STATE GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Governor David Ige –
​6th Supplementary Proclamation 
April 25, 2020

At an afternoon media briefing the governor said the decision to extend rules and restrictions was not an easy one. He said, “I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-imposed isolation. And we all want our lives to return to normal.” The governor noted that Hawai‘i has been fortunate to not have the high rate of coronavirus infection seen in other states. He thanked everyone for complying with the stay-at-home order, practicing social distancing, and wearing face coverings when out in public. “We are flattening the curve,” Governor Ige said. “However, my greatest fear is that if we move to reopen too quickly, we will see a sudden surge in new cases that would result in over-running our healthcare system and more deaths.” He added that with Hawai‘i being very successful in controlling the spread, he will be relaxing some aspects of the lockdown.

Key Aspects of 6th Supplementary Proclamation Stay-at-Home order extended until May 31, 2020. Mandatory 14-day traveler-quarantine order extended until May 31, 2020. Outdoor exercise is permitted, including swimming, surfing and walking pets. In addition, running, jogging or walking on the beach will be permitted, as long as social distancing requirements are observed. Eviction moratorium extended until end of May.
Pledge for Continued State, County, Legislative Cooperation Governor Ige said he is working on a statewide reopening plan that will be based on facts, science and guidance from healthcare providers. The governor commented, “We will be taking a phased approved to re-opening. We hope that more measures will be relaxed before the end of May. This is only the beginning of a long, cautious process. We will be in constant discussions with the Counties, the legislature and community leadership as we develop our plans.” He indicated a key consideration is a review of industry best practices to ensure that businesses can accommodate social distancing requirements. He also emphasized collaboration with the counties. He recognized that counties need the flexibility to implement measures with consideration to the unique needs of each island’s communities. “However,” Governor Ige noted, “as was witnessed with the beach closure orders, more coordination is necessary to avoid confusion.”
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County and state government agencies and the mayors have been in constant communications with the Governor’s Office and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency throughout the COVID-19 crisis. To ensure coordinated actions, the 6th Supplementary Proclamation directs county mayors to coordinate their proposed orders, proclamations, rules, and directives with the state. The governor stated, “The state does not want to assume county functions or take over the important tasks each county is undertaking in their respective communities. The directive is limited to coordination, so that we can reduce any confusion moving forward.”
See full proclamation here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2004144-ATG_Sixth-Supplementary-Proclamation-for-COVID-19-distribution-signed.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1MpG_mvwryKU_VJO3L7kt0oiJjfjybjdcsReS4bXHsNrVHF92HgUOkF3A


FLORISTS PART OF MAY 1 RE-OPENING
Florists statewide will be allowed to deliver flowers in plenty of time for Mother’s Day. Gov. David Ige has given permission for florists to get back to business May 1, this after the governor himself revoked just two days ago a special exemption florists got for a 10-day window around Mother’s Day.
The change of heart comes after a flurry of pleas from the public and business, detailed questioning from Always Investigating, and support from all four mayors for letting flowers get to moms. FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.khon2.com/top-stories/florists-can-reopen-may-1-relief-after-gov-ige-rescinded-mothers-day-exemption/

From Mayor Michael Victorino:
“Floral deliveries and wholesale flowers are allowed in Maui County under our current Public Health Emergency Rules. It is especially important that we allow this service during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Continuing traditions like buying flowers for our mothers helps us convey appreciation and celebrate at a time when we cannot gather together. I would like to formally ask that (the governor) grant our request to continue floral deliveries and wholesale of flowers in Maui County.”
Floral deliveries and wholesale flowers sales are allowed in Maui County.

14 Day Self Quarantine For Those Traveling Interisland

Gov. David Ige's fourth supplementary proclamation requires all residents and visitors traveling between any of the islands in the State of Hawai‘i to self-quarantine for 14 days effective 4/1. Those who must travel to perform an essential function, including those providing and seeking medical care, will have to fill out and sign an Interisland Declaration Form, wear appropriate protective gear – primarily masks, and follow all social distancing requirements.  Violations of this order could result in a misdemeanor with fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in prison, or both. If you have questions about whether your travel is essential, please e-mail CovidExemption@hawaii.gov

14 DAY QUARANTINE FOR ALL INCOMING TRAVELERS

Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on March 21 that he signed a second emergency proclamation. This proclamation mandates a 14-day quarantine for all incoming travelers to the state of Hawaii.

“We believe that it will help us to flatten the curve so that our healthcare system is not overwhelmed like it has been in other communities around the world,” Gov. Ige said.
This measure will go into effect on March 26 at 12:01 a.m.

According to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Director Kenneth Hara, returning residents are ordered to quarantine at home. As for visitors, they will have to remain in their hotel rooms.
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However, should a visitor’s trip fall shorter than the 14-day quarantine period, they will remain in their designated quarantine location for the duration of their trip and not 14 days.
“You may leave your designated quarantine for medical emergencies or to seek medical care,” said Hara. “If the traveler becomes ill with a fever or cough they are to continue to stay in their designated quarantine location and avoid contact with others.”

This will only apply to incoming flights that are coming from out of state. This will not affect inter-island travel, according to the proclamation.
Ige then revealed that this mandate will not apply to flight crews.

The governor says that this mandate will go into effect on March 26 to allow travelers the opportunity to cancel or reschedule their trip to the state. He says it will also allow industry partners to adjust to the new mandate.
The mandatory 14-day self-quarantine orders are: 

1. Proceed directly from the airport to your designated quarantine location, which is the location identified and affirmed by you on the mandatory State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plants and Animals Declaration Form.
2. Remain in your designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of your stay in the State of Hawai‘i, whichever is shorter. 
3. If you are a resident, your designated quarantine location is your place of residence.
4. If you are a visitor, your designated quarantine location is your hotel room or rented lodging.
5. You can only leave your designated quarantine location for medical emergencies or to seek medical care.
6. Do not visit any public spaces, including but not limited to pools, meeting rooms, fitness centers or restaurants.
7. Do not allow visitors in or out of your designated quarantine location other than a physician, healthcare provider, or individual authorized to enter the designated quarantine location by the Director of HIEMA.
8. Comply with any and all rules or protocols related to your quarantine as set forth by your hotel or rented lodging.
9. If you become ill with a fever or cough:
   • Continue to stay in designated quarantine location, avoid contact with others and contact a healthcare provider for further instructions on treatment or testing.
   • If you are older or have any medical conditions (e.g., immune compromise, diabetes, asthma), consult your regular healthcare provider.
   • If you feel you need medical care, contact healthcare provider and inform them of your travel history.
   • If you need urgent medical care (e.g., have difficulty breathing), call 9-1-1 and let the dispatcher know your travel history).

Travelers will be responsible to get to their place of quarantine, Ige said.

Enforcement of this mandate will fall onto County mayors, who will manage how this new measure will be enforced.

To keep track of all incoming travelers, the HI-EMA Director says that travelers will have to fill out a mandatory agricultural form prior to landing and get their information verified, such as where they will be staying and their phone number. Those forms will be collected.
Those who don’t listen can spend up to one year in prison, or face a fine up to $5,000.
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“We don’t want travelers in our community at this point and time. We would want to be able to deal with COVID-19. We don’t want travelers to come in and take resources away from our community,” said Gov. Ige.
On March 21, 11 new presumptive positive COVID-19 cases were announced, putting the state total to 48, according to the State Department of Health.
These new cases are in Hawaii Island, Honolulu, and Maui:

• Hawaii Island – 2
• Honolulu – 7
• Maui – 2

There is now a total of three cases in Hawaii County, 35 in Honolulu, three in Kauai, and seven in Maui. Out of the 48 cases, three have been hospitalized. No deaths in connection to COVID-19 have been reported.

All cases are linked to travel or have made contact with a traveler who tested positive.
“We have been aggressive in establishing testing centers all across the state,” said Ige. “There are more than 42 in operation as we speak. More than 2,500 tests have been completed in the state of Hawaii so far. 2,200 have been completed by private labs and this includes our community program.”

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STAY AT HOME &
WORK FROM HOME ORDER

Gov. David Ige signed a third supplementary proclamation Monday, ordering the entire state to stay at home and work from home starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 25 through Apr. 30. Essential workers are exempt.
The action complements orders issued by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino over the weekend.

“The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and requires aggressive action,” said Ige. “I have been in discussions with our county mayors who are developing their own plans to meet the unique needs of their counties. We also agree that a statewide order is necessary for cohesion and consistency.
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To ensure that the state continues to provide essential, core services, there are exemptions in the following categories: Healthcare services, grocery stores and pharmacies, food production and farming, public and private schools, restaurants offering take-out services, hotels and motels, construction, and essential government functions.

In turn, residents can leave their homes for various needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine and gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, and those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawai‘i, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals and any other related services, and outdoor exercise – including surfing, swimming and walking pets.

Non-compliance would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or up to one year in jail, or both.

For questions about exemptions, email CovidExemption@hawaii.gov.
Those who would like to volunteer ideas or resources to assist in the response effort should email  CovidKokua@hawaii.gov.

Gov. Ige also announced the state is extending tax deadlines for the Hawai‘i 2019 individual and corporate income tax filing and payments. The deadline is extended from April 20 to July 20.
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Taxpayers do not need to take any action to participate in the tax relief program. The department is making necessary system changes to include the new dates. However, taxpayers expecting a refund for tax year 2019 should file as soon as possible.

GOVERNOR IGE'S 3/17/20
PRESS CONFERENCE
RECOMMENDING
VISITORS POSTPONE
TRAVEL TO HAWAII

​Governor David Ige press conference on 3/17/20 at 3pm.  For full press conference, visit: Facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge. 

• Visitors should postpone their travel to Hawaii for at least 30 days. 
• Bars and clubs should close and restaurants should adjust operations to pickup, drive thru and/or delivery services.
• Social gatherings should be limited to 10 people, including religious facilities.
• The Governor mentioned that critical infrastructure and essential services are expected to operate, such as shipping, fuel, gas stations, financial institutions, wholesalers and distributors, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.
• They noted the supply chain and shipping are functioning properly. If people are seeing empty shelves, it is because more people purchased those items in a short amount of time, not because the supply chain has been disrupted.
• The state will begin thermal screenings and interviews for cruise ship passengers and visitors arriving by airport shortly.
• Nonessential state workers will be working from home and nonessential travel is banned for state workers. If a state worker has to travel, they will be required to self isolate for 14 days.
• People should not visit nursing homes, assisted living and long term care facilities.
• Once the DOE is back from the extended spring break, the current plan is restructuring the school day and social distancing. 
• The state is working to halt evictions on nonpayment of rent.
• All state parks will close.

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GOVERNOR IGE ISSUES AN EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR
COVID-19 on Mar 5, 2020

Gov. David Ige today issued an emergency proclamation that allows the state to work quickly and efficiently to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, and to provide disaster relief if necessary.

There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. The governor is taking this action to be prepared for any possible cases or outbreaks in the state.

The mayors of Maui, Kauaʻi and the City and County of Honolulu are also issuing proclamations today in response to recent events revolving around the spread of COVID-19. Mayor Kim issued a proclamation on Friday, February 28, 2020.

The state’s emergency proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state funds as appropriated for the purchase of supplies and equipment, and the speedy and efficient response to conditions that may be created by COVID-19.
The proclamation also gives the state funding flexibility and allows the governor to suspend any laws that may impede the efficient execution of emergency functions.

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our communities across the state. COVID-19 has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern. This emergency proclamation will give us the ability to move more quickly and efficiently in our efforts to protect our communities from the virus and provide emergency relief if, and when it is necessary,” said Gov. Ige.

The disaster emergency relief period begins immediately and continues through April 29, 2020.

PRICE GOUGING IS ILLEGAL

Price gouging, the practice of sellers taking advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by jacking up prices for essential goods and services is illegal.

All reports of such activity will be fully investigated, and anyone found engaging in such a practice will be prosecuted.
The Office of Consumer Protection may investigate or prosecute anyone who has engaged in price gouging.
Anyone who believes they are victims of price gouging or who has information regarding potential price gouging is asked to immediately file a complaint with Consumer Protection by calling 587-4272 or by going to 
​https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/consumer-complaint/