Hawaii News Updates

Written by: Peter Harrison

Category: General

Published: May 17, 2022

The Hawai’i Department of Health is investigating 30 cases of COVID-19 that occurred at the Republik nightclub on Maui. The department is urging the public to take precautions and celebrate responsibly this year, as state-wide isolation facilities will end on December 31, 2021. The Hawaii News Updates will keep you informed of recent health-related events. Read on for important updates. Click here for Hawaii news updates that you should follow this month.

COVID response funding to run out in March and early April 2022

The U.S. government will run out of monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 by late May and will have to scale back treatment plans unless Congress provides more money. If the COVID response funding runs out in March and early April, the government will not be able to provide booster shots and variant-specific vaccines for affected people. If Congress fails to provide additional funding to address the growing COVID disease outbreak, the COVID response will be crippled and many victims may die.

In order to combat the pandemic, the U.S. government has allocated over $19 billion for COVID-19-related uninsured claims. About 60% of this money was used to reimburse health care providers for COVID-19 tests, while the rest went towards vaccine administration. This funding is not enough to fully eradicate the disease. But it can help prevent the spread of the disease in the future.

New crisis counseling assistance program

The Hawai’i Department of Health recently launched a mental health crisis counseling assistance program, called Ku Makani, to help people in need cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program will provide education and support services in Hawaiian, English, and Spanish. The program also offers bilingual staff to speak to people of other languages. Those who can’t get in touch with someone on the phone can also visit local emergency rooms or call 911.

The purpose of the crisis counseling assistance program is to help individuals and communities cope with the devastating effects of the disaster. The program uses a strength-based approach to provide emotional support and link individuals with community resources. It also encourages social and emotional connections and develops resilient individuals. The program works closely with community organizations to meet the needs of people affected by the disaster. It also provides psycho-educational services and supports the development of coping strategies.

Increased awareness of free COVID-19 testing sites

Free COVID-19 testing sites in Hawaii have increased recently. The City and County of Honolulu now offers COVID-19 testing at two locations on Oahu, the Mobile Lab at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Honolulu Hale. These sites are also open on Wednesdays and Fridays, except for Sundays and holidays. In March, the City and County of Honolulu reduced the number of testing sites, but have recently increased the availability of the test.

The state’s Department of Health is aware of the increase in demand for the free COVID-19 test. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking the test has risen across the state. Since the start of school, more people have come to Hawaii for testing. On Wednesday, about 1,100 people were tested, with the same number expected on Thursday. The busiest day typically sees approximately 1,300 people. The Department of Health now posts data at 9 a.m. daily.

Restrictions on Asian tiger mosquitoes

Restrictions on Asian tiger mosquito importation are now in effect in Hawaii, as the state Board of Agriculture has preliminarily approved the introduction of three new species of these insects. The new species, yellow fever, Asian tiger mosquito, and southern house mosquito, can be imported only for research or for exhibit at municipal zoos. These mosquitoes have been implicated in the spread of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. However, these mosquitoes are not yet considered a threat to the state, although there may be some isolated coastal communities in Hawaii where yellow fever mosquito populations still exist.

Restrictions on Asian tiger mosquito importation in Hawaii also target the breeding areas of these pests. The mosquito larvae are attracted to raw sewage, and this allows them to breed. While the island’s Big and Oahu islands are not affected by these mosquitoes, some areas in Kauai and the private island of Niihau, west of Kauai, remain mosquito-free.

Expanded list of restricted animals

When it comes to exotic animals, the expanded list of prohibited and restricted animals in Hawaii is long and comprehensive. Some of the most notable animals that are prohibited in Hawaii include large cats, bears, wild canines, and hybrids (wild cat and dog). But there are other animals you can own in Hawaii. Here are some ideas. You can bring an exotic pet with you, but it must be exempt from the list.

There are also some restrictions regarding importation of apes to Hawaii. The HDOA and DLNR closely regulate activities involving endangered species, such as gorillas and chimpanzees. However, a municipal zoo or other research facility may import an ape for scientific purposes. In addition, they must comply with Hawaii’s non-domestic animal import rules. The animals must be free of signs of transmissible diseases and not recently exposed to disease. Apes are prohibited in Hawaii unless they’re in captivity.