NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Mobile clinic set up to treat folks exposed to measles

WAILUKU, Maui » Kaiser Permanente is setting up a treatment center to test and treat patients exposed to measles at its Wailuku clinic.

Marsha Bruhn of Unite Here Local 5 told The Maui News a nurse and a patient at the clinic tested positive for the illness.

Kaiser hasn’t confirmed the number of cases but is notifying people of possible exposure and giving them information and advice.

Kaiser spokeswoman Laura Lott said patients seeking follow-up care are being seen at the mobile center just outside the Wailuku clinic to prevent additional exposure.

The state Health Department has confirmed four measles cases on Maui. Three are tied to a person who returned from the Philippines, where there’s a major outbreak.

A fourth person was exposed while traveling to the mainland.

Staff shortage triggers halt to correctional center visits

Visitation was canceled Saturday at the Punahele, Komohana and Waianuenue units of Hawaii Community Correctional Center because of staffing shortages, the Department of Public Safety said.

Visiting hours at Hale Nani were not affected.

This was the ninth cancellation at Punahele and Komohana since the beginning of April and the second Saturday in a row. This was the sixth cancellation at Waianuenue since early April and also the second Saturday in a row.

Prison visitation is on weekends only, but is frequently canceled due to chronic absenteeism among guards.

DPS issues visitation cancellation notices on social media between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. the day of the visit. Visit dps.hawaii.gov for more information.

Associated Press and Star-Advertiser staff