State briefs for April 9

Oahu remains in current tier despite virus uptick

HONOLULU — Oahu will remain in its current tier for coronavirus restrictions despite a rise in cases.

Under an agreement between Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Gov. David Ige, the island will remain at the current level of business and social restrictions for at least four weeks.

That means larger gatherings can continue and businesses such as restaurants and bars can operate at a higher capacity.

Oahu’s coronavirus case count averaged more than 50 positive infections per day for the second week in a row, which under the current reopening plan would have meant a return to more a restrictive tier.

No formal changes to the tier system have been made, but the governor agreed to allow the island to postpone rollback by a month to see what happens with case counts during that period.

Maui considers beach parking reservations

WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui County Council is considering measures that would reserve at least half of all public beach access parking for residents and for visitors to be charged parking fees.

The proposals came as frustration has increased because of overcrowding and large numbers of tourists.

Council Vice-Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, who introduced both proposals. She envisions a beach parking program where resident vehicles could get stickers or another identification to allow access. Another possibility would be the addition of parking fee machines that would scan Hawaii driver’s licenses and print tickets for display on car dashboards.

Enforcement would be funded by nonresident parking fees. Signs would be posted and stalls painted to inform visitors of the rules.

Both issues were referred to the council’s Budget and Finance Committee for an upcoming meeting, likely in July.