Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, in the Monday, Mar. 23, 2020 Civil Defense message, stressed that despite more stringent in policies and procedures in place on O’ahu, Maui, and Kaua’i to help combat COVID-19, there are no changes for Hawaii County at this time. Below is what Kim said:
“On policies for Hawaii Island, there are no changes for any policies or closures for beaches, government programs, and status of County and State Government employees for the Island of Hawaii. There may be some misunderstandings this morning as counties of Maui and Oahu have initiated for their counties some changes over the weekend. The Governor has been working with all counties on a State proclamation to bring cohesion on the polices for this State. This is expected to be completed and in effect by Wednesday, March 25th .
For your information, the number of confirmed cases for Hawaii Island remain unchanged at 3. Two are quarantined at home and closely monitored by the Department of Health. They are reported to be in very good condition. The third has fully recovered and has returned home on the mainland. All three contracted the virus while on the mainland.
For your information, the County of Hawaii Government of programs of cleansing and prevention is out in force seven days a week and will continue.
This is a community issue and it will take a community effort to keep Hawaii safe. As a community practice everyday measures of prevention and most important keep yourself physically and emotionally healthy.”
On Saturday, Mar. 21, Kim spoke with KWXX General Manager Chris Leonard and said people do not need an order to stay home in order to do so. He said everybody can make their judgment in how to help during this crisis. He urged people to avoid physical contact, including not even knuckle bumps. Both County and State legislators have asked Kim to take more stringent measures. Kim said county government entities must continue to provide essential services. He pledged to not give out any false information. The full interview is here.