Beach bacteria monitoring halted, COVID-19 community testing urged, drones to enforce Maui stay-at-home order, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Testing for bacteria at Kona beach ©2020 All Hawaii News

State halts beachwater bacteria testing for duration of coronavirus shelter-at-home order. All routine coastal beach water monitoring has been suspended, in order to comply with Gov. David Ige’s shelter-in-place order aimed at halting the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Hawaii State Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Beach water quality monitoring on hold during stay-at-home orders. The state health department said Tuesday that it is suspending all routine coastal beach monitoring during Governor Ige’s stay-at-home orders. Hawaii News Now.

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Lt. Gov. Josh Green calls for more extensive testing. Lt. Gov. Josh Green and other community physicians are calling on state health officials to do more extensive testing for coronavirus, as Hawaii gears up for the peak of the outbreak in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Who should be tested for COVID-19? Not even the lieutenant governor and DOH appear to agree. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday urged his fellow healthcare providers to take coronavirus testing to the next level. Hawaii News Now.

Rapid Test Kits Coming But Not For Community Testing. The state is expected today to get the new rapid coronavirus test kits that can produce results in about 15 minutes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blood test could determine immunity response to COVID-19. The medical practice, “Doctors of Waikiki” are expecting the blood test to arrive anytime now, they said delays due the virus affected the shipment. KHON2.

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HVCB is asking partners to stop encouraging travel to Hawaii. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which markets Hawaii to U.S. travelers, is asking publications not to promote travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

What 2 Know: doctors detail how to prepare home, family for COVID-19. In the days of COVID-19, you don’t only need a lock and key to keep your family safe. KHON2.

Corrections officers complain about lack of basic protection at facilities. Corrections officers at two separate Hawaii facilities told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that they are not being issued face masks, sanitizers or other equipment they need to safely do their jobs at the state’s jails and prisons. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus cases climb by 23 to 410, with 16 new hospitalizations. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 410, up 23 from Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 Infections Now Exceed 400. The state reported 23 new cases and noted that the number of people hospitalized by the virus has risen to 42. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Cases Eclipse 400. Hawai‘i is reporting 23 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed overnight, pushing the statewide total past 400. Big Island Now.

Actively sick COVID-19 growth rate dips negative for first time in Hawaii. There are fewer people actively sick with COVID-19 in Hawaii compared to the day before, for the first time since numbers started being tracked in early March. KHON2.

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Hawaii Businesses Affected By COVID-19 Could Face Tough Fights With Insurers. Hospitality industry executives in Hawaii and elsewhere are pushing for insurers to pay claims related to government-ordered shutdowns. Civil Beat.

Paycheck protection loan program is expanded for Hawaii businesses and workers. The self-employed in Hawaii, along with independent contractors such as ride-share drivers, can start applying Friday for forgivable federal loans to help them survive economic impacts from the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Election Officials Ask Voters To Update Signatures. It helps to ensure the integrity and security of mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor: Vacation Rentals Not Essential. Oahu vacation rentals are not essential businesses and should not be taking in visitors, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Hawaii Public Radio.

As total for COVID-19 cases tops 400, Honolulu’s mayor urges residents not to get complacent. Honolulu’s mayor struck an optimistic tone Tuesday, saying that sweeping mandates aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in Hawaii appear to be working. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police have issued more than 5,000 warnings in connection with coronavirus emergency orders. The Honolulu Police Department is toughening up enforcement of the mayor’s stay-at-home, work-at-home order and the governor’s emergency proclamation in response to the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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New Honolulu Tent Program Will Allow Social Distancing For The Homeless. The Keehi Lagoon Park site will be able to accommodate as many as 50 people and their pets. More sites are planned. Civil Beat.

HPD sets up tents at Keehi Lagoon to serve homeless during coronavirus pandemic. Tents have been set up at a Honolulu city park to help the homeless community practice social distancing and to give them a safe place to quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police to monitor new homeless triage facility to help stop spread of coronavirus. Spear-headed by the Honolulu Police Department, POST provides a location for homeless individuals to exercise social distancing in a controlled area. KHON2.

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Caldwell Stops Waimanalo Project ‘Indefinitely’ After Bone Discovery. But the mayor pointed to COVID-19 and the safety of protesters as the reason to stop work, reversing his position from a day earlier. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell pauses Sherwood Forest construction plan. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he is pausing the city’s plans to construct a field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park after an iwi fragment was found by a contractor Monday at the site. Star-Advertiser.

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Whole Foods Kailua worker tested negative for coronavirus, company now says. Whole Foods officials said this afternoon that the Kailua store employee who was presumed to have the coronavirus has actually tested negative for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center boss jumps to Ward Village. A veteran leader in Hawaii’s retail industry and manager of the state’s largest shopping center has joined a rival local retail property developer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Quarantine enforcement impeded by lag in getting traveler data from state tourism agency. Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday that county police aren’t receiving in a timely manner the names of interisland travelers subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic and where they are staying. Tribune-Herald.

‘They never checked in:’ Kona woman who returned from New York questions quarantine enforcement. Kona resident Vaiva Winder was visiting family in Europe when Hawaii got its first coronavirus cases back in March. To get home, she traveled 8,000 miles and through five airports – Istanbul, Turkey to New York City to Honolulu then home to Kona. Hawaii News Now.

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Office closed but candidate filing continues. Almost halfway through the candidate qualifying period, the process of pulling nomination papers and filing for local races has come to a screeching halt now that the county Elections Division is closed to the public. West Hawaii Today.

Kanealii-Kleinfelder pulls papers for mayoral race: Puna Councilman still to decide his political future. If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. Or perhaps it’s just a shot over the bow that Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder made by pulling nomination papers to run for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

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Downtown Hilo site of multiple homeless camps is cleared, fenced. A downtown Hilo property that repeatedly has become an unpermitted homeless camp during the past year is now under county control. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Tears Down Hilo Homeless Camp For Second Time. The County of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Island Police Department and various other departments on Tuesday tore down and cleared out a homeless encampment full of illegal structures behind Agasa Furniture in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Hope Services Did Not Agree With Clearing Of Hilo Encampment. The nonprofit organization took to social media to set the record straight as to its involvement in Tuesday's enforcement action on Punahoa Street. Big Island Video News.

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HCCC Inmate Released Amid COVID-19 Concerns Reoffends. At least one prisoner released from Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center as part of an effort to reduce the jail population during the COVID-19 pandemic has landed back in custody for criminal acts. Big Island Now.

County to restrict some services at transfer stations. Starting next week, Hawaii County transfer stations will reduce functionality in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police To Use Drones To Enforce Stay-At-Home Order. The department says the drones are fitted with public announcement capabilities. Civil Beat.

Mayor Victorino announces food distributions for Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui on Thursday. Mayor Michael Victorino announced two food distributions taking place on Thursday, April 9, to provide bags of produce to individuals impacted by COVID-19 in Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui. KITV4.

Mayor COVID-19 Update: April 7, 2020, 4 p.m. Mayor Michael Victorino announced two food distributions taking place Thursday, April 9, to provide bags of produce to individuals impacted by COVID-19 in Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui. Maui Now.

$2.37 Million Secured for Community Health Centers in Maui County. An additional $2,375,810 was secured for Community Health Centers in Maui County as par of a Third Coronavirus Relief Legislation package that Congress passed in March. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai responds to coronavirus with crackdowns and compassion. For the first time since the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the islands, Hawaii National Guard troops deployed on Kauai on Tuesday to help county police staff checkpoints designed to clamp down on unpermitted travel around the Garden Island. Star-Advertiser.

‘Where are you going?’ The Hawai’i National Guard assisted the Kaua‘i Police Department with two checkpoints on the island yesterday. Garden Island.

Retail stores begin mask requirements. Mayor Derek Kawakami has “strongly recommended” businesses and services still in operation to require employees to wear cloth masks and suggested businesses require customers over the age of 10 to wear cloth masks upon entry. Garden Island.

Visitor quarantine not enforced, $250k in masks and protective gear stolen from Honolulu warehouse, first Maui COVID-19 death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hotels for Heroes kicks off across the state. Hotels for Heroes was established through a partnership with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Authority, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau that provides hotel rooms for COVID-19 first responders. KITV4.

Quarantine of Hawaii interisland visitors lacks enforcement. A mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for interisland passengers began last week, but so far, the counties haven’t received timely information about which arriving passengers need to be monitored, and no one is making compliance calls. Star-Advertiser.

State tourism agency pays to send visitors home. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) returned two homeless men to Los Angeles on Monday, the first day of the nonprofit’s COVID-19 flight assistance program. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors to Hawaii increase since Thursday, with Sunday bringing largest gains. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported today that Sunday’s trans-Pacific passenger count was 583, including 126 visitors and 233 residents. The count also included 151 airline crew members, 38 transit passengers, and 29 intended new residents for Oahu and six for Kona. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii National Guard screening arriving passengers. Clad in protective face masks, gloves and eyewear, Hawaii National Guard soldiers used infrared thermometers to take arriving passengers’ temperatures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

National Guard Now Checking Passengers For Fevers At Hawaii Airports. The screenings are expected to be happening at all state airports by the end of the week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii National Guard Now Screening Airport Passengers. National Guard soldiers today began the medical screening of incoming and departing passengers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Big Island Video News.

National Guard placed at arrival gates and security checkpoints. In total 342 guardsmen are assisting the county and state with a support mission that was put in motion last Friday. KITV4.

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Hawaii’s number of new virus cases falls but worst yet to come. Lab results have shown roughly 2.7% of those tested in Hawaii have COVID-19. That rate has remained steady since late last week with nearly 14,000 tests completed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Flattening Curve, But “Not Out Of The Woods Yet”. Hawaiʻi appears to be “flattening the curve” and preventing a devastating spike in COVID-19 cases by adhering, for the most part, to social distancing recommendations and the statewide, stay-at-home order. At least, so far. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Curve Not Flattened Yet, Officials Say. The coronavirus curve has not flattened in Hawai‘i despite descending numbers of reported cases over the previous two days. Big Island Now.

State officials express cautious optimism, but we’re not out of the woods. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the state is now up to five. Our statewide total of cases stands at 387. Of those, 26 have required hospitalization and so far 89 patients have recovered. KHON2.

'Not out of the woods’: Officials urge residents to stay at home as COVID-19 cases near 400. The governor and state health officials on Monday said a slight decline in the daily number of reported COVID-19 cases is reason to be optimistic ― but not to stop following stay-at-home orders aimed at preventing the further spread of the disease. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 Cases Nears 400. A fifth death related to the coronavirus has been confirmed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: Cases At 387, Maui Death; State Death Estimate Cut; Molokai, Hana Hit With 1st Cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Confirms 16 New COVID-19 Cases, Fifth Virus-Related Death. Another 16 cases of coronavirus were reported in Hawai‘i overnight, raising the statewide total to 387, and the first death on a neighbor island was confirmed Monday morning. Big Island Now.

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Speakers offer grim economic assessment. Speakers painted a bleak picture Monday of Hawaii’s near-term economic future during a teleconference conducted by the state House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness. Tribune-Herald.

State eases welfare requirements. State Department of Human Services Director Pankaj Bhanot said Monday that eligibility restrictions will be loosened for general assistance payments — commonly known as welfare — because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Unemployment office launches new call center to speed up processing of claims. The state’s unemployment office launched a phone bank Monday in an effort to speed up help for those who have already filed a claim. Hawaii News Now.

Applications for food stamps, Medicaid soar as layoffs mount in Hawaii. Last week, the state Department of Human Services saw about 550 applications a day for food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and/or cash welfare. That’s roughly double the typical average. Hawaii News Now.

Innovation Can Save Some Restaurants, But Many Face Financial Peril. Restaurants employ 13% of Hawaii workers. Many of those businesses face an existential threat from the coronavirus pandemic, but some are already finding success in the new reality. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shuttered businesses are finding that insurance plans often don’t cover pandemic costs. Business interruption claims are being denied because pandemics and viruses are excluded in most policies. Hawaii News Now.

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State leaders say there’s been a rise in domestic violence cases since stay-at-home order. It's been nearly two weeks since Governor David Ige issued a mandatory "stay-at-home" order for all Hawaii residents in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, for some, home is not the safest place. Hawaii News Now.

Checks could go to some Hawaii renters. While many are awaiting government stimulus checks, some residents could get a different kind of check next week. But instead of coming from federal funds, it would come from their own money. KITV4.

Hawaii researchers seek clues to COVID-19 risk in DNA. A University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher and a local genomics company are trying to decipher why COVID-19 hits some people much harder than others — by examining their DNA. Star-Advertiser.

Matson makes provisions to increase debt load. Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo carrier, Matson Inc., has increased its capacity to borrow money in the face of increasing economic uncertainties tied to the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu police issue 353 citations for stay-at-home violations; 3 officers have COVID-19. Honolulu Police Department reported today that three officers have COVID-19 and that the department has issued thousands of warnings and hundreds of citations for emergency law violations. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police To Increase Stay-At-Home Order Enforcement. Violators could face up to a $5,000 fine and/or one year in prison. Civil Beat.

3 HPD officers test positive for COVID-19. The Honolulu Police Department has confirmed that a third officer has tested positive for the virus. KHON2.

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$250,000 worth of personal protective equipment stolen from Oahu health care company. Some $250,000 worth of N95 masks and surgical gloves was discovered stolen Saturday from an Oahu health care company that has been distributing them to its health care workers and selling them at cost to first responders across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Thieves steal $250K worth of protective gear that was destined for hospitals, first responders. A huge haul of personal protective equipment — valued at $250,000 — was stolen over the weekend from Wilson Care Group. Hawaii News Now.

Thieves Steal $250k Worth Of Protective Gear. Local medical providers have been waiting for the N95 masks, face shields and gloves that were stolen. Civil Beat.

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Postal Service makes changes after Honolulu employee tests positive for COVID-19. The employee at the Honolulu mail processing and distribution center was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week. There are about 500 workers who use the facility to process more than 1.5 million pieces of mail each day, according to USPS officials. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu Traffic Is Gone, For All The Wrong Reasons. A deadly pandemic is no way to solve the state’s traffic woes. But the crisis might encourage more people to work remotely once things improve. Civil Beat.

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Mayor criticized for resuming Sherwood project. Mayor Kirk Caldwell rejected calls to postpone construction out of fear that it will lead to protests, which could increase the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Construction Resumes At Waimanalo Park Despite Pandemic And Protest. Defying orders to stay home, residents showed up on Monday morning to oppose the controversial project. Civil Beat.


Mayor defends decision to move forward with Waimanalo park project that drew protests. The mayor is defending his decision to move forward with a controversial Waimanalo park project that drew protesters Monday, despite the stay-at-home order. Hawaii News Now.

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Oahu real estate market held up in March ahead of expected decline. Hawaii real estate agents are essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, but the local housing market is in turmoil. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo restaurants reeling. Restaurant owners in Hilo are struggling to stay positive while changing the way they are operating during the COVID-19 outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

Kreuzer back at the helm as acting CEO of Kona, Kohala hospitals. Jay Kreuzer, who retired as Kona CEO of Kona and Kohala hospitals, in 2019 is back at the helm again. West Hawaii Today.

Both lanes of Alii Drive open in Kailua Village after sinkhole repair. Isemoto Contracting Ltd. crews had been working since late January to repair damage caused by years of erosion that undermined the seawall exposed to Oneo Bay, ultimately causing a portion of the makai shoulder to sink and the wall to buckle in late December 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui suffers ‘tragic news’ of its first COVID-19 death. Maui experienced its first COVID-19-related death, an older man with underlying health conditions, officials announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

First Maui County resident dies of COVID-19. A Maui County resident has died of COVID-19, marking the first fatality in the county related to the virus, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday morning. Maui News.

Maui County Suffers Its First COVID-19 Related Death. The Hawai‘i Department of Health has confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino announced this morning. Maui Now.

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Mayor Victorino says he’s considering roadblocks, restricting shoppers. After three confirmed cases in the rural areas of Molokai and Hana, Mayor Victorino said grocery stores there have temporarily switched to a call-in, pick-up service. He said non-workers will not be allowed in the stores. KHON2.

Hāna Town to Undergo Sanitization Effort, New Shopping Procedures to Follow. The remote community of Hāna in East Maui will move forward with sanitation of businesses and public places on Tuesday and then transition to a new shopping process once stores reopen, according to an update on Sunday evening provided by Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. Maui Now.

Restrooms to Open at Kalama, Pukalani and Lower Pā‘ia Parks. Restrooms at Kalama Park, Pukalani Park and Lower Pāʻia Park will open starting Wednesday, April 8, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and will be cleaned four times per day. Maui Now.

Kauai

Parks and Rec hearing closed to the public. The Department of Parks and Recreation is proposing new rules for use of county sports fields/stadium facilities and playgrounds, and there’s a public hearing about those rules today. Garden Island.

8 active COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i. Kaua‘i announced its 18th confirmed case of COVID-19, with eight currently active cases on the island. All but one of these cases are travel related. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai is the only one of the main islands with no COVID-19 cases yet. To help keep it that way, residents are not letting their guard down. KITV4.

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.

Public workers seek hazard pay, 2nd COVID-19 victim dies, Supreme Court balks at mass inmate release, masks urged for Honolulu residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii roadwork ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Public Workers Want Hazard Pay During Coronavirus Pandemic. Public sector leaders are also criticizing Gov. David Ige for what they see as shoddy communication and coordination during the crisis. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers push for ‘shovel-ready’ projects to give economy badly needed lift. Lawmakers have made public a long list of state construction projects worth $1.57 billion that state departments believe are “shovel ready” so that construction can start quickly to give the economy a badly needed lift. Star-Advertiser.

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2nd Hawaii resident dies as statewide coronavirus cases continue to mount. An Oahu woman who was hospitalized after contracting the coronavirus died last night, state health officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Reports Second Death And 27 New COVID-19 Cases. With more than 20 new cases of the coronavirus reported each day, Hawaii could see its infection numbers surpass 300 this weekend. Civil Beat.

State reports second coronavirus-related death in Hawaii. The state Health Department has confirmed a second coronavirus-related death in Hawaii as the total number of cases swell by 27 to 285. Hawaii News Now.

State records second death from COVID-19. Little is known about the second death of a Hawaii resident from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii COVID-19 Update: Second Death Reported, Cases Up To 285. The State of Hawaiʻi reports 18 cumulative cases of COVID-19 on Hawaiʻi Island, while Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says there have been 22. Big Island Video News.

DOH Confirms Second COVID-19 Related Death. The Department of Health is confirming a second death of an adult on O‘ahu who tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was hospitalized and died last night. Big Island Now.

Second COVID-19 death reported in state, cases rise to 285. On Thursday, the state reported 27 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing its total to 285, with one additional case on Maui, moving the county from 26 to 27. Maui News.

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Hawaii Supreme Court assigns judge to oversee prisoner releases to combat coronavirus spread. Former state Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Daniel R. Foley on Thursday was appointed by the Hawaii Supreme Court to serve as the special master tasked with sifting through the complex issue of releasing jailed inmates amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Special Master Appointed To Recommend On COVID-19 Jail Releases. Meanwhile, one person at the Oahu jail is being tested for COVID-19 with results still pending. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court: No mass inmate release. There will be no immediate mass release of inmates from county jails under a Hawaii Supreme Court order published Thursday, but intermittent inmates will be released while a special master studies the situation more fully. West Hawaii Today.

No COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii Prisons, Inmate Population Reduced. From March 2 to April 2, "there has been a substantial decrease in the jail population", reports the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Gets First $12 Million In Grants From Historic Coronavirus Relief Deal. The money can be used to address affordable housing for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including the homeless, low-income and those diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Civil Beat.


More Groups Call On Ige To Bring Transparency Back Into Government. The Hawaii governor suspended state laws that allow citizens access to public meetings and records while officials struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

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Board of Ed Waives High School Graduation Requirements. Seniors in good standing through the third quarter will receive a high school diploma. Civil Beat.

Board approves request to modify high school graduation requirements. The state Board of Education on Thursday unanimously voted to approve a request to modify high school graduation and commencement requirements for the graduating class of 2020, allowing the state Department of Education “to move forward with finalizing a graduation plan that principals, complex area and state leadership have been developing over the past two weeks,” the DOE said in a news release. Tribune-Herald.

Board Unanimously Approves Request to Modify Hawai‘i Graduation Requirements. Maui Now.

Hawaii public schools try to bridge digital divide by sharing laptops. Hawaii’s public schools have begun lending computers to students who don’t have them at home, and teachers are helping students get back on track with online and written assignments as well as projects. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii House Offices Closed Through April 30. Lawmakers and staff were told to work at home. Civil Beat.

Why The Coronavirus Outbreak Could Make Hawaii's Doctor Shortage Worse. The state is scrambling to identify enough medical professionals to care for a potential surge of coronavirus patients in Hawaii. However, some doctors are concerned that the outbreak will further worsen the state's long-standing physician shortage. Hawaii Public Radio.

HMSA waiving all copayments for COVID-19 related treatment. The Hawai'i Medical Service Association is waiving all copayments for COVID-19 related treatments and services. KITV4.

Nearly 25% Of Hawaii's Workers Apply For Unemployment. Nearly one-quarter of Hawaii's workers applied for unemployment benefits last month as social distancing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus socked the economy. Associated Press.

New duties keep Hawaii tourism employees working. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost in Hawaii’s visitor industry, but employees of the state agency charged with managing “tourism for the benefit of the Hawaiian Islands” and its main marketing contractor haven’t taken a hit. Star-Advertiser.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii asks state to suspend taxes via online petition. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has launched an online petition asking the state to help businesses that are struggling financially due to COVID-19 disruptions. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Democrats On ‘Leading Edge’ In Picking POTUS. The local party is conducting its presidential primary by mail-in voting and asking voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Civil Beat.

After Opening Restrooms During Pandemic, Widespread Vandalism Reported. The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation says small boat harbor restrooms need community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Harbor Bathrooms Trashed Statewide. DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation bathrooms are being trashed across the state. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Oahu residents urged to wear masks outside after Hawaii marks its second coronavirus death. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging Oahu residents to wear a mask every time they go out in public to stop the rapid spread of the new coronavirus on the densely populated island with the vast majority of Hawaii’s cases. Star-Advertiser.

5 homeless people come to Oahu during coronavirus pandemic. Five homeless people from the mainland — including a couple with family on Oahu — arrived in Honolulu over the last 10 days, perhaps drawn by cheap airfares. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters ordered to stay home after being exposed to coronavirus. A Honolulu Fire Department firefighter who was infected by the new coronavirus may have transmitted the disease to another firefighter at the Kalihi Uka firehouse while he was still asymptomatic, a city official said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam confirms COVID-19 cases but details silenced by Pentagon. Leaders with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam say there are COVID cases at the intallation, but the Pentagon says military operations cannot publicly release specific numbers to protect operational security. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard member assigned to Honolulu-based cutter Midgett has coronavirus. A Coast Guard member assigned to the Honolulu-based cutter Midgett tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Chief Sara Muir, deputy public affairs officer for District 14, said today. Star-Advertiser.

This Startup Is Trying To Ease The Ventilator Shortage in Hawaii. A former Harvard Medical School professor is teaming up with local engineers who have designed products for firms like Apple, Google and Tesla. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Jobless claims soar on Big Island, nationwide. The numbers of first-time Big Island unemployment claims filings have skyrocketed in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hospital treats 1st case. COVID-19 patient in isolation at MMMC. Maui Memorial Medical Center is treating its first COVID-19 patient in one of its isolation rooms, hospital operator Maui Health System reported Wednesday. Maui News.

Farmers adjust from growing for eateries to public. Groups like HFUU are helping create distribution pipeline. The Hawaii Farmers Union United, local farmers and stores are working to maintain that pipeline from the fields to the dinner table. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai continues checkpoint stops; KPD Chief promises further action if high traffic volume continues. Checkpoints will continue to be conducted at various times and locations to deter people from traveling and spreading the virus within the community, the Kauai Police Department said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 rules confuse homeowner. Uncertainty about whether housekeepers are essential businesses perplexes property owner. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui confirms 1st known case of coronavirus for Molokai. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said in a news release that a Molokai man who has a history of travel to Las Vegas tested positive for the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Moloka‘i Resident Hospitalized on O‘ahu with COVID-19. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino issued a statement this evening saying the adult male had possible travel history and is currently hospitalized on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Molokai man tests positive for COVID-19. Maui County officials confirmed on April 2 that a Molokai resident tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Mass inmate release in the works, COVID-19 cases continue to climb, mayors plead with Trump to stop non-essential travel to Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail dormitory ©2020 All Hawaii News

Officials weigh the motion to release 426 inmates to curb the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii prosecutors and public defenders will meet again today to try to reach agreement over which inmates now being held at the state’s four jails will be released in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council Concerned About Potential Inmate Releases. Council members do not want detainees to be released without support amid the pandemic. Civil Beat.

197 inmates tagged for release: HCCC awaits Supreme Court ruling for largest inmate release in the state. Hawaii Community Correctional Center, frequently the state’s most crowded jail, is also the one that will release the most inmates under a plan being worked out between the state Public Defender’s Office and county prosecutors. West Hawaii Today.

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Three Hawaii mayors ask Trump to stop all non-essential travel. Three of the state’s four mayors have asked President Donald Trump to stop all non-essential travel to Hawaii to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor islands may implement even stricter rules if stay-at-home orders are ignored. Neighbor island officials said they are doing everything in their power to inform and protect their communities. KHON2.

Interisland quarantine order empties airports. Passengers to Hawaii in March dropped more than 98.5% as COVID-19 lockdowns reduced travel demand for the islands. Gov. David Ige instituted a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for all arriving trans-Pacific passengers on March 26. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii sets new high for COVID-19 cases but officials say it likely will get worse. Hawaii on Wednesday saw the largest increase in coronavirus cases yet — 34 — but state officials acknowledged that more records likely are on the way despite travel restrictions and other measures implemented to stem the tide of disease. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Reports 34 More COVID-19 Cases. On Wednesday, Hawaii health officials reported the largest daily increase in coronavirus cases to date. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 34 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 258. The state is reporting 34 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, in the highest one-day total since the pandemic began. The cases bring the statewide total to 258. Hawaii News Now.

State tops 250 total COVID-19 cases. Wednesday had the largest number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Hawaii over a one-day period, and Gov. David Ige said the pandemic has turned our community upside down and is forever altering the way that we once lived. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Updates: As Case Count Hits 258, Expect 'It Will Get Worse'; Small Biz Loans Available. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii COVID-19 Update For April 1, 34 New Cases Reported. The cumulative totals for positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi statewide now stands at 258. Big Island Video News.

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Emergency Room doctor warns of COVID-19 peak in Hawaii. A consultant on the Netflix Docuseries "Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak" released this January says Hawaii is at least a few weeks away from a potential peak in the coronavirus outbreak, and what we do now will make a big difference. KITV4.

Man who became Hawaii’s first coronavirus death likely caught disease in Las Vegas, state says. The state’s first and only COVID-19 victim likely caught the disease in Las Vegas and brought it back with him to Hawaii. KITV4.

No Statewide Text Alerts, Ige Says. As the public clamors for information from the state on how to respond to COVID-19, the governor says a text alert system won’t be used. Civil Beat.

With Hawaii residents forced to stay at home, booze sales boom. Local spirit and wine distributors and Hawaii’s largest, locally owned grocery store said they’ve seen a big spike in the sales of alcoholic beverages in recent weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment filings in March top 160,000. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported total unemployment filings in March of 160,929. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education may change graduation requirements for Class of 2020. The Board of Education will meet today to consider altering graduation requirements so seniors can get their diplomas on time despite the disruption of the COVID-19 shutdown that has closed public schools. Star-Advertiser.

This Hawaii Firm Says It Has Millions Of Masks For Sale. But health officials say the company’s masks aren’t really a help to the medical community which has recently received a new supply from established providers. Civil Beat.

Are surfing and other ocean activities safe during a health crisis? Most experts say yes. There’s a growing debate over whether surfing should be allowed during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Some Hawaii Agencies Get Creative To Keep Public Involved, Others Abandon Participation. Civic participation is a challenge during the time of coronavirus. Some agencies are finding ways to still include the public, despite Gov. David Ige's emergency order suspending the requirement among other state laws. Hawaii Public Radio.

Deal reached with apparent new owners of Meadow Gold Hawaii. Meadow Gold Hawaii could soon have a new owner. Industrial Reality Group plans to buy the Hilo and Honolulu facilities from Dean Foods Company for an undisclosed amount. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Restaurant Association notifying the public about restaurant employee relief fund. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has created a Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. KITV4.

Oahu

Waikiki doctors to offer blood test that detects exposure to COVID-19. Some in the medical community call the 10 minute test a game changer that can identify people who've had the virus and have built immunity against it. KITV4.

Parks and hikes are closed, but that’s not keeping everyone away. Despite orders to stay at home and practice social distancing, HNN has been flooded with complaints about tightly packed crowds and trespassing into closed areas. A look around Oahu shows it’s clear some people are following the rules while others are not. Hawaii News Now.

HPD issues warnings to more than 250 people at closed Ala Moana Beach Park. City and county parks closed a week ago yet KITV-4 saw several people run past barricades set up at the park entrances on Wednesday. KITV4.

Tenants of Bishop Street office building notified of worker’s positive coronavirus test. A worker in the 25-story downtown office building Bishop Place has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting Douglas Emmett Management to alert the other building tenants. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Homeless Shelters Are Desperate For More Room As Virus Looms. Honolulu’s hotels could house Oahu’s homeless population several times over, but officials have announced no concrete plans to expand the shelter system’s capacity. Civil Beat.

Deep cleaning coming to all fire stations HFD says. The Kalihi Uka Fire Station was temporarily shut down on Tuesday after two fire fighters tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Mom of hospitalized Waikiki bartender also tests positive for COVID-19. The mother of the Waikiki bartender currently on life support with COVID-19 has also tested positive for the coronavirus disease. Star-Advertiser.

Navy envisions major development near Pearl Harbor rail station. The Navy, as part of an ambitious public-private partnership, envisions a major development near a future rail station that includes 2.3 million square feet of low-, medium- and high-rise residential and commercial space, a high-rise hotel and pedestrian walkways over the H-1 Freeway and Kamehameha Highway connecting it all with Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim rescinds plastic bag ban: COVID-19 emergency prompts new actions. Mayor Harry Kim issued his third Supplementary Emergency Proclamation late Wednesday, suspending the ban on single-use plastic bags, among other actions. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Suspends Plastic Bag Reduction Law. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim signed a Third Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Wednesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim made a third emergency proclamation Wednesday, a portion of which suspends Hawai‘i County’s ban on single-use plastic bags for the next 60 days. Big Island Now.

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Police arrest nine people for violating stay-at-home order. The Hawaii Police Department arrested nine people for not sheltering in place during the past week. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi National Guard Ready, PPE Arrives In Hilo. Currently, the guard is doing planning and logistics in support of the state during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Municipal Golf Course closed due to virus. The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation announced the closure effective Wednesday in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Web Stream: Maui Mayor Provides Update on COVID-19, April 1, 2020, 4 p.m. Maui Now.

At least 40 citations issued for violations of new rules. Police have issued at least 40 citations for violating emergency stay-at-home rules, with many of the violations occurring at beaches in the Kihei area, police said Tuesday. Maui News.

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Maui Health treating first COVID-19 patient. Maui Health is treating its first confirmed COVID-19 patient, the hospital operator said Wednesday morning. Maui News.

Maui Health is Treating its First COVID-19 Positive Patient. Maui Health today acknowledged that it is treating its first patient confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health as having COVID-19. Maui Now.

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Councilmember Molina Requests a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. His resolution asks Council Chair Alice Lee to issue a Request For Proposals for the compilation of a plan to assess and review. Maui Now.

Maui Bus adjusts schedules, routes. Starting today, the county is suspending three Maui Bus commuter routes and adjusting schedules for other routes because of significant decreases in passengers caused by COVID-19. Maui News.

Kauai

No new cases on Kaua‘i. Kaua‘i officials confirmed Wednesday that no new COVID-19 cases have been reported since March 29 on the island, though the number of cases statewide continues to climb. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i 2020 Census reporting falling behind. Only 19.8% of households in Kaua‘i have responded to the 2020 Census since it opened last month. That’s almost two times less than the national average of 38.4%, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Garden Island.

Anahola market open. The Saturday market emerged in the face of farmers markets closing due to COVID-19 concerns. Garden Island.

Hawaii's first confirmed COVID-19 death, inter-island quarantine begins, unknown number of idle state employees collect paychecks, may forego raises as economy tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene in happier times ©2020 All Hawaii News

New study makes dire predictions about human toll of coronavirus in Hawaii. A new study is issuing dire predictions about the death toll in the islands from coronavirus, but the governor said the projections don’t take into account Hawaii’s 14-day mandatory quarantine for all visitors and returning residents, which went into effect last week. Hawaii News Now.

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State sees first death. An older Oahu man recently hospitalized with multiple medical issues became Hawaii’s first fatality linked to the new coronavirus as cases in the islands climbed to 224. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Reports First COVID-19 Death. The state coronavirus infection count rose by 20 on Tuesday, and an elderly Oahu man died late Monday evening. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s first coronavirus-related death was older Oahu man with multiple health issues. Following the state’s first coronavirus-related death in Hawaii, government and public health officials pleaded with residents Tuesday to take stay-at-home orders seriously. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 1st death; Green stresses need to protect kupuna; ‘essential’ travel defined. he first COVID-19-related death in Hawaii is that of an elderly Oahu man who tested positive for the coronavirus after being hospitalized, authorities revealed Tuesday during a statewide media conference. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Updates: First Coronavirus-Related Death, Model Projects 374 Deaths, DOH Maps Hot Spots. Hawaii Public Radio.

Elderly O‘ahu Man First COVID-19 Victim in Hawai‘i, DOH Assures Accuracy of Test. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported the state’s first coronavirus-related fatality Tuesday, saying the victim was an elderly male resident of O‘ahu dealing with several other health complications in addition to the virus. Big Island Now.

Older Oahu man is Hawaii’s 1st coronavirus death; total cases at 224. Gov. David Ige said Hawaii’s first coronavirus death is an older Oahu male who was hospitalized with multiple medical issues. Maui News.

Hawaii's first COVID-19 related death. State Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson said today  Hawaii has recorded its first COVID-19 related death. KITV4.

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Interisland quarantine to stem in-state spread of coronavirus starts Wednesday. A mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for interisland travelers starting Wednesday comes as Hawaii begins to address a shift in COVID-19 cases from mostly out-of-state travel-related to more in-state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Inter-Island Quarantine Order Signed, Detailed. Governor David Ige has officially issued a new emergency order requiring inter-island travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days. Big Island Video News.

Ige to require quarantine for interisland flyers. Questions still linger over how to enforce new 14-day self-quarantine. Maui News.

Here’s how the mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers will work. The state’s mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air scales back service, offers free interisland flights to health care workers. As a new, interisland 14-day mandatory quarantine goes into effect, Hawaiian Airlines is further reducing its flight schedule. Hawaiian says it will provide a total of 16 daily round-trip flights between the neighbor islands, starting Saturday, April 4. Hawaii News Now.

Mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers to take effect April 1. Starting April 1, a new state mandate ordering inter-island travelers to undergo a 14-day quarantine will go into effect. KHON2.

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Leaders don’t know how many state workers are getting paid to do nothing. One of Hawaii’s biggest employers — state government — is trying to determine how it can have more workers be productive amid prohibitions on less essential work that can’t be done with social distancing. Star-Advertiser.

As economy weakens, state lawmaker says public worker raises could be in jeopardy. Pay increases for government workers, such as public school teachers and first responders, may be in limbo. State House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Sylvia Luke says the pandemic has dramatically cut projected tax revenue by 25 to 30 percent. Hawaii News Now.

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Isle tourism won’t improve until curve flattens. Hawaii’s visitor industry is under siege as COVID-19 containment measures and dropping visitor demand have slowed tourism — the largest contributor to the state’s growth — to a trickle. Star-Advertiser.

Public Defender’s Office Wants Hundreds More Hawaii Inmates Released. The Supreme Court is considering the proposed releases to avoid a coronavirus outbreak in correctional facilities. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green recommends everyone wear a protective mask when they leave their home. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green is a doctor and the Hawaii COVID-19 Healthcare Liaison. He said not all masks are created equal, but something is still better than nothing. KHON2.

Hawaii’s geography and widespread testing are advantages in the COVID fight. The novel coronavirus has upended life in Hawaii and been an economic disaster, but Hawaii residents do have some unique advantages as public health officials fight to slow the local spread of the disease. Star-Advertiser.

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New State Virus Maps Have Some Geographic Breakdowns. New maps from the Hawaii health department illustrate higher concentrations of confirmed coronavirus cases in some areas. Civil Beat.

DOH releases map of COVID-19 cases by zip code. KITV4.

A closer look at how the state’s coronavirus zip code maps work. An explanation Tuesday on that map released by the department of health showing cases by zip code. Hawaii News Now.

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Meadow Gold Hawai'i to close following Dean Foods' bankruptcy. Meadow Gold Hawai'i, a Dean Foods Company, is set to close according to the company. KITV4.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser Cutting Payroll Costs To Weather Pandemic. The question for already-beleaguered media outlets nationwide is when steps such as furloughs and reduced work schedules can be lifted. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell and police chief oppose release of jail inmates. Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard raised new objections Tuesday to the proposed release of hundreds of inmates from overcrowded state jails, arguing that releasing prisoners now will trigger an increase in crime at the worst possible time. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor: Prison May Be ‘Safest Place’ To Ride Out COVID-19. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s comments contradict the CDC and the experience of correctional facilities across the country where coronavirus is spreading rapidly. Civil Beat.

Caldwell wants Trump to stop travel to isles. Noting Hawaii’s first COVID-19-related death, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday emphasized the importance of everyone following state and county “stay-at-home” orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s police chief reports numbers on arrests and citations for violations of the emergency proclamation. Police are issuing more warnings than citations for violations of stay-at-home orders. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki doctors to offer blood test that detects exposure to COVID-19. Some in the medical community call the 10 minute test a game changer that can identify people who've had the virus and have built immunity against it. KITV4.

More first responders test positive for COVID-19. The Honolulu Fire Department has confirmed that a second fire fighter from the Kalihi Uka Fire Station has tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

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The Queen’s Medical Center employee tests positive for coronavirus. The first employee of the Queen’s Medical Center has tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s Health Systems employee diagnosed with coronavirus. A Queen’s Health Systems employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 at a facility, a spokesperson confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center confirms an employee has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Queen’s Medical Center confirms one of its workers has tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

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Amid pandemic, 17 homeless people move into state’s first Kauhale village. Many times, the community’s reply to plans for a property for the homeless is not in my backyard. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii leads in positive COVID-19 tests. West Hawaii had the majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the island, a state Department of Health map released Monday shows. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Muni closed because of coronavirus. The Hilo Municipal Golf Course is closed until further notice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the county Department of Parks and Recreation announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

County Closes Hilo Muni Golf Course. The Hilo Municipal Golf Course will be closed until further notice starting on April 1, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Still struggling to recover from 2018 eruption, Pahoa takes another hit from pandemic. A walk through downtown Pahoa is strikingly reminiscent to 2018, when businesses struggled to stay open as many Puna residents lost their homes and visitors stayed away from the area. Tribune-Herald.

Testing demand wanes as people follow stay-at-home order. The Pahoa facility — part a network of clinics in the East Hawaii Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., which also includes Hilo Medical Center, Ka‘u Hospital and Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua — is in its second week of offering COVID-19 screening and testing in the rural East Hawaii district. Tribune-Herald.

Cars Line Up For Computers, Meals At Pāhoa Schools. Families of Pāhoa High and Intermediate students picked up computers for distance learning, and meals, during the statewide school closure. Big Island Video News.

‘Emergency and humanitarian release’ sought for sex assault suspect. Counsel for a 19-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a septuagenarian last summer at a Kawaihae campground is seeking “emergency and humanitarian release” for his client due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Effective Immediately, Maui Health Allows Employees to Wear Their Own Masks. Effective immediately, new hospital protocol for personal protective equipment (PPE) allows Maui Health employees and providers to wear their own masks. Maui Now.

Mayor Victorino Provides Guidance on Interisland Travel for Maui County. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provided guidance to Maui County residents on the inter-island travel quarantine policy issued by Gov. David Ige. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor arrested for violating quarantine. The Kaua‘i Police Department arrested 62-year-old Dwight Anthony Tucker of Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday for violating the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine order. Garden Island.

State officials are holding a virtual town hall meeting for Hawai‘i residents on the Zoom platform on Thursday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The list of speakers currently includes Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi, House Speaker Scott Saiki and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke, with more to come according to the announcement. Garden Island.

Farmers need pig feed. Kaua‘i pig farms aren’t getting their usual food scraps from local schools, restaurants and hotels since they’re closed due to COVID-19, and farmers are asking the community to pitch in and help keep the hogs fed. Garden Island.