COVID-19 cluster at jail grows to 20 cases

The COVID-19 cluster at the Maui Community Correctional Center has grown to 20 inmates, with an additional eight positive test results, the state Department of Public Safety reported Thursday.

The eight positive inmate tests were among 49 results reported as part of mass testing underway at the Wailuku jail. Forty tests were negative and one was inconclusive, the department reported.

Seventeen jail staff members tested negative for COVID-19, and no staff have reported having COVID-19, the department said.

Citing the COVID outbreak, defense attorneys have been arguing for release of jail inmates.

“COVID is no longer a possible threat to the folks here at MCCC. It is there,” Deputy Public Defender Heather Wolfenbarger said during a 2nd Circuit Court hearing

Thursday for Patrick Hiro Jr.

She said no COVID cases had been reported in the area where Hiro was housed.

“I do believe with the overpopulation and, even with the precautions that are being taken, it’s just a matter of time before it spreads to the rest of the facility,” Wolfenbarger said.

Over objections by the prosecution, Judge Kelsey Kawano granted supervised release for Hiro after he pleaded no contest to unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and second-degree criminal property damage.

In advocating for another inmate’s release Thursday, Wolfenbarger said some areas of the jail, including a dormitory, have been shut down because of staffing shortages.

The father of one pretrial inmate said the inmate had tested positive for COVID after being housed in a room with three inmates who tested positive for the virus.