‘i, DOCARE Officers have cited ten people for violating State Park closures at Kalalau, Polihale, Koke‘e, ‘Opaeka‘a Falls and Wailua River State Parks. Garden Island.

Kealia temporary bridge opens. On Tuesday, the temporary bridge and bypass road opened alongside Kuhio Highway, near Kealia Beach. Garden Island.

National Guard to start screening passengers today, state and counties face tough budget choices, masks urged as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Staff Sgt. Joey Paulino, 154th Medical Group health services manager passes medical supplies to an awaiting civilian medical representative April 2, 2020, in Honolulu PC:U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Orlando Corpuz

Gov. Ige, lawmakers face grim budget scenario with tough choices ahead. It’s tough to plan ahead when the state economy is a shambles, but Gov. David Ige and state lawmakers will have to make tough spending and policy choices for next year, and they don’t have much time to make them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Arrivals Up Slightly Each of Last Two Days, Guardsmen to Hit Airports Monday. Mandatory 14-day, self-quarantine is required for all passengers arriving from out of state and also covers interisland travelers. Big Island Now.

Passenger screenings to start Monday at Honolulu, Hilo airports. The Hawaii National Guard detailed their plans to begin screening passenger at Hawaii airports. Hawaii News Now.

National Guard to assist at airports. Hawai‘i National Guard soldiers and airmen are supporting the state Department of Transportation with the medical screening of incoming and departing passengers as well as airline crew at five Hawai‘i airports, beginning today in Honolulu. Garden Island.

COVID-19 cases rise as visitor counts grow. COVID-19 cases went up again this weekend and visitors coming to Hawaii rose despite a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 371. The number of confirmed cases has more than doubled since last Sunday. Civil Beat.

Count At 371; Hawaii Guard To Help At Airports; 2nd Molokai Case; Uptick In Visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite lockdown, 94 tourists arrive in Hawaii on Friday. The Department of Tourism authority reports 628 people arrived in Hawaii airports on Friday. This includes 94 visitors and 239 residents. KITV4.

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Statewide total for COVID-19 cases now at 371; DOH reports 4th death. Sunday’s COVID-19 update shows 20 new cases in Hawaii. The state’s total is now at 371. Hawaii News Now.

20 new positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 371. There are 20 new positive COVID-19 cases in the state bringing the total to 371. KHON2.

Hawaii County reports no new COVID-19 cases Sunday; Hawaii National Guard to begin assisting at airports. While Hawaii County reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the statewide total of positive or presumptive coronavirus increased by 20 to 371, state health officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Total Now 371: 20 New Cases, Maui Total is 43. As of noon on Sunday, April 5, 2020, there are 371 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with 20 new cases. Of the total cases in Hawaiʻi, 6% have required hospitalization, and more than 80% were residents returning from other areas. Maui Now.

Mayor Harry Kim and governor David Ige both said that while cloth masks should be used, N-95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers who need them. Both Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim and Governor David Ige, in separate news releases, endorsed the voluntary use of facemasks today for use when in public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

Asymptomatic residents close to COVID-19 patients will soon get tested. On March 20, state Health Director Bruce Anderson was on PBS Insights where he talked about who the state tests for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

The Imprecise Science Of Predicting The Spread Of COVID-19. In Hawaii, the projected peak for coronavirus cases is in early May. But it’s a moving date, dependent on a complex set of factors. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Patients’ “Release From Isolation” Criteria Questioned, DOH Responds. Hilo senator Kai Kahele made an urgent request for clarification on the state's policy on discontinuation of home isolation, and he got a quick answer. Big Island Video News.

Isle mayors consider stricter safety measures. About two weeks into Gov. David Ige’s statewide “stay-at-home” emergency proclamation that has closed nonessential businesses and ordered residents to stay and work at home, residents have generally reduced their travel and maintained their distance from other people. Star-Advertiser.

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Survey: Most Of Us Are Staying Home During Virus Outbreak. The online survey aims to fill a critical need — finding out how and where the virus is spreading in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Nearly 25% in Hawaii fear having COVID-19 symptoms, survey shows. Nearly a quarter of Hawaii residents surveyed as part of a new COVID-19 tracking effort reported they had symptoms that could be the result of having the new coronavirus, according to data released today by the Pacific Urban Resilience Lab. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii commissioner urges health insurance during outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to Hawaii businesses, including how to provide health insurance for employees when many have been forced to close down for an uncertain period of time. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Offers Free Coronavirus Treatment Through May. Out-of-pocket costs for health treatment related to the coronavirus are now free to all Kaiser Permanente members. Big Island Now.

Justice Delayed: Pandemic Puts Court Cases And Lives On Hold. One of many issues raised by the closures and delays is whether defendants will get legally required “speedy trials.” Civil Beat.

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Applications Open Today for $350 Billion in Small Business Loans. Applications for small business loans under the new federal CARES Act are being accepted starting today and ProService Hawaii says local companies should act quickly. Hawaii Business.

Hawaii small businesses are offered lifelines amid fight for survival. The Paycheck Protection Program offers small-business loans up to $10 million to primarily cover up to eight weeks of payroll expenses. The loans, which also can be used for mortgage, rent and utility expenses, can be completely forgiven. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Banks Start Rolling Out Relief To Small Firms. With some $350 billion to spread around, banks across the nation began taking applications from small businesses on Friday. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii loading up on guns, ammo amid coronavirus panic. 808 Gun Club owner Tom Tomimbang tells KITV4 he's seen a 400% increase in firearm sales in the last month. KITV4.

Patients Needing Cannabis Certification Left in Limbo by Executive Order. Hundreds of potential patients across Hawai‘i are asking how they can become certified to purchase medicinal marijuana while the state rests under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. The answer is — they can’t. Big Island Now.

Echoes of Spanish flu pandemic in Hawaii a century ago heard in coronavirus outbreak. The last time a major pandemic swept through the islands — a century ago — more than 2,300 people in Hawaii died from what was called the Spanish flu. Star-Advertiser.

What Can We Do With All Our Unrecyclable Plastic? Here are three innovative solutions to tackle the flood of plastic pollution that can never be recycled. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu police arrest 8 for violations of coronavirus emergency order. Eight people have been arrested since Thursday on suspicion of violating state or county states of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to police booking logs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Get $91 Million For Transit During Coronavirus Outbreak. It’s not clear yet precisely how the city will spend those federal dollars. Officials say they’re still incurring costs, so it’s still too early to know. Civil Beat.

Farmers’ markets running under new rules, helping farmers. You probably already noticed the dramatic changes in shopping at grocery stores. Farmers’ Markets are also making modifications. KHON2.

City to resume work on controversial field in Waimanalo. After months of delays marked by protests and arrests, a controversial project to build a new multipurpose field will resume Monday at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwoods. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu sees increase in construction cranes, RLB report says. Honolulu was one of five cities in the United States to see an increase in construction cranes during the first quarter, thanks to high-rise mixed-use towers under construction in Honolulu from Kakaako to Waikiki, and the coronavirus will likely have a mixed effect on the construction industry, according to Rider Levett Bucknall’s crane index report. Pacific Business News.

Navy extends developer deadline for P3 project near Pearl Harbor. The Navy is seeking to develop 70 acres into a transit-oriented mixed-use development near the City and County of Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor rail station using a public-private partnership, and has extended the deadline for a request for information from private developers interested in the project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County budget on the line: Chung calls for hiring freeze; Schatz to address council. There’s more uncertainty than certainty in the county budgeting process this year, as the administration and County Council try to get a handle on how much of the county’s dwindling revenue stream will be available to spend in the fiscal year that begins July 1. West Hawaii Today.

Reimbursement for TMT-related expenses back on the table. More than three months after rejecting a deal with the state to reimburse law enforcement costs relating to the months-long anti-Thirty Meter Telescope protests last year, the Hawaii County Council will discuss a new agreement next week. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo, Kona Locations Evaluated For Alternate Care Facilities Due To COVID-19. The U S. Army Corps of Engineers recently conducted five site assessments at various locations on the island of Hawaii for potential conversion to alternate care facilities. Big Island Video News.

New homeless camp springs up on lot cleared by county. A homeless camp that was dismantled late last year is being reassembled on the same downtown Hilo lot, to the consternation of its neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

County: Lava recovery not delayed by outbreak. Despite the massive global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the county’s ongoing recovery response to the 2018 Kilauea eruption is not expected to be delayed, officials say. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

South Maui beach patrols net MPD citations. Police issued three citations Saturday at a single beach in South Maui for violation of public health emergency rules. Maui News.

Paia confrontation over travel fears leaves visitors shaken. Trina Wade has been visiting Maui annually for the last 15 years. This year’s trip has been unlike any other, though. Her family of five was threatened in Paia by locals who were yelling at them to “go home” on Saturday. The locals ended up throwing their Jamba Juice at the rental car, she said. Maui News.


Kauai

These Small Sheds May Soon Shelter Quarantined Family Members. Residents of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands properties are eligible for the new program, which aims to alleviate overcrowding in many homes. Civil Beat.

Elderly volunteers staying at home due to COVID-19.  RSVP programs have been suspended since mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of volunteers and those they come in contact with. Garden Island.

Molokai


Maui County’s rural areas especially at risk for coronavirus, says lawmaker. Molokai racked up two positive COVID-19 cases in two days. And according to the area’s state senator, that shows how quickly the disease can spread in Hawaii’s more isolated rural areas. Hawaii News Now.

Second COVID-19 case confirmed on Molokai, Friendly Market Center to close for 14 days. Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino confirmed a second positive COVID-19 case on Molokai on April 4. KHON2.