Harbor Lights cluster up to at least 30
County announces new restrictions for restaurants and bars
The number of COVID-19 cases at the Harbor Lights condominium complex has grown at least 30 as Mayor Michael Victorino announced even tighter restrictions on the restaurant and bar industry to curb the island’s recent surge.
The state Department of Health reported 26 new cases on Thursday for Maui island, making the seven-day rolling average 17.1 cases per day, but more are likely on the way after a cluster of positive cases were found at Harbor Lights in Kahului following testing by Minit Medical on Thursday, Victorino said.
“That’s very concerning and we’re trying to do everything possible to clean up and disinfect the area, but the residents and the management there has told us they don’t want us to come in,” he said during a county news conference. “So I want everyone to know that we’re trying to meet every challenge, but it’s very difficult when you have these large numbers at a certain location and they’re not willing to work with you.”
Management will come to an agreement with the county on Monday, Victorino said, though he added that he wants to send a cleaning crew as soon as possible.
Victorino also announced Thursday that the governor had approved the county’s proposal for tighter restrictions on restaurants and bars, including the reduction of inside occupancy from 50 to 30 percent and requiring closures by 10 p.m. each night. The new rules go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Food courts, commercial events such as luaus or weddings and other food establishments also must follow the new occupancy rules but do not have to close by 10 p.m.
Costco, grocers and other shops will work to meet capacity limits as well, he said.
“All these holiday celebrations are contributing to a number of these upticks here in Maui County,” Victorino said while discouraging house-hopping for New Year’s parties. “All the science says if we don’t do something right, we’re going to continue to see the increases.”
The number of individuals allowed at social gatherings is now reduced from 10 to no more than five people outside of the same household. The rule applies to outdoor social gatherings such as sitting at the beach or picnicking, for example. Organized sports, activities and events are an exception.
“I’m still allowing sports to continue to participate,” Victorino said. “I just ask everyone, please be careful. Now, more so than ever, please wear your mask if you’re just sitting there watching the game, keep physical distancing if you’re there to watch the game.”
County Managing Director Sandy Baz said that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but noted the many ways that the community came together to distribute 800,000 pounds of food for those in need, conduct rapid testing, provide farmers assistance programs and rent assistance, start a business loan program, build temporary shelters and housing and many other initiatives.
“Even though this is the end of the year, we know it’s not the end of COVID,” Baz added. “We now have three vaccines that have received approval this month, and have begun rollout. It will take several months for this vaccination program to roll out and to be effective in our community.”
This means that the county will continue to monitor coronavirus case trends, and will adjust or restrict emergency rules when necessary “to guard the health and safety of our community,” he said.
In response to concerns over large gatherings of tourists and residents, as well as unmasked people at locations like Front Street, Little Beach, Makena Beach Park, Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay, Victorino said that the Maui Police Department and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are taking action.
Maui police will warn or cite those not following the emergency orders, he said, and “no one is getting special treatment.”
“Unfortunately, knuckleheads run in both visitors and residents,” he added. “I ask everyone to please comply, and I ask for the sake of your well-being and the well-being of our community.”
The mayor also expressed some hope for 2021.
“Let’s enter the new year with optimism with the vaccine on the horizon and hopefully, by no later than the summer, all of us will be able to get our vaccination, all through the state and nation,” Victorino said.