HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Roughly two hours after Gov. David Ige announced his intention to lift restrictions on a number of Hawaii businesses this week, Mayor Kirk Caldwell stepped up to a podium of his own Tuesday afternoon to express his concerns with the plan.
He would have preferred businesses on Oahu be given more time to prepare, Caldwell said, aiming instead for an opening date of May 15.
And when asked if he was worried that people would rush out to go shopping and potentially ignore social distancing guidelines, Caldwell replied with a single word: “Yes.”
His concerns appear to have been acknowledged.
In a stunning reversal that was announced more than nine hours after the governor’s initial declaration, the state said it would not allow retailers and other businesses to reopen as stated on Thursday, opting instead to prevent shops on Oahu from opening until the May 15 ― Caldwell’s suggested date.
And businesses on Maui County that appeared to have been included in Ige’s initial plan will remain closed indefinitely, the updated emergency proclamation said.
The late-night changes were especially surprising after Ige ― who repeatedly offered May 7 as the reopening date during his morning news conference ― said he had shared his plan with county mayors.
“We’ve been talking for more than two weeks now just about reopening activities here in the state,” Ige said. “They reviewed our suggested list of businesses and we do have consensus on moving forward at this point.”
Caldwell said, however, that the governor didn’t convey what day the order would take effect.
Also Tuesday, the mayor urged the state to do more to dial up COVID-19 testing and contact tracing — the work of figuring out all the close contacts of someone who has tested positive in order to limit the spread of the virus.
He said Oahu needs 300 contact tracers to be able to handle a surge of cases.
And he said testing needs to be readily available to close contacts of those who have been infected along with all health care workers, first responders and — when tourism opens up — those who come into contact with travelers.
“All of these things need to be in place as we open up,” he said.
The state has mandated that restaurants won’t be allowed to serve any sit-down customers. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
It’s not yet known how significant a toll the outbreak will take on Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy. Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Despite the progress, officials are urging residents to stay the course. A sweeping stay-at-home order continues through April 30, but the state says it could be extended ― or lifted in phases. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Face masks made with the same colorful prints used for aloha shirts — known as “Hawaiian shirts” elsewhere in the United States — are the latest fashion trend in Hawaii as islanders try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Workers in the "essential infrastructure" fields include construction, airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical roads and highways, solid waste collection, internet and telecommunications. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Everyone on Oahu is now required to wear a face mask in most public settings, including on the city bus, when visiting businesses or ordering from the drive-thru. Location: Kalihi / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
‘A long way to go’: Hawaii leaders still looking into when, and how to reopen for business. Location: Waikiki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
There will be no traditional public school graduation ceremonies this year, schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto has announced. Location: Makiki / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Places of worship have made adjustments to deal with coronavirus concerns. Location: Downtown / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Mayor Caldwell announced that all city parks are closed through April 30. Location: Moiliili / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force changes to everyday life, dining out has become a thing of the past ― at least temporarily. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Officials have stressed that masks for the public should be cloth — not the medical masks used to protect health care workers. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Therapists say exercise, calming activities are key to handling anxiety of pandemic. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
City parks on Oahu are closed, but restrooms remain open during coronavirus outbreak. Location: Moiliili / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Many hotels are temporarily closing because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but some remain open. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reported a $23 million drop in visitor expenditures in March and a 7.3% decline in international passengers. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
There is an obvious excess of inventory of unused rental vehicles on Oahu. Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Under Gov. Ige’s latest proclamation, all shorelines are closed. People are not allowed to sit, run, walk, sunbathe or lounge on the beach. Ige’s order is stricter than the county’s rules previously set in place which allowed for people to run and workout on the sand. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Some local restaurants are pivoting, by offering delivery, takeout, and curbside pick-ups during the unprecedented time. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Honolulu police have noticed an increase in speeding and jaywalking in recent weeks as fewer vehicles take to the roads following the stay-at-home order. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(Jonathan Saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Tourism to Hawaii has slowed to a trickle — and is expected to further decline now that the mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers went into effect. Location: DKI Airport / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The city said the restrooms are the only park facilities for the public to use, but they may be closed at times for maintenance. Location: Moiliili / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Even before mandatory quarantine went into effect, arrivals by air had dropped 87% Location: DKI Airport / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Hawaii’s public school campuses will remain closed through the remainder of the school year, schools superintendent Christina Kishimoto announced Friday. Location: Downtown / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
More than 1 in 3 workers in Hawaii has lost a job as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, new figures from the state Labor Department show. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
As the state asks visitors to stay away, major Waikiki hotels have been closing their doors. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Although the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the bus system will remain open to the public. He is asking passengers to practice social distancing while on the buses. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
With tourism at a standstill, governor says he’s preparing for $1.5B in cuts to state’s budget. Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Catholic Church officials suspended most gatherings, including Mass. Location: Downtown/ April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Gov. David Ige said Hawaii has made progress fighting the spread of COVID-19, but the state does not yet meet the guidlines for a “phased” re-opening. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell also said when it’s time to begin reopening Oahu, it will be a deliberate process of gradual changes. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
It’s been more than three weeks since hair salons and barber shops were last open before the stay-at-home order was issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
State orders have shuttered scores of Hawaii businesses, brought tourism to a virtual standstill, closed school campuses and prompted tens of thousands of Hawaii residents to work from home. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The stay-at-home order, aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus, has shuttered hundreds of businesses and hotels, closed schools and prompted tens of thousands of people to work at home. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Responding to calls to petition the White House to stop non-essential travel to Hawaii, Gov. Ige said he’s spoken extensively to the FAA and determined there is no way to shut down the airport system. Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Hawaii’s daily count for new coronavirus cases has been trending downward in recent days, in an encouraging sign that social distancing efforts are working. Location: Downtown / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
With new rules in place further restricting people from gathering on sandy shorelines, beaches were fairly empty in Hawaii. But not completely. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
In addition to the stay-at-home order, a mandatory quarantine remains in place for travelers. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The job losses in Hawaii’s restaurant industry have been staggering in the wake of the state’s attempt to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
State tofficials warned that returning too quickly to business as usual could be “disastrous.” Location: Waikiki Beach / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The city is designating parking stalls for restaurants to use for drive-thru and pick up. Location: Kaimuki / April 20, 2020(jonathan saupe | Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
President Trump has approved a disaster declaration for the state amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has crippled Hawaii’s economy and put a population of 1.4 million under a sweeping stay-at-home order aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
Location: Chinatown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Closures mount as Hawaii seeks to stop spread of the virus.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Violators of the stay-at-home order, meanwhile, will largely face warnings. But “flagrant” violators could face citations, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said.
Location: Ala Moana Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Several malls ― including Ala Moana Center ― closed their doors.
April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Malls, hotels and other businesses close as the stay-at-home order takes effect.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The governor’s state-wide stay at home mandate remains in effect through April 30.
Location: Waikiki / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Carl Bonham, director of the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii, made the dire economic prediction in a legislative meeting on the coronavirus pandemic Monday.
He said that Hawaii is already experiencing a deep recession and by the second quarter of the year, unemployment could exceed 20 to 25%.
“This is worse than they ever expected,” said Bonham, adding that the economic pain of the pandemic will outlive the threat from the virus.
“Even if it (the health crisis) passes quickly, it’s going to take an extended period of time for the recovery to previous economic levels. The really disturbing thing about this is that no one can say with any certain how long the recovery will take.”
Location: Waikiki / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Last year at this time, Hawaii was seeing about 30,000 arrivals daily.
Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The state has instituted a mandatory, 14-day quarantine for all incoming visitors and returning residents
Location: Waikiki / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Most eateries have switched to take-out only — and some have been forced to temporarily close their doors.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Eateries have temporarily closed and moved to a take-out only in bid to stop virus.
Location: Chinatown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Bars, clubs and attractions have shuttered and eateries have closed inside seating.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The state has mandated that restaurants won’t be allowed to serve any sit-down customers.
Location: Chinatown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Malls, hotels and other businesses closed as the stay-at-home order took effect.
Location: Chinatown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Grocery stores are adding extra precautions to keep their workers safe.
Location: Pali Safeway / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Grocery stores are allowed to be open.
Locataion: Pali Safeway / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
All four Queen’s Health Systems hospitals and all of their clinics statewide stopped allowing visitors.
Location: Queens Medical Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
QMC set up disaster tents outside in its ambulance bay.
Location: Queens Medical Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
To stop the spread of coronavirus, health officials have instructed the public to practice social distancing -- staying home, avoiding crowds and refraining from touching one another.
Location: Pali Safeway / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Closures of attractions have been mounting as communities practice “social distancing.”
Location: Iolani Palace / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Many apartment buildings have also adopted “social distancing” practices.
Location: Downtown / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Visitor arrivals to Hawaii have slowed to a trickle under the mandatory quarantine order.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Honolulu Hale is closed to visitors. The city previously shuttered larger venues, including the Blaisdell Center, and canceled large events.
April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
This photo shows 4:00 p.m. "rush hour" on King Street in Downtown Honolulu.
April 1, 2020.(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The Hawaii Tourism Authority said 121 visitors arrived in the islands on March 31, 2020.
That compares to about 30,000 people a day at the same time last year.
Location: Waikiki Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Oahu and Maui are adjusting their bus schedules following the state’s stay-at-home order in a push to practice social distancing.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Mandates include the shuttering of dine-in options at Oahu eateries and the closure of city parks and large venues.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Mandates are aimed at bringing tourism — the state’s no. 1 economic driver — to a standstill and keeping the vast majority of the population at home until the risk of an exponential rise in cases subsides.
Location: Ala Moana Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
All eateries are closed inside seating.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The streets of Waikiki were virtually empty — a rare and sobering sight as tourismin the state’s top destination ground to a virtual standstill.
April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
The state has mandated that restaurants won’t be allowed to serve any sit-down customers.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
All non-essential city and state employees are staying home and working remotely.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Within the first weeks of the crisis more than 116,000 people have filed for unemployment in Hawaii ― just this month. And more big layoffs and furloughs are planned.
Location: Ala Moana Center / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Few people were on the streets and traffic was non-existent. And for now, that’s expected to be the new normal as hotels and other businesses close their doors and eateries go to take-out or delivery.
Location: Waikiki / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
As the quarantine went into effect, the Gov. David Ige asked visitors to pick another time to visit the islands.
Location:Waikiki Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Tourism to Hawaii has slowed to a trickle — and is expected to further decline as a mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers is now in effect.
Location: Duke Kahanamoku Statue / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said while there aren’t many visitors coming, those buying cheap tickets on empty airplanes still present a challenge.
Location: Waikiki Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Businesses considered essential, meanwhile, include those that deliver health care, food, services for the homeless, gas stations, banks, hardware stores, maintenance workers, delivery services and more.
Location: Chinatown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
Those under quarantine are only allowed to leave for medical care or to go to the airport.
As the quarantine went into effect, the governor asked visitors to pick another time to visit the islands.
Location: Waikiki Beach / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
People across the country and the globe are taking measures to limit the spread of coronavirus: Avoiding crowds, working from home, frequent handwashing and ordering in instead of eating out.
Location: Downtown Honolulu / April 1, 2020(Jonathan Jared Saupe / Digital Content Creator / Hawaii News Now)
This story will be updated.
Copyright 2020 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.