Three counties impose nighttime curfews, face masks to be required at Foodland, inmate release to be case-by-case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night ©2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Oahu, Maui to enforce stay-at-home order with nighttime curfew over Easter weekend. Both the City and County of Honolulu along with Maui County have announced a nighttime curfew for the three-day Easter weekend, saying the order is aimed at keeping people in their homes and off the roads. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police will enforce a nighttime curfew this weekend in a move intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. Shortly after Caldwell’s announcement, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said Maui would also enforce an 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kauai on March 18 was the first county to issue a curfew. The Kauai curfew is from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily and runs until May 3. Star-Advertiser.

Nighttime ‘No Driving’ Rules To Be In Place On Oahu Over Easter Weekend. The Honolulu Police Department also intends to step up enforcement of beach closures. Civil Beat.


The city has instituted a nighttime curfew for Easter weekend. Here’s how it works. The city’s series of emergency orders aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus now includes a nighttime curfew. Hawaii News Now.

No-driving curfew on O'ahu to take effect this weekend. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a pilot program curfew that will take place each day this weekend starting Friday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., Saturday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Sunday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. KITV4.

Oahu under trial curfew this Easter weekend. The City announced that a holiday weekend pilot curfew will take place on April 10 at 11 p.m. The hours of the curfew will be between 11 p.m. through 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. KHON2.

Maui County to roll out curfew pilot program Friday night. Maui County plans to roll out a nighttime curfew pilot program and stricter rules starting Friday night, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Thursday evening. Maui News.

Mayor Michael Victorino announces curfew for Maui County among other rules to curb spread of coronavirus. Victorino said the curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night for the county. The curfew lasts from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. but would exempt travel for urgent medication, medical emergencies or essential business. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County Night-Time Curfew Pilot Program and Stricter Rules to Start Friday. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced a night-time curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night, April 10, for Maui County. Curfew will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Maui Now.

Overnight curfew pilot program and stricter rules to start Friday night in Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a night-time curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night, April 10, for Maui County. KITV4.

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Come Monday, you’ll need to be wearing a face mask to enter Foodland stores. Foodland is implementing new policies to continue keeping their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Stores like Foodland, Down to Earth implementing changes to grocery shopping. Starting Monday, Foodland will require employees and customers to wear a mask when shopping. KHON2.

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Hotels for Heroes program criticized for turning many of those heroes away. Just days after the Hotels for Heroes program launched, first responders and medical workers are calling it confusing and too restrictive. The program, a partnership with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Visitors and Convention Bureau, was touted as providing hotel rooms for those on the front lines. Hawaii News Now.

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More help on the way to assist unemployment claims. The number of people filing for unemployment on a daily basis is starting to slow down, but many people still haven’t seen any money. KHON2.

Hawaii officials cannot say when state unemployment checks will include extra $600 federal payments. State officials cannot say how soon Hawaii’s unemployed workers will receive an extra $600 a week in federally promised benefits because they still haven’t been able to automate the state system to add the extra money to unemployment checks for workers who lost their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers were told Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii jobless claims soar, state labor official admits system overloaded. The official in charge of the department responsible for processing and paying unemployment claims told a state Senate committee Thursday that an obsolete computer system unable to deal with a crush of claims and calls because of the COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in many claimants getting paid. Tribune-Herald.

Problems for thousands of newly unemployed shift from filing claims to getting paid. The number of new unemployment claims has dropped for several days in a row, in a sign that layoffs in Hawaii may be stabilizing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to use idle state workers to process unemployment claims. The state has received 201,836 unemployment claims since the beginning of March through Tuesday, when 6,903 claims were filed. KITV4.

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Hawaii visitors slip in despite COVID-19 crackdowns. Tens of thousands of visitors are no longer coming to Hawaii each day, but hundreds are — and even that’s too many for some residents and government officials who are working to stem the spread of COVID-19. Tens of thousands of visitors are no longer coming to Hawaii each day, but hundreds are — and even that’s too many for some residents and government officials who are working to stem the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Residents and Lawmakers Decry Lack of 14-Day Quarantine Monitoring. The normally rapid flow of travelers to Hawai‘i has dropped to a comparative trickle in the wake of the state’s 14-day, mandatory self-quarantine, enacted March 26. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii public schools to remain closed until state goes 4 weeks without new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii’s public schools are expected to stay shut until COVID-19 is no longer spreading in the community, defined as four weeks with no new cases, according to the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

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

Hawaii Reports 7 New COVID-19 Cases, Taking The Total To 442. Hawaii verified seven new coronavirus cases on Thursday. Civil Beat.

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Report recommends case-by-case decisions on release of Hawaii inmates. The independent special master assigned to study overcrowding at state correctional facilities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic is recommending that each case needs to be considered individually on who should be released — angering critics who say the process will be too slow. Star-Advertiser.

Special Master Recommends No Blanket Release Of Hawaii Inmates. Special Master Dan Foley filed an interim report with the Supreme Court Thursday saying the process should involve judges. Civil Beat.

Inmate release is ‘a work in progress’. Testifying before the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, Daniel R. Foley said the process, ordered by the high court following a petition by the Office of the Public Defender, is going more smoothly on the neighbor islands than on Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Lt. Gov. Green Shares Thoughts On Prison Inmate Releases. The day after Lt. Gov. Green spoke to the Senate Committee on COVID-19, the state announced 85 inmates in Hilo are under quarantine as a precaution. Big Island Video News.

Jail populations decline statewide, in part due to coronavirus. Hawaii’s jail inmate population is on the way down, but not because of a mass release that had been requested by the state Office of the Public Defender. Instead, it’s because fewer people are getting arrested. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s Senior Care Facilities Scramble To Prepare For COVID-19 Spread. Protective gear is in short supply and in-house testing is rare for caretakers and the elderly in nursing homes, adult residential homes and assisted living homes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell rejects planned pay raises, opposite of what cabinet members said a week ago. Mayor Kirk Caldwell today asked the Honolulu Salary Commission to not recommend pay raises for himself or other top city officials, a 180-degree switch from comments three of his cabinet members made a week ago. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor declining pay raise for City officials. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is asking the Salary Commission to not recommend any pay raises for City officials and department heads this year, due to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

Coronavirus pandemic threatens to delay opening date for Honolulu rail line. The opening date for Honolulu’s rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana that is planned for December 2025 might now be delayed in a new bit of fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Organizations assemble 4,000 face masks for essential workers. Dozens of volunteers converged in conference rooms at the Neal Blaisdell Center to assemble personal protective equipment for Hawaii’s medical professionals and others on the front lines to aid in the battle to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Magic Island parking lot to undergo extensive reconstruction. With City parks closed and essential construction activity continuing amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the City will begin an extensive reconstruction project to revitalize the badly degraded parking lot at ‘Āina Moana (Magic Island) on Monday, April 13. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor: Hawaii County parks to remain closed. Mayor Harry Kim acknowledged earlier this week that the county’s handling of its parks has led to mixed messages during the early weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. Tribune-Herald.

County Council fast-tracks food money to community nonprofits. County Council members are fast-tracking money to two local nonprofits to combat hunger on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Police Say Man Threatened Them With COVID-19, Coughed In Their Face. Police arrested and charged a 53 year-old Hilo man for several offenses including allegedly threatening police with the COVID-19 virus. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ripple effects among community after coronavirus cluster at Maui hospital. There is rising anxiety on Maui as the island's largest hospital deals with a cluster of coronavirus cases. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Health CEO Explains Mask Policy at Hospital and Efforts to Ensure Safety at the Facility. We ask about the hospital’s policy on masks for health care workers, as well as the current state of supplies and equipment for the Maui facility. Maui Now.

Hospital policies questioned after employees are infected. Staff wonder if wearing masks and changing policy sooner could’ve reduced exposure. Maui News.

Changes implemented at a Maui hospital after coronavirus cluster. Maui Memorial Medical Center is now screening and requiring masks for everyone who enters the building after a cluster of 15 coronavirus cases — which is blamed partly on a lack of protective equipment. Hawaii News Now.

Another Maui resident violates emergency rules. A Haiku man was sentenced to a two-day jail term Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to violating public health emergency rules and drunken driving. Maui News.

Kauai

Domestic violence calls up. Domestic-violence-related calls are up about 15%, according to the Kaua‘i Police Department. Garden Island.

Lihu‘e food pickup a success. There is a need for food,” said Wes Perreira, manager of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i branch Thursday during the free food drive-through pickup at Lili‘uokalani Trust in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Path closed for repairs. County workers are making moves to clean up Lydgate Park after recent rains caused sewage spills and added runoff to increasing coastal erosion problems in the area, triggering major instabilities in the walking path that goes through the park. Garden Island.

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

Masks ©2020 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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.