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The Latest: 3 Deaths, 103 New Cases; State Lawmakers Remember Billy Kenoi; Mailed Debit Cards OK

Wayne Yoshioka / HPR
Former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi

Updated 1/27/21, 11:58 a.m.

Former Hawai?i County Mayor Billy Kenoi died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 52.

Governor David Ige called him "an energetic and inspirational leader who had a knack for bringing people together. His death is a huge loss for our community."

Senate President Ron Kouchi called Kenoi "a dedicated public servant who deeply cared about the people of Hawai?i." Adding that "even in the midst of his own health challenges, Billy continued to inspire those around him with his warm sense of humor and gift of oratory."

Kenoi was first elected as mayor of Hawai?i County in 2008, and was reelected for a second term.

In 2016, he was indicted for theft in a case involving his use of a government credit card. He was acquitted on all counts and re-imbursed the county more than $30,000.

He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.

Memorial services for Kenoi are pending.

Where we stand

The state Department of Health reported 103 new cases and three new fatalities on Wednesday.

According to the state's numbers, O?ahu had 64, Maui 27, Hawai?i Island 3, and Kaua?i, Lanai and Moloka?i had no new cases. 9 resident was diagnosed out of state.

The latest state count brings the O?ahu total to 20,642, Hawai?i County 2,132, Maui 1,661, Kaua?i 178, Lanai 106, and Moloka?i 25. The number of out-of-state cases totals 698.

Since the pandemic began, the state has tallied 25,442 cases. The death toll stands at 404.

Mayors react to Kenoi's passing

Hawai?i Mayor Mitch Roth: Billy Kenoi was the embodiment of a true Big Island boy and a pillar of our community. His time as mayor and the accomplishments made under his direction were just a small glimpse of the man he was and the aloha he had for this community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Takako and his three children today as we remember a man who brought with him tenacity, vigor, aloha, and a can-do attitude that is unparalleled to most. In his honor, I ask that when faced with any challenge, big or small, that we remember his famous words, "if can -- can; if no can -- still can!"

Kaua?i Mayor Derek Kawakami: We share in the overwhelming outpouring of love as we grieve for Billy. While he may have been a Mayor of a county, he was more than that -- he was a son of Hawai?i.

Billy had the unique gift to find each person's strength, speak to it, then inspire. He moved not just minds, he moved hearts. He was not just a role model for me in his leadership, but also in how to live life to the fullest. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship, guidance, and friendship these past years.

Monica and I extend our deepest aloha and sympathy to Billy's ?ohana -- his wife Takako, and his kids Mahina, Justin and Liam. Hawai?i is a better place because we have known Billy. We will miss him.

Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino: My wife Joycelyn and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Billy Kenoi today. His death leaves a void that will never be filled. Anyone who experienced his intelligence and wit, whether expressed in pidgin, Hawaiian, or perfect English, received a priceless gift of island wisdom wrapped in local-style humor.

Mostly we will remember his great heart, his giving spirit and his service to the people of Hawaii County and the entire state of Hawaii. His optimism and confidence will live on through his favorite saying, “No such thing as no can. Always can. The only question is how can.”

Our deepest condolences to his wife Takako, their ‘ohana and to everyone who was blessed to have known him.

Mailed debit cards are economic stimulus payment

If you get a debit card in the mail, and you're skeptical, you're not alone. But state officials are urging you not to throw it out with the trash.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection has sent out a note reminding residents that federal payments may come in the form of debit cards.

There has been some confusion, but the office says some eight million debit cards are being sent out as part of the latest round of federal COVID-19 relief.

The Internal Revenue Service notes that even if you received a check or direct deposit with the first round of federal aid, you might get a debit card this time.

 Stephen Levins of the Office of Consumer Protection says the debit cards are not a scam, even though activating them may require private information -- such as your Social Security number.

The card will show its issuing bank as MetaBank, N.A. and the envelope will have a seal from the U.S. Treasury Department.

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