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.

Hawaii governor asks tourists to stay away, restaurants, bars, libraries close, state employees to stay home, more COVID-19 news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party in pre-COVID days ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ige calls for tourism halt for 30 days. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday took the extraordinary step of asking all visitors planning to come to Hawaii to postpone their trips for the next 30 days and reschedule “for another date” to curb the further spread of the new coronavirus across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

State Wants Tourists To Postpone Visits As Coronavirus Cases Climb to 14. Gov. David Ige said today the state is encouraging tourists to temporarily postpone their Hawaii visits and will screen cruise ship passengers for the coronavirus starting on Friday while working on similar thermal screening at the airport. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige urges visitors to stay away for 30 days; all non-essential state workers to stay home. Amid growing fears that the coronavirus is spreading in the community, the governor issued a host of new orders and guidelines Tuesday, directing all non-essential state workers to stay home, asking visitors to stay away, and directing bars to close. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige lays out plan for “15 Days to Slow the Spread of COVID-19”. KHON2.

Gov Issues COVID-19 Directives, “Encourages” Visitors To Postpone Vacations. Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige is promoting "15 Days to Slow the Spread" of COVID-19, directing certain closures and "encouraging" visitors to postpone their vacations. Big Island Video News.

Ige asks would-be travelers to avoid Hawaii; all cruise passengers to be screened. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday urged potential visitors to the islands to postpone their vacations for at least 30 days as part of what he called “strong measures to secure our islands” from the global coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

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Restaurants and bars to shut-down dine-in by governor’s request. Governor David Ige is requesting for bars, restaurants and other businesses to make changes to only operate as a drive-through, pick-up or delivery and close down their dining areas for the next 15 days as an effort to slow down the spread of coronavirus. KHON2.

Bars closed, restaurants dine-out only. Governor David Ige closed churches, clubs, theaters and bars statewide on Tuesday, limited restaurants to drive-through, take-out, pick-up or delivery only and limited social gatherings to 10 people or less to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

Full text of Gov. David Ige’s announcement of ‘aggressive action’ to fight coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism shocks could cost tens of thousands of jobs. Gov. David Ige’s call for tourists to postpone trips to Hawaii for the next 30 days could lead to the closure of some hotels and job losses for tens of thousands of workers, according to one industry expert. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Biggest Industry Is Reeling As The Coronavirus Spreads. Hawaii’s hotel and service industry workers are losing their jobs as COVID-19 pummels the state’s tourist industry. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor Wants Bars And Clubs To Close Or Cut Back. Many state employees are also being directed to work from home. Civil Beat.

Ige directs bars to close, shift restaurants to takeout. To date, Hawaii has recorded 14 positive cases of the new coronavirus. Officials have closed schools and facilities and postponed events to prevent the disease from spreading widely in the community and overwhelming the health-care system. Associated Press.

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HSTA files grievance over Hawaii DOE’s plan to call teachers back next week. The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers is challenging a decision by the state Department of Education to require teachers to work during the second week of the extended two-week spring break. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Union Files Complaint Against DOE, Governor. The union says the state’s plan to have teachers back in the classroom next week and kids the week after is too soon. Civil Beat.

HSTA files complaint over plan for teachers to return to school next week. Governor David Ige said public school students will be back to school on March 30th, but teachers, who are scheduled to be back in school next week say that’s too soon. KHON2.

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Foodland, Foodland Farms, Sack N Save and Target to have special shopping hours for seniors. All Foodland, Foodland Farms and Sack N Save stores statewide will serve only seniors during their first hour of business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, allowing them to shop in less crowded conditions as those around the state stock up during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, community members extend a helping hand to kupuna as virus spreads. Some businesses and community members noticed how busy lines and empty shelves could leave Hawaii’s seniors without necessary supplies. KHON2.

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.

Protocols urged before visits to remote screening sites. As testing for COVID-19 ramps up across the state, health officials and medical providers are encouraging residents to follow proper screening protocols to prevent overtaxing limited health care resources. Star-Advertiser.

Holland America Line cruise ship’s crew disembarks in Honolulu. A Holland America Line cruise ship, the Westerdam, moored at Pier 2, arrived Monday and was scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Unemployment claims soar as tourism comes to a standstill, business close. The state saw an additional 1,490 unemployment claims Monday. That one-day total, surpassed the total from the previous week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii construction industry may ease virus economic impact. Hawaii’s construction industry could soften the blow to the state’s economy during the continuing spread of the new coronavirus, analysts and business leaders said. Hawaii News Now.

This Hawaii Defense Contractor Has Emerged As A Major Political Player. Navatek’s strategy has paid off. It’s received millions of dollars in federal contracts with the help of members of Congress throughout the country. Civil Beat.

Schatz Backs Kahele For Congress At Washington Fundraiser. Hawaii’s senior senator was the “special guest” at an event to boost the state senator’s campaign to replace U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Iwilei building could become quarantine center for coronavirus-infected homeless. Discussions are underway to triage and quarantine homeless people who test positive for the novel coronavirus in a 26-room, three-story building behind the Institute for Human Services’ women’s shelter on Kaamahu Place in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

City: We’ll continue to conduct sweeps amid coronavirus outbreak. The city says it will continue to conduct homeless sweeps as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium suspends operations, putting events in jeopardy. After earlier projecting a $1.16 million profit for the current fiscal year, Aloha Stadium officials are now trying to assess how much of a hit they might take from closing the facility for the four weeks. Star-Advertiser.

St. Andrew’s Schools Extends Spring Break and Moves to Distance Learning. St. Andrew’s Schools is extending spring break across all campuses. KITV4.

Windward Mall alters hours of operation in response to COVID-19. Windward Mall’s management team will continue to monitor local public health and CDC channels for information and will be sure to share information as it becomes available. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council closing meetings: Meeting live-streams to continue, but no oral testimony. They say you can’t fight city hall. In these uncertain times, you can hardly even go there. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Sends Message On County Policy After State COVID-19 Directives. All County employees are to report to work as scheduled, says Mayor Harry Kim, and Big Island restaurants, bars, and places of worship may make their own decision as to whether they stay open or close. Big Island Video News.

Big Island has first confirmed COVID-19 case. A visitor from the mainland is the first confirmed Big Island case, state Epidemiologist Sarah Park said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Urgent Care Tentatively Closes; COVID-19 Testing Sites Open Islandwide. Waimea Urgent Care has tentatively closed until April 1, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its spread. Big Island Now.

Drive-through virus testing begins in Hilo. Thirty-five people were tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday during Hilo Medical Center’s first day of drive-through testing. Tribune-Herald.

21 tested for COVID-19 at community health center. The nonprofit health center, which serves 25% of West Hawaii’s population, said it began testing patients on Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR Closes Big Island State Parks, Announces Several Statewide Mass Closures. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and risks of its potential spread, the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced several closures, including state parks across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Kona couple quarantined in California after getting off ship with cluster of COVID-19 cases. A couple from Kona is quarantined in California after getting off a cruise ship stricken with a cluster of coronavirus cases. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Senators Update Constituents as Legislative Session is Suspended. Hawai’i State senators from Maui released a video Monday afternoon announcing the suspension of senate sessions. Maui Now.

Maui doctors call for free regional testing center. Physicians: Clinics don’t have staff, resources to handle influx of patients. Maui News.

Third case of COVID-19 reported on Maui. A third person on Maui has tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Health said on Tuesday afternoon. Maui News.

Businesses reduce hours while some go on total hiatus. Regal Cinemas in Maui Mall is temporarily closing while theater at QKC remains open. Maui News.

Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i COVID-19 Update for Residents to be Live Streamed Friday. The County of Maui will be providing COVID-19 updates to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi residents on Friday via a live stream on Akakū Maui Community Television, Channel 53 and the County of Maui Facebook page. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai underwater from Westside to Northshore. On Tuesday morning, a Hanalei resident Kevin Horgan and his wife woke up to about four feet of water flooding the bottom floor of their house, which is located on Weke Road across from the newly rebuilt Blackpot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation activating National Guard, suspending Sunshine Law, addressing price gouging; first community-spread COVID-19 identified; parks and memorials close; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, HEMA Director Ken Hara, March 16, 2020 screengrab

Hawaii Sees 1st Community Virus Case As Numbers Rise, Legislature Suspends Session. At a press conference, Ige said shipments of goods are proceeding as usual and urged residents not to hoard supplies -- and merchants not to price-gouge; a supplemental emergency proclamation signed by the governor and his original proclamation allow the state to take action in such situations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii waiving waiting period for jobless claims, activating National Guard in response to coronavirus concerns. Gov. David Ige announced today several measures the state is taking to address the COVID-19 situation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 supplemental emergency proclamation eliminates unemployment insurance waiting period, suspends state Sunshine Law. Gov. David Ige said today he’s signed a supplemental emergency proclamation on the COVID-19 coronavirus “to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the people of Hawaii.” The proclamation is effective until May 15. Tribune-Herald.

On Edge Of COVID-19 Community Spread, Governor Issues New Proclamation. Governor Ige also announced that he has appointed Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency director Ken Hara to be the incident commander. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s first community-spread coronavirus case confirmed; 25 family members and contacts tested. The number of coronavirus cases in Hawaii is climbing with 10 people now having tested positive, including a Kualoa Ranch tour guide with no recent travel history and a Kapiolani hospital staffer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Total 10: New Cases Include 2 O‘ahu Residents, 1 Maui Visitor. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. Maui Now.

Ige suspends public meetings and records laws as part of response. Gov. David Ige has suspended the state laws that require that government agencies meet in public and that government records be made public as part of the administration’s emergency response to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation to fight COVID-19. It addresses topics like unemployment, hoarding and price gouging. KITV4.

Full text of Ige's supplemental emergency proclamation can be found here.

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Hawaii Legislature To Suspend Session Amid Coronavirus Fears. Lawmakers will reconvene only in an emergency situation. In the meantime, many legislators and staff will continue to work in their offices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State House, Senate Go Into Recess Due To COVID-19. Senate President Ronald Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki held a press conference on Monday afternoon to discuss the suspension of the 2020 Legislative Session. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. The State Legislature is on a temporary, but indefinite, hiatus starting immediately. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii’s public libraries remain open for now. With schools shut for two weeks, Hawaii’s 51 public libraries remained a haven for local residents Monday, but it isn’t clear how long that will last. Star-Advertiser.

State DOE continues development of COVID-19 response plan. The state Department of Education continues to develop its COVID-19 response plan. Tribune-Herald.

Jury out on whether summer will tamp down coronavirus. Most respiratory viruses are seasonal, with outbreaks in the fall, winter and spring that diminish when weather turns warmer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Star-Advertiser.

Go online to file unemployment claims, Hawaii officials say. Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations officials say they are “strongly suggesting” that people file for unemployment benefits by using their website. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats Still Figuring Out What To Do About The Primary. The coronavirus may upend plans for the April 4 election, which has already received 20,000 mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

Think you need a coronavirus test? Here’s what you need to do. Public health officials stress that a coronavirus test isn’t appropriate for everyone. But if you think you need one, here’s what you should do. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism reels as containment prompts further declines. If Americans follow recommendations issued Monday by the White House to halt the spread of COVID-19, Hawaii’s declining visitor industry will shrink even more — perhaps to proportions that cause greater negative economic impacts than 9/11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate passes bill to ban foreigner home purchases. A bill to prohibit foreigners from buying older homes in Hawaii was unanimously endorsed this month by state senators in an effort to make housing less pricey for local people. However, the proposed ban has drawn questions about its effectiveness and constitutionality if it becomes law. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Closes Facilities, Cancels Events As Coronavirus Spreads. As the number of Hawaii’s coronavirus cases hit 10, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday ordered the shuttering of indoor city facilities, banned events of more than 50 people on city property and urged private businesses to follow suit. Civil Beat.

State and city officials halt meetings and close facilities. With what Gov. David Ige described as the first signs of “the edge of community spread” of the coronavirus in Hawaii, government officials at the state and city levels took a series of unprecedented steps Monday to try to slow the outbreak’s speed here. Star-Advertiser.

City cancels large gatherings, closes Blaisdell Center and Hanauma Bay. The mayor has canceled all large gatherings on city property following confirmation of Oahu’s first community-transmitted case of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu closes its indoor facilities and prohibits events larger than 50 people. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces new measure to curb the spread of coronavirus in the community by cancelling events larger than 50 people and shutting the doors of indoor facilities owned by the city through the end of April. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, one of Oahu’s most-visited spots, is closed.  Pearl Harbor National Memorial has closed as part of a growing push to prevent the spread of coronavirus by limiting large crowds. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial closes due to coronavirus outbreak. The USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the state, has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Sentencing of Kealohas postponed as courts respond to COVID-19. On the eve of sentencing hearings for Katherine and Louis Kealoha, the U.S. District Court postponed the proceedings to a date “to be determined” — a move attributed to the state of emergency surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing Postponed, Katherine Kealoha Resigns As Attorney. The Hawaii Supreme Court granted the former deputy prosecutor’s request to step down as she awaits sentencing. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch tour guide diagnosed with coronavirus is ‘improving’. Health care providers are coming to the ranch Tuesday to test employees on-site. Hawaii News Now.

Closures, cancellations and suspensions due to coronavirus. A cascade of cancellations and closures continued Monday in Hawaii in response to the new coronavirus outbreak. Here’s a partial list of closings, cancellations and postponements announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Isle restaurants in survival mode and scrambling to avoid closure. One of Oahu’s highest-profile restaurant owners, Ed Kenney, is closing his Kaimuki restaurants — Town, Mud Hen Water and Kaimuki Superette — plus his catering company, UPtown Events, indefinitely. Star-Advertiser.

Condo ‘Disaster’: Waikiki Maintenance Fees Hit $1,800. Maintenance fees more than doubled in the last five years at the Waikiki Marina tower as the board has struggled with how to cover major repairs, especially a faulty elevator. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim doesn’t want to shut county down: Mayor, Civil Defense brief council members in closed meetings. Mayor Harry Kim doesn’t want to shut the county down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying instead he’s promoting a community effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus on the island. West Hawaii Today.

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Cruise ship’s arrival in Hilo nixed amid virus concerns. A cruise ship that had a reservation to stop at Hilo Harbor later this week will be docking elsewhere. Tribune-Herald.

Maasdam Cruise Ship Will Not Arrive In Hilo, DOT Says. The Holland America Line ship had a port call for Hilo, however that reservation has been canceled. Big Island Video News.

Cruise Ship Bound for Hilo Rerouted to Honolulu. A Holland America cruise liner that was en route to Hilo is now headed for the port of Honolulu instead. Big Island Now.

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TMT cost is estimated to soar by a billion dollars. The price tag of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope has ballooned to $2.4 billion, while the final decision about where to build it might come within a few months. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Flight attendant is Maui’s first case of COVID-19. Canadian woman self-isolated at Lahaina hotel while awaiting coronavirus test result. Maui News.

List of What’s Canceled, Closed or Postponed on Maui. Maui businesses, organizations and services are taking preventative measures amid growing efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Maui Now.

Haleakalā National Park Temporary Closures Begin March 17. The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will be closed daily from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. All Sunrise Reservations are canceled until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes in county services. The County of Kaua‘i announces the following County-related postponements, cancelations, and changes in Standard Operating Procedures in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Garden Island.

Call ahead, take out. Restaurateurs on Kaua‘i are removing chairs from their dining rooms and relying heavily on delivery and takeout options as health officials continue to stress social distancing as the primary way to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Garden Island.

Spring break extended for Hawaii schools, Ala Moana mall cuts back hours, 7th COVID-19 case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Public Schools Spring Break To Be Extended A Week. The state public schools will extend its spring break an extra week, with students now scheduled to return to classes on March 30, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

School closures extended. Hawaii public schools will remain closed for an additional week of spring break to allow school administrators and staff time to evaluate and respond to newly emerging recommendations for controlling the spread of COVID-19, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Extend Spring Break Due To Coronavirus. The state has now confirmed seven cases of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

DOE extends spring break one week for students in light of coronavirus concerns. Classes for public school students in Hawaii won’t resume until March 30 after Gov. David Ige announced spring break was extended an additional week in light of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education extended spring break for public and charter schools through Monday, March 30 on Sunday as the number of presumed positive cases of COVID-19 rose to seven in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

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COVID-19 Cases Hit 7, Schools Close, Businesses Asked to Allow Work From Home. Gov. David Ige at a press conference Sunday afternoon confirmed two major developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic as it relates specifically to Hawai‘i — that a seventh case has been confirmed and that schools statewide will remain closed through the end of March. Big Island Now.

New travel-related cases of coronavirus on Oahu, Maui bring statewide total to 7. The governor reported three new travel-related cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday — bringing the statewide total to seven — and said while there’s still no evidence that the virus is spreading in the community, residents should take steps now to prepare for that in the near future. Hawaii News Now.

7th positive COVID-19 case announced in Hawaii, all cases related to travel. Another presumptive positive case for the coronavirus has been announced, bringing up the state total to seven cases on March 15. KHON2.

Seven total COVID-19 cases in Hawaii as of Sunday. Governor says these patients got sick outside of Hawaii. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools starts spring break early in response to coronavirus situation. Kamehameha Schools Kapalama said today it will begin spring break on Tuesday, earlier than scheduled in response to the developing COVID-19 situation. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 concerns prompts Kamehameha Schools Kapalama to start spring break early. Spring break will now start on Tuesday, March 17. Students are currently scheduled to return to school on April 6. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines Cutting Flights Systemwide Due To Virus. Capacity will be reduced up to 10% in April and up to 20% in May, and a hiring freeze is now in place. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Suspends Service to Australia, New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines won’t be flying anywhere down under for the immediate future. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines suspends flights to, from Australia and New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines announced Sunday that it was suspending all routes to and from Australia and New Zealand in response to new restrictions on entry into those two countries. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii inventor creates COVID-19 app to stop people from touching their face. Just say, JalapeNO! with the app that buzzes every time you touch your face, now available on Fitbit Ionic. KITV4.

Social distancing is crucial, Ige says. State officials emphasized again Sunday that “social distancing” will be key in helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Diana Ross Hawaii concerts canceled over coronavirus concerns. Diana Ross’ Hawaii concert dates have been canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, according to Hawaii-based concert promoter, Rick Bartalini Presents. Star-Advertiser.


Hawai‘i Judiciary Limiting Access to Facilities. The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announced today that beginning Monday, March 16, it will restrict access to anyone who has a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms; has traveled outside Hawaiʻi in the past 14 days; or who has had close prolonged contact with a person who has or is suspected to have COVID-19. Maui Now.

Public Safety Department is urged to have plan for prisons and jails during coronavirus pandemic. The Community Alliance on Prisons and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii are urging the state Department of Public Safety and legislators to prepare now for the new coronavirus by having a plan in place for those incarcerated within the state system, including those in Arizona. Star-Advertiser.

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Advocates seek to rid Hawaii of 88,000 cesspools. Two advocates committed to protecting Hawaii’s waters and coral reefs have launched a new nonprofit to help rid the state of cesspools that pose a threat to public health and the marine environment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers review restricting landfill sites. A heavy load of public testimony has been dumped on Hawaii lawmakers this year over a bill that largely aims to distance residential communities from landfills. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gun Violence Commission Would Leave The Public In The Dark. The Legislature has proposed creating a new group to help tackle violent crimes but exempting it from the Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

Aloha ʻAina Party Now Official In Hawaii. Pua Ishibashi spoke to media at the foot of the Kamehameha Statue in Hilo on Friday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

Heiress said her estate won’t go to Hawaiians. Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told a psychiatrist in January that she changed her mind about leaving the bulk of her estate to the Hawaiian people, a statement that contradicts her testimony in court last week. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates Want More Emphasis On High Quality Pre-K In Early Education Bill. A proposal to provide more preschool programs for Hawaii’s toddlers passed the House last week. But division remains about what those programs should look like. Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘Iolani School suspending operations Monday, parent in coronavirus testing protocol. ‘Iolani School is suspending on-campus academic operations as of Monday due to coronavirus concerns. Head of school Dr. Timothy Cottrell said ‘Iolani is aware of at least one parent in the COVID-19 testing protocol and is awaiting results. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani School temporarily suspends on-campus classes, moves to online distance learning. In a major first step for large Hawaii private schools, Iolani School announced their decision Sunday to switch to online distance learning as the number cases of coronavirus in Hawaii slowly climbs. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Moana Center to cut hours, open weekdays noon to 7 p.m. Ala Moana Center is cutting back its hours, starting Monday the mall hours will be noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; some restaurants may be open later. Star-Advertiser.

To reduce crowds and contact, Ala Moana Center slashes hours. The world’s largest outdoor mall, Ala Moana Center, is cutting back their hours during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State's largest mall cuts hours due to COVID-19. The mall is shortening its operating times by almost five hours a day. KITV4.

COVID-19 won’t delay rail’s scheduled opening this year, says the head of HART. The head of Honolulu’s $9.2 billion rail project said he is fairly confident the repercussions from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak will not negatively affect the project’s scheduled opening for the first segment later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Drive-through testing coming: Meanwhile, cruises cancelled; Matson pushes back against rumors; first random virus tests negative. Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday will open a COVID-19 drive-through area to collect samples to be sent away for testing. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii Community Hospital to be COVID-19 testing site. Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea will be a testing site for COVID-19 starting this week. West Hawaii Today.

YWAM students returning home. Discipleship Training School students at Youth With a Mission in Kona returning from three months abroad will be monitored at the University of the Nations. West Hawaii Today.

Courts, cops, cells and COVID-19: Criminal justice system in Hawaii wrestles with virus threat. As of Feb. 29, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, which has an operating bed capacity of 226 inmates, had a population of 408 inmates — 325 men and 83 women. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian family claims ownership of Kohala shoreline parcel. A Native Hawaiian family claiming ownership of a Kohala shoreline parcel sparked a heated outburst from a sovereignty activist that temporarily shut down a Planning Committee hearing last week, but ended with the parcel moving forward to a rezoning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Air Canada flight attendant is Maui’s first COVID-19 case. An Air Canada flight attendant who developed symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving on Maui is the island’s first confirmed case of the virus, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday afternoon. Maui News.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center Announces Pause In Programming. In support of current County, State, and Federal governmental and health agency recommendations, and in light of the worldwide efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has postponed all public programming until further notice. Maui Now.

Maui County COVID-19 cancellations, closures, postponements. The Maui News has compiled a list of countywide cancellations, closures and postponements due to novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

Silent danger lurks. The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee’s mission continues to evolve with the ever-changing ecosystem, which the Kapa‘a-based nonprofit organization was built to protect. Garden Island.

Merrie Monarch canceled, Hawaii coronavirus testing lags far behind, Hawaiian heiress Kawananakoa found unfit to manage $215M estate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii has tested only 32 for coronavirus. Hawaii health officials have contacted roughly 350 people who have been exposed to the new coronavirus, but only 32 individuals have been tested. Star-Advertiser.

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Merrie Monarch canceled. The 57th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo has been canceled, marking the latest and one of the most anticipated events in Hawaii to be suspended in the wake of the spreading COVID-19 disease. Star-Advertiser.

Organizers cancel Merrie Monarch Festival, citing ongoing coronavirus fears. The Merrie Monarch Festival, the biggest stage for hula in the world, will be canceled this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Merrie Monarch Festival Canceled Over Coronavirus Fears. It’s the latest in a series of cancellations across Hawaii and the nation. Civil Beat.

Merrie Monarch Festival 2020 Cancelled. The world's premier hula festival will not take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Merrie Monarch Festival Officially Canceled. The 57th annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the most renowned celebration of hula in the world, held every year on the Big Island — has been canceled in response to fears surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. Big Island Now.

“This was such a hard decision to make,” Organizers cancel 2020 Merrie Monarch Festival. After heavy consideration, organizers and sponsors of the 2020 Merrie Monarch Festival announced that the event will not be held. KHON2.

Decision to cancel Merrie Monarch praised. The hula competition, while the crown jewel of Merrie Monarch week, is just one aspect of the weeklong festival. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii braces for possible recession as economic fallout of virus grows. Even if the coronavirus does not become widespread in Hawaii, business leaders said the pandemic is already hurting Hawaii businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Isle lawmakers hear dire forecasts. The newly created House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness heard a grim assessment Thursday morning of the near-term prospects for the Hawaii economy, and was also warned that unemployment claims are already beginning to increase. Star-Advertiser.

Can Hawaii’s Construction Industry Make Up For Slumping Tourism? A task force on COVID-19 floated ideas to boost the state economy through an outbreak. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Coronavirus Impact Committee Handed Grim Prognosis. The first meeting of a state House advisory committee looking at a possible downturn in the Hawaii economy in the wake of the coronavirus heard what many suspected: the impact is here and it's worse than projected. Hawaii Public Radio.

Flurry of blows to tourism. The shutdown of a major cruise line in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is salt in the wounds of many struggling tourism-related businesses in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Bleak Economic Future Ahead Amid Growing COVID-19 Fears, State Leaders Say. Economy experts say it looks like Hawai‘i is headed into a recession as COVID-19 concerns continue to worry communities worldwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Coronavirus Updates: State Reduces Growth Forecast, UH To Go Online, Merrie Monarch Canceled. Hawaii Public Radio.

The visitor industry braces for layoffs and lawmakers rush to help. People with jobs related to tourism are already suffering from the drop in visitor arrivals. KHON2.

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Government Steps Up Effort To Sanitize Public Spaces. Both the State and the County of Hawaiʻi are taking extra steps to help fight COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

State Spends $260K on Hand Sanitizing Dispensers/Supply at Hawai‘i Airports. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is installing 250 hand sanitizing dispensers with more than 12,000 boxes of anti-bacterial solution that will be placed in high passenger volume areas throughout the airports statewide. Maui Now.

Coronavirus prompts correctional facilities to suspend inmate visits. All correctional facilities are suspending personal visits starting Friday in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease, Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Correctional Facilities Suspend Inmate Personal Visits. Effective today, March 13, 2020, and until further notice, all correctional facilities in Hawaiʻi will suspend inmate personal visits. Maui Now.

Will Hawaii Turn Cruise Ships Away? Cruise ships continue to dock in Hilo and elsewhere in Hawaiʻi, despite the declared pandemic due to COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Keeping Hawaii’s Homeless Safe From Coronavirus. Without housing to self-quarantine in, the homeless population is at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and dying from it. Civil Beat.

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Judge: Hawaiian Heiress Is Not Capable Of Managing Her Own Affairs. A state judge says the $215 million estate of Abigail Kawananakoa is being wasted and has said a conservator needs to oversee it. Civil Beat.

Kawananakoa found unfit to manage financial affairs. A judge ruled Thursday that Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is mentally unfit to handle her own financial affairs. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Minimum Wage Bill Clears First Senate Hurdle. Some lawmakers still think $13 an hour is too low though. Civil Beat.

Rebuffed By Legislature, Hawaii Counties Seek Solutions To Mounting Abandoned Car Problem. Hawaiʻi’s mayors are not getting the help they’ve sought from the state Legislature this year to tackle a growing problem – abandoned cars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Coronavirus Top Of Mind As Honolulu Budget Committee Begins Review Of Caldwell's Budget Plan. A Honolulu City Council committee kicks off a review of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's multi-billion dollar budget plan on Thursday as the threat of the coronavirus pandemic looms. Caldwell is proposing a $2.98 billion operating budget and $1.27 billion capital improvements budget for fiscal year 2021. Hawaii Public Radio.

Virus Outbreak Is No Excuse To Not Pay Your Property Tax. Property owners who don’t pay could lose their homes to foreclosure, the city’s budget director says. Civil Beat.

Amid outbreak, state’s first regional treatment center opens in Kaneohe. New safety procedures are now in place at Kaneohe's largest medical office building. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center turns ‘disaster tents’ into outdoor coronavirus triage center. The Queen’s Medical Center opened two “disaster tents” outside in its ambulance bay today to evaluate and test patients for the novel coronavirus while keeping them separated from Queen’s emergency room patients. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘I’m just worried’: Continued cruise ship visits have Lt. Gov. concerned about patient surge capacity. While the decision to halt cruise ship visits is out of Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s hands, the West Hawaii doctor is worried that neighbor islands may not have the capacity to handle a surge of presumptive positive COVID-19 cases from a vessel making call. West Hawaii Today.

$103M bond issue breezes through council committee. The County Council has nothing but aloha for a $103 million bond measure to raise money for road construction. West Hawaii Today.

Island’s nine care facilities implement no-visitor policies. Hawaii Island’s long-term nursing and care facilities have implemented unified no-visitor policies in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Outlines Actions to Protect Maui from Coronavirus. Mayor Michael Victorino said he would be seeking a moratorium of 60 days minimum on cruise ship travel to Maui County. Maui Now.

Cancellations rise with novel coronavirus worries. Off-island school trips halted, Kalaupapa tours suspended to protect elderly patients. Maui News.

Makena project may need broader environmental study. Plan proposes 53 luxury home lots near South Maui’s Makena coastline. Maui News.

Kauai

County closes various facilities for 60 days. The Department of Parks &Recreation announced the closure of various county facilities and events starting Monday, March 16, and continuing for a period of 60 days. Garden Island.

Combating the new coronavirus. Cruise ships docked on Thursday at Nawiliwili, releasing the usual flood of passengers onto Kaua‘i for shopping, tours and beach outings, just as the Grand Princess cruise ship did on Feb. 26. Garden Island.

State budget latest COVID-19 victim, Public Access Room closed after traveler tests positive, University of Hawaii classes going online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

Virus may cut state spending by $225 million. The state Council on Revenues slashed its projection for the fiscal year that begins July 1 from 4% growth to zero growth, predicting that state tax collections will be flat next year. That means the state will have about $225 million less to spend next year than Gov. David Ige expected when he prepared the new state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus Forecast To Take $300 Million Bite Out Of Hawaii Tax Revenues. The new projections by the state Council on Revenues mean the state has less money to spend in the years ahead. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Forecasters Drop Tax Revenue Estimates, But Coronavirus Uncertainty Dominates. Tax revenue coming into Hawaii state coffers is now expected to be $48 million to $80 million less than previous estimates for the rest of 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii economists lower state revenue forecast to zero growth next fiscal year. The Hawaii Council on Revenues lowered its forecast on Wednesday to zero growth for the state’s fiscal year that starts July 1 and lowered its projection for the last three months of the fiscal year because of the fallout from the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

State braces for sharp decline in revenue due to coronavirus pandemic. The State is being told to brace itself for a sharp decline in revenue, meaning lawmakers will need to look for areas to cut spending. It’s largely due to coronavirus. KHON2.

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Hawaii Capitol’s Public Access Room closes due to connection to Canadian doctor with coronavirus. The Public Access Room on the fourth floor of the Hawaii State Capitol has been closed “out of an abundance of caution” until March 18 after a roommate of an employee in the office reportedly had contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Isle visitor from Canada tests positive for virus. A Canadian doctor who visited Hawaii last week has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but state health officials are not currently tracking those who may have been exposed through close contact with her in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Public Access Room Closes, Canada Visitor Tests Positive, Leahi Limits Visits. The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu, Maui councils encourage remote public interactions over coronavirus fears. The Honolulu City Council intends to hold scheduled meetings in the coming days as planned but Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday encouraged people to watch the proceedings remotely and to submit their testimony online. Star-Advertiser.

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UH prepares for switch to online classes. The closure of student housing on the Manoa and Hilo campuses of UH is not being considered at this time. Star-Advertiser.

UH announces classes to move online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. The University of Hawaii on Thursday announced that it will move all classes online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii classes to move ‘online’ due to Covid-19 concerns. University of Hawaii President David Lassner announced all classes will move online after spring break. KHON2.

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Hawaii DOE Cancels All School Travel Outside State. The order, which comes as spring break nears, does not impact inter-island travel. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i DOE Cancelling All US and International Travel Through End of School Year. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education is cancelling all school and department-related travel to the US mainland and international destinations until the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Maui Now.

Hawaii students flew across the country for a convention that was suddenly canceled. Hawaii students eager to compete in a national media convention flew to Washington D.C. this week only to be met with a sudden cancellation. Hawaii News Now.

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State: Closing ports up to federal government. The state has no jurisdiction to determine whether or not to close ports in Hawaii amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay said. Tribune-Herald.

Are We Banning Cruise Ships? According to Gov. David Ige, Hawaii state government does not have the authority to ban cruise ships. That decision lies with the federal government and the U.S. Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Hotel workers facing cuts to work hours as travel restriction on Europe is announced. Hotel workers in Hawaii already say they’re worried about the impacts this could bring, especially with work hours already being cut. KHON2.

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Trust run by her ‘arch-enemies,’ heiress says. Abigail Kawananakoa reaffirmed her commitment to the Hawaiian people Wednesday but said she would like to control the direction of her charitable foundation, in part because the people running it now are her “arch-enemies.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agents arrest alleged cartel member in nationwide drug bust. A man in Hawaii was arrested and charged in an interagency operation targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as the JNGC. Star-Advertiser.

Sea turtles are mistaking plastic for food. A new study published in the Journal Current Biology says sea turtles eat ocean-soaked plastic because it smells like food. KHON2.

Oahu

3 urgent care facilities now offering drive-through coronavirus testing. Urgent Care Hawaii is the first private facility in the state to offer drive-through testing for the coronavirus. There are three locations on Oahu offering tests: Pearl City, Kapolei and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for more hygiene centers. Honolulu City Councilwoman Kym Pine is urging the Caldwell administration to set up more mobile hygiene centers across the island to help the island’s homeless population in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the corona virus that has spread worldwide, and Hawaii’s top government officials met with people to ease their fears. One of those meetings was a town hall Wednesday night at Hahaione Elementary School in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Hapalua half-marathon postponed until September due to coronavirus concerns. The Honolulu Marathon Association announced today that it will postpone the 2020 Hapalua half-marathon due to coronavirus concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Want Judge To Throw The Book At Kealohas. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard and the city’s top civil attorney have submitted letters to a federal judge that could be used to increase the sentences for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Environmental assessment completed for controversial Ewa Beach seawall. A final environmental assessment for a seawall found there would be no significant impact to the environment, geology, cultural or biological resources. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim creates multi-agency COVID-19 task force. The mayor described a balancing act that weighs keeping the public informed while not alarming them and offsetting the island economy against community safety. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island COVID-19 Pandemic Response Detailed. Mayor Harry Kim introduced the Hawaiʻi County Council to the multi-agency COVID-19 task force, and delivered an unscheduled, hour-long briefing. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Affirms County’s Continued Efforts Against COVID-19. Mayor Harry Kim came before Hawai‘i County Council to provide an update on where the county is on its efforts to handle the impacts of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Mayor Issues Proclamation To Stop Price Gouging. Mayor Harry Kim issued a Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Wednesday in order to prohibit increases in the selling price of any commodity in the area covered by Hawai‘i County’s Emergency Proclamation regarding Coronavirus. Big Island Video News.

Hoarding of cleaning and sanitation products frustrates customers, triggers purchase limits. While there has still been no confirmed case of COVID-19 infection on the Big Island, that hasn’t stopped shortages of vital hygiene and cleaning supplies from frustrating shoppers. Tribune-Herald.

Final EA released for Pahala wastewater plant. The plant, when completed, will replace two large-capacity cesspools that have served the community since the sugar plantation era. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Encourages Civic Engagement Online. State Representative Angus McKelvey established a YouTube channel for this purpose and Council Chair Alice Lee said today she encourages the public to provide testimony and view meetings of the council and the council’s committees online. Maui Now.

Bill proposes Hawaii purchase, conserve Maui watershed land. Thousands of acres of watershed land in the West Maui Mountains are up for sale and state lawmakers are considering buying the property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Couple stopped at airport over COVID-19 suspicions. They test negative for the novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

County has $2M to battle COVID-19. Kaua‘i’s mayor and County Council released $2 million in emergency funds for Kaua‘i response to COVID-19 on Wednesday, the same day the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of the virus and the state Department of Health said the number of people self-monitoring in Hawai‘i crept up to 41. Garden Island.

HI5 recycle site in Kekaha moves. The Kekaha HI5 redemption site operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services will be relocated to its former location across from the old Kekaha sugar mill site on Kekaha Road on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tours Temporarily Suspended at Kalaupapa. DOH has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park until April 11, 2020 as a public health measure to protect the vulnerable population of patients. Maui Now.

Tours suspended to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai. The Health Department has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai until April 11. KHON2.