Update: 5/10/2020, 12:26 p.m.
Where Hawaii stands
Hawaii reported one new coronavirus case today. The state health department reported that the count is now at 632 and the deaths stand at 17. Oahu cases are at 408, Maui County at 117, Hawaii Island at 75 and Kauai County at 21. There are 11 cases diagnosed out of state.
On Friday, after there were no new cases reported for the day, state Epidemiologist Sarah Park cautioned that the reopening underway will mean more COVID-19 cases.
“We have seen a steady decline in new cases over the past several weeks. Although today we’re at zero, we want to maintain these declines. As businesses reopen, as people become more active and travel more freely, we will inevitably see an increase in cases," she said in a news release.
Park said of particular concern are Hawaii residents who travel to Mainland COVID-19 hotspots, return to the islands and can spread the virus.
"This risk is not just posed by visitors. Residents can actually pose a greater risk by unknowingly infecting others," Park said. She said this is why it is important that all travelers arriving in the islands observe the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The governor and county mayors have begun to allow low-risk businesses and activities to resume, lifting stay-at-home orders that took effect in March.
Residents are still urged to take precautions, wear cloth masks when they are out and about, practice social distancing and return home when they are done with their business.
Capitol closed to public, but written testimony allowed
When Hawaii lawmakers reconvene tomorrow to address the projected $1 billion budget shortfall due to COVID-19, the capitol building will be closed to members of the public but they can submit written testimony on various bills.
Hearing notices have been posted on the Legislature's website for measures that include adjusting the budget to address the decline in revenues, issuance of state bonds, capital improvements funding and appropriating funds allocated to the state under the federal CARES Act.
Written testimony must be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearings. Since the Senate Ways and Means Committee is meeting at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, comments must be submitted by 10:30 a.m. today. It can be done online.
The House Finance Committee will meet on money bills tomorrow at 2 p.m. Comments can be submitted online for testimony less than 20MB in size. Testimony can also be faxed if less than five pages to 586-6201 on Oahu or 1-800-535-3859 from the Neighbor Islands.
Include the name of the person giving testimony with position or title and organization; the committee that should get the comments; the date and time of the hearing; and the number of the bill.
'Olelo Community Media will broadcastand livestream the major committee hearings and the floor sessions of each chamber.
Palolo Chinese Home allowing drive-through visits for Mother's Day
Ever since visits were restricted at Palolo Chinese Home on March 13 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, families haven't been able to see their seniors at the long-term care facility.
Today, families can drive by to see their kupuna on Mother's Day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"We have been doing everything we can to assist our residents and their loved ones in keeping virtually connected through Facetime and more—but to have a chance to have some real face time, and on a day like Mother’s Day, has truly brightened spirits," said CEO Darlene Nakayama.
Families can come in one car each at a scheduled time and their senior will be brought out at a safe distance to share the day together. Touching won't be permitted and families and residents must wear masks. Families will be allowed to give flowers, but no food and other items.
Maui County still taking applications for financial help
Maui County continues to accept applications from those needing financial support for essentials such as rent and food during the COVID-19 emergency.
Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. has processed 1,677 applications for the Hawaii Emergency Laulima Partnership or HELP program for a total of $707,000 in assistance. The county allocate $2 milion for the financial support, the county said in a news release.
Yesterday's Hawaii Updates: Cases Up 3; Maui Prepares To Open Stores; Fishing Industry Gets Some Funding
To qualify, applicants must show their income was reduced by 25 percent or more after March 4 and that they have less than $5,000 in liquid assets.
Besides rent and food, the program can also cover expenses for medicine, mortgage payments, utilities, phone or internet services, car payments, and other necessities.
Applications can be submitted online at www.meoinc.org.
Those who have already received program assistance can apply for a second round of funding. Additional documentation is not needed for those applying again, other than copies of bills to be paid or for food vouchers.
For more information is available by emailing information@meoinc.org or calling (808) 249-2990.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Editor's note: We’d like to hear how you’re coping with the latest developments in dealing with the spread of the coronavirus. You can call our talkback line at 808-792-8217. Or e-mail us at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
