Hawaii Daily COVID-19 Update: 9/4/20

Linda Hohnholz - editor

Hawaii Daily COVID-19 update of coronavirus reports and statistics from government departments as of Friday, September 4, 2020 in the Aloha State.

Department of Health: 

271 New Cases and Two Additional COVID-19 Deaths 

Two O‘ahu residents, a man in the 60 to 69-year-old age group and a woman, older than 80, are the latest victims to pass away from COVID-19. Both had underlying health conditions and had been hospitalized.

Hawai‘i COVID-19 Counts as of 12:00 noon, Sept. 4, 2020     

Island of Diagnosis     New Cases     Reported since      2/28/2020      (including new cases)   
O‘ahu     236 8,575 
Hawai‘i     34 469 
Maui    1 343 
Kaua‘i    0 57 
Moloka‘i     0 4 
Lānaʻi 0 0 
HI residents diagnosed outside of HI    0 25 
Total Cases     271 9,473 
Deaths     2 81 

Hospitalization count as of 9/3/20 at 4:14 pm: 11-Hawai‘i,29-Maui, 236-O‘ahu, 0-Kaua‘i  

Laboratory* Testing Data     

There were 7,669 additional COVID-19 tests reported via electronic laboratory reporting. 

Total Number of Individuals Tested by Clinical and State Laboratories     PositiveNegative
221,391** 9,473 211,890 
Total Number of Surge Tests++   
16,384 104 16,280 

*Electronic Laboratory Reporting **28 test results were inconclusive     

++ Tests results from unique individuals. Total numbers may be higher due to repeat tests on single individuals. 

Hawaiicovid19.com 

For more tables, charts and visualizations visit the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division: https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii 

Hawai‘i State Judiciary:  

Keahuolū Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19    

A Keahuolū Courthouse employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced Friday. The individual was last at work on Monday. After getting tested on Tuesday, the person was first told the test was negative, but later got a corrected — positive — test result on Thursday. After conferring with DOH, coworkers with close, prolonged contact with the affected individual were notified and advised to seek guidance from their medical providers. They will return to work when medically appropriate to do so.   

The Third Circuit Kona District Court courtroom will be closed on Friday for thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Traffic and criminal cases will be continued. This is the second positive case for a Judiciary employee on Hawai‘i island.   

Keahuolu Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

Department of Land and Natural Resources: 

Access to Narnia Restricted Always 

Last weekend an estimated 100 people gathered at the J7 ranch to get in streams and waterfalls above the ranch. The waterways above the J7 (Wailuku River, Hookelekele Stream, Lauiole Falls, Pukamaui Falls and Kauwehu Falls) are collectively known as “Narnia”, and are part of the Hilo Restricted Watershed Section of the Hilo Forest Reserve.   

Access is restricted and requires a permit for entry (HAR 13-105-4). The DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) is not issuing any permits for access to that area at this time. Hunters are allowed to access Hilo Restricted Watershed with a valid hunting license for the purpose of hunting on weekends and holidays only. A major access point is through the J7 ranch, (currently unencumbered land TMK: (3) 2-5-009:004) and this area is now also closed to the public.  

All other uses are prohibited at this time and the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Hawai‘i County Police will be enforcing all State laws and rules.  

Additional Hawai‘i Island Area Closes After Today to Discourage Large Gatherings 

The Puna Trail in the Puna District on Hawai‘i island will be closed at midnight today. The 2.5-mile-long trail leads to Ha‘ena Beach, known locally as Shipman’s and has seen large group gatherings dating back to original COVID-19 related orders and closures back in April. 

This closure, like yesterday’s announcement that all State Parks on Hawai‘i island are also closing after today, is consistent with Hawai‘i County’s closure of all county beach parks. All State and County closures are in effect at least through Sept. 18, 2020. 

Surveys conducted in April by staff from the State’s Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, showed an eight-fold increase of usage of the Puna Trail, compared to data from 2019. At that time an average of 16 people a day used the trail, while the COVID-19 survey period showed an average of 140 users each day. 

The DLNR Division of State Parks supports all county and state rules in an effort to reduce the chances of coronavirus infection on Hawai‘i island, which recently, like O‘ahu, has experienced a surge in cases. Closed signs were put up at the trailhead this afternoon and the WH Shipman Estate which co-manages the trailhead parking lot with the State supports closures, as enforcement is difficult at the remote Ha‘ena beach. County and State law enforcement officers will be patrolling all closed areas this weekend to ensure compliance with all emergency rules.

Hawai‘i COVID-19 Joint Information Center 

Labor Day Weekend Safety 

As we head into Labor Day weekend, it’s important for all of us to continue protecting ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19. We can do this by following “The 3 W’s;” Wash your hands, wear a mask, and watch your distance. These simple actions will make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy as we continue to try to curb the spread of COVID-19. Let’s remember that that this weekend is no different than any other. It’s going to take all of us working together to defeat COVID-19. Over the next few days, states nationwide are also encouraged to use #COVIDStopsWithMe on social media platforms to spread the word about responsible actions we can all take to stop the spread of COVID-19.   

Helpful Resources 

  • Maui County
    Maui County mandatory travel declaration form and request for limited quarantine form: 

https://www.mauicounty.gov

           To report violators: (808) 244-6400 or [email protected] 

  • City & County of Honolulu 
    Interisland passengers arriving on O‘ahu are not subject to the mandatory quarantine.  
    To report violators:808-723-3900 or [email protected] 

Previous Hawaii Daily COVID-19 Information

#rebuildingtravel

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