Hawaii News Now

In what was described as a big step toward “normalcy,” the governor on Tuesday announced masks are no longer required outdoors, ocean sports would again be allowed, and several counties are poised to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings.

Hawaii reported 23 new COVID cases Tuesday, pushing the total number of infections in Hawaii since the pandemic began to 35,924.

There were no additional fatalities. The death toll from the virus in Hawaii stands at 496.

The city is working on a plan to revitalize Chinatown as many business owners are reporting an increase in crime in the area.

Kauai moved into the restrictive Tier 4 status on Monday, following a drop in daily COVID cases.

Hawaii reported 34 new COVID cases Monday, pushing the total number of infections in Hawaii since the pandemic began to 35,901.

There were no additional fatalities. The death toll from the virus in Hawaii stands at 496.

Of the new cases, 23 were on Oahu, five on Hawaii Island and six on Maui.

In the last 14 days, the state Health Department has reported 978 cases.

So far, the state said has administered 1,463,440 vaccine doses. Some 48% of all residents are fully vaccinated while 56% have gotten at least one dose.

A homicide investigation is underway after a man was killed in an apparent shooting in Nanakuli.

The family of a teen shot and killed by police last month has filed a wrongful death suit against the Honolulu Police Department and the city. Eric Seitz, attorney for the family, said the lawsuit seeks further information into the shooting, including body camera footage and the 911 recordings. So far, HPD has refused to release the bodycam footage.

Beginning May 29, unemployment claimants will need to start attesting they are searching for work ― a requirement that was suspended during the pandemic.

The change comes as employers in the islands and nationally scramble to find workers, despite the high unemployment rate. Some fear that there are too many disincentives to getting back on the job.

Kauai is on the cusp of fewer restrictions. The island could return to Tier 4 as soon as Monday.

Hawaii reported 80 new COVID cases Thursday, pushing the total number of cases in the state since the pandemic began to 35,665. Of the new cases, 59 were confirmed and 21 were categorized as “probable.”