Hawaii State Capitol Closing: Sen. Nishihara Tests Positive for COVID-19 Coronavirus

House Speaker Scott Saiki instructed workers at the Hawaii State Capitol today to leave the facility as soon as possible, and not return until given clearance to do so. State Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara was informed today that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to announcements from the House and Senate.

Citing the Legislature’s emergency operations plan, Saiki said the Capitol will be closed until April 5, and he will notify staff if further closure is necessary.

Nishihara informed his colleagues and staff in what is the first known case of COVID-19 at the Hawaii State Capitol building, according to a statement from a Senate spokesman.

Senate President Ron Kouchi sent a memo to all staff informing them of the positive test result, and the memo recommends that all Senate offices close until further notice, according to the statement.

Nishihara is a Democrat in his fourth term who represents Waipahu, Crestview, Manana, Pearl City, and Pacific Palisades on the island of Oahu.