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Gov. David Ige joined today’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser COVID-19 Care Conversation to take questions. In a wide-ranging discussion, the governor said the state is speaking with the counties daily to determine when the stay-at-home order may be lifted. He anticipates a phased reopening, where social distancing continues while certain businesses are able to start up again, perhaps in an adapted way.
Ige addressed the issue of visitors continuing to come into the state, despite the 14-day quarantine order. The governor said it is not within his authority to close down the airports, only the FAA can do that.
Instead, he said the state can only mandate what happens once the visitor is already here. He raised the possibility of certifying “quarantined-approved” hotels, so that visitors can be more closely monitored while they are supposed to shelter in place.
Ige also took questions on unemployment benefits, and protections for those worried about losing housing. He suggested that tenants and mortgage holders work directly with their landlord and/or lender, and to also call Aloha United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline for more individualized help.
The governor said he is proud of how quickly Hawaii residents adhered to the stay-at-home order, and asked that people continue to do so, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Watch here and comment through our Facebook Page. Be sure to join us on Tuesday when Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) will be our guest.
Join the COVID-10 Care Conversation, live every weekday at 10:30 a.m. Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji discuss the latest news, resources and community concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii.
Coming up later this week:
>> Wednesday: Dr. Christina Kishimoto
>> Thursday: LG Josh Green
>> Friday: Britt Young, marriage and family counselor (therapist)
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