State of Hawaii Covid-19 Response update

Ige outlines reopening/recovery plan, extends 14-day quarantine for travelers

By Special to West Hawaii Today | Monday, May 18, 2020, 4:05 p.m. | Link to article

Gov. David Ige on Monday signed the 8th supplemental emergency proclamation, extending the 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in the State of Hawaii, as well as for inter-island travelers through June 30.

The governor also extended through June 30 the eviction moratorium that prevents evictions from residential dwellings for failure to pay rent.

In addition, Ige unveiled the reopening and recovery plan for the State of Hawaii — a strategy that conveys the coordinated, statewide approach to jumpstarting the economy and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the plan – the state will start to gradually reopen medium-risk businesses and operations beginning in June – assuming the state’s COVID-19 activity remains manageable. The reopening of high-risk businesses and operations will eventually follow, as long as Hawaii’s disease activity continues to remain manageable.

“It is important to act with care by maintaining physical distancing and safe practices throughout the re-opening, to protect the health and safety of the people of Hawaii. I am committed to making decisions based on data, science, and best practices,” said Ige.

Hawaii’s reopening strategy for businesses and operations is informed by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and Johns Hopkins Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening, based on Contact Intensity & Number of Contacts.

“As we move forward with re-opening, I will consult with subject-matter experts, county mayors, and our community to make informed decisions to safely move forward with reopening our state. Under this strategy, counties may choose to relax stricter local orders at their own pace in coordination with my office,” said Ige.

A 14-day observation period between reopenings will allow the state time to assess conditions/disease activity before moving to the next level. As a safeguard, the state can consider the option of moving back – closing businesses and re-implementing restrictions if disease activity significantly increases.

The reopening and recovery strategy (Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawaii) includes four phases:

Phase 1: Stabilization focuses on healing Hawaii by saving lives and flattening the curve in our community. (Hawaii has transitioned through this phase by re-opening low-risk businesses in the last few weeks).

Phase 2: Reopening celebrates Hawaii’s Kama’āina Economy, where the state starts to reopen medium-risk businesses and activities, and later – reopening high-risk businesses and activities.

Phase 3: Long-term recovery – where the state renews and rebuilds Hawaii’s economy through planning and policy discussions, incorporating transitional workforce modernization opportunities, supporting economic diversification initiatives, targeting the development of emerging industries, and advancing long-term resiliency planning. At this level, the state will focus on re-opening highest risk businesses and activities, while remaining cautious and adjusting Safe Practices as needed. This phase is expected to take much longer, since this phase covers the reshaping of Hawaii’s economy.

Phase 4: Resilience is the intended outcome for Hawaii. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient as a result of learning from and overcoming this unprecedented challenge.

Under the emergency proclamation, county mayors will have the authority to make decisions for their counties – including reopening businesses and implementing restrictions – with the governor’s approval.