COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii affected all aspects of life in the state, demolishing its economy, closing its schools and straining its healthcare system, even though it experienced far less spread than other US states.
COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii
Hawaii, United States
Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market (global)
Grand Princess (local)
March 6, 2020
357,469[1]
1,157
1,729
1.04%
Government response[edit]
Inception[edit]
March 16, 2020: Ige announced that spring break for public schools in Hawaii would be extended by one week.[34] On March 18, the break was extended for a second week.[35]
March 17, 2020: Bars and nightclubs were closed.[36]
March 18, 2020: Kauai County announced a nighttime curfew effective March 20 and a limit on airline travel to "essential needs" until further notice.[37]
March 19, 2020: the Department of Transportation stated that cruise ship passengers would not be allowed to disembark.[38] The same day, Honolulu County Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced efforts to curb spread, including closing parks and a 15-day ban on indoor restaurant and bar operations, but that no curfew was envisioned.[39] Similar measures were announced by Mayor Michael Victorino for Maui County, effective from March 20 until May 3.[40] Hawai'i House Speaker Scott Saiki called on the governor to institute an immediate statewide shutdown for 15 days.[41]
March 20, 2020: Caldwell and the Honolulu City Council joined Saiki and Green in calling on the governor to restrict travel.[41]
March 21, 2020: Ige mandated a 14-day quarantine for visitors and returning residents. Ige resisted calls for a shelter-in-place order, saying: "it is really appropriate when there is widespread community spread."[42][43]
Over 100 physicians signed an open letter sent to Ige, Victorino, and Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson urging authorities to implement a shelter-in-place regime in March 2020.[44]
March 22, 2020: Caldwell and Victorino announced stay-at-home orders beginning on March 23 and March 25, respectively, lasting until April 30, 2020.[45]
April 3, 2020: Ige called on Hawaii National Guard to be ready to assist.[46]
April 6, 2020: Hawaii Tourism Authority asked media to "refrain from publishing any stories about Hawaii that might encourage people to travel to the islands."[47]