This morning’s Hawaii County Civil Defense message says that Hawaii County Police will step up enforcement of COVID-19 prevention policies.

Hawaii Island is seeing a large uptick in COVID-19 confirmed positive cases.  Civil Defense says this surge began about three weeks ago, with the majority of these new cases identified as resulting from Hilo-based gatherings where people failed to practice preventive measures.  An example of this is the huge gathering of remembrance recently (late July)  held in East Hawaii.  It has also been reported that people in social gatherings, such as beaches and parks, are disregarding the County’s orders for people to wear masks and not gather in large gatherings, and to stay at least 6 feet from others.

Mayor Harry Kim has reduced the maximum number of people allowed at any indoor or outdoor gathering to 10.

This does not apply to family gatherings of the same household, nor to faith based worship services.

Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira this morning said if the police observe violations of the gathering policies or mask policies, first they will issue warnings, and then citations.    He said the department staffs up on long holiday weekends and are doing additional patrols of beaches and other gathering areas.  Chief Ferreira said calls to the department about violations have increased.  The Department may be reached via its non-emergency number, 808-935-3311, or for emergencies, 9-1-1.

For any questions, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.