Ige limits independent power of county mayors in latest proclamation

HNN: … Part of Gov. Ige’s sixth supplementary proclamation changes the ability of the counties to independently form emergency response policies going forward.

Under the “Statewide Coordination” section of his proclamation issued Saturday, it says:

“I hereby invoke section 127A-13(a)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), as it is my opinion that it is necessary to coordinate emergency management functions. Accordingly, I direct all counties to obtain my approval, or the approval of the Director of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), prior to issuing any emergency order, rule, or proclamation. I further suspend sections 127A-14(b) and 127A-25, HRS, to the limited extent necessary to ensure statewide coordination.”

This ultimately limits the power of the four county majors in making independent decisions for their counties going forward in response to the pandemic.

“The new supplemental proclamation does require that they provide us copies of different rules or different activities that they would want to put in place, and it does require my approval,” Gov. Ige said in a news conference Saturday.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency chief Kenneth Hara also has the authority to approve mayors’ pending policies….

Ige’s order mandating his approval does not apply to previously announced policies and practices already set in place, such as Kauai’s island-wide nightly curfew….

CB: Caldwell objected to that provision in a letter to the governor on Saturday  ---  LETTER  

Victorino: “The county mayors still need the flexibility and power to make immediate changes to protect the health and safety of our communities and we will continue to advocate for the needs of our people.”

read … Ige limits independent power of county mayors in latest proclamation

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GOV. IGE EXTENDS STAY-AT-HOME ORDER ACROSS THE STATE THROUGH MAY 31

News Release from Office of the Governor, Apr 25, 2020

Governor Ige extends stay-at-home order across the state through May 31

Mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers, eviction moratorium also continue

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed a 6th supplementary emergency proclamation extending the stay-at-home order across the state through May 31.

“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” said Gov. Ige. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely.”

The stay-at-home order means residents may leave their homes only for various essential needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine, gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, or those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawai‘i, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals or other related services. Outdoor exercise is also permitted – including swimming, surfing and walking pets.

In addition, running, jogging or walking on the beach will be permitted, as long as social distancing requirements are observed.

Also extended through the end of May — the 14-day quarantine for both visitors and residents entering the state and for inter-island travelers.

The eviction moratorium, which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, also remains in effect through May 31.

In addition, social distancing requirements remain in place across the state through the end of May.

Gov. Ige issued the initial emergency proclamation for COVID-19 on Mar. 4, 2020 followed by:

Mar. 16: Supplementary proclamation suspending certain laws to enable state and county responses to COVID-19
Mar. 21: Second supplementary proclamation implementing mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for visitors and residents entering the State of Hawai‘i
Mar. 23: Third supplementary proclamation mandating social distancing measures throughout the state
Mar. 31: Fourth supplementary proclamation implementing a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for people traveling between the islands in the State of Hawai‘i
Apr. 16: Fifth supplementary proclamation implementing enhanced social distancing requirements and an eviction moratorium

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PDF: SIXTH SUPPLEMENTARY PROCLAMATION AMENDING AND RESTATING PRIOR PROCLAMATIONS AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY

SA VIDEO: Gov. David Ige extends stay-at-home order, visitor quarantine as Hawaii’s coronavirus cases rise by 3 to 604

SA: Hawaii’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order and traveler quarantines extended to May 31

HTH: Ige extends stay-at-home order until May 31 

HNN: Ige rescinds exemption for florists, saying he wasn’t aware permission was given