Cut spending, raise taxes or perhaps both. Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices as they convene a new legislative session this week amid a pandemic that has pummeled tourism, the state’s biggest industry, and depleted tax revenue.

The rules are stricter for travelers and retail stores.

The latest Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey found that half of the businesses didn’t pay their rent in full between April and December.

The ocean center said that it would open in three phases.

Hawaii businesses could see their unemployment insurance taxes triple in the spring.

The payments were included in the $900 billion federal stimulus package approved by Congress.

Dave Chappelle has tested positive for the coronavirus and his upcoming comedy shows have been canceled.

Like many states, Hawaii isn’t getting the number of COVID-19 vaccines that were promised by the federal government.

In his first executive order, the president enacted the 100 Days Masking Challenge.

“I think many people in the aging network are concerned about those that don’t have smartphones or computers."

In a statement, Ige said the changes to the budget forecast stemmed from the availability of additional federal funds and a more optimistic revenue projection by the Council of Revenues.

All three of the newly-reported deaths were on Oahu.

The COVID-19 vaccines rolling out in the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world so far require two shots given a few weeks apart.

The 27 leaders were looking at further border restrictions, better tracking of mutations and improving coordination of lockdowns.

DOH said many vaccine clinics are creating waitlists and even though the supply of vaccines is not keeping up with demand, the department said Kupuna should still register.

Residents and staff who got the drug had up to a 57% lower risk of getting COVID-19 compared to others at the same facility who got a placebo, the drugmaker said.