HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Friday ordered a moratorium on evictions of people from their homes for failure to pay rent as the negative economic effects of the fight against the coronavirus deepen.
Evictions in Hawaii have effectively been on hold since mid-March because the state judiciary had curtailed court proceedings to limit the virus’ spread. But Ige said he believed the prohibition needed to be more explicit.
“It strengthens the intent and ensures that evictions cannot occur and that those trying to evict someone would be subject to a fine or a penalty,” Ige said at a news conference that was streamed live online.
The social distancing requirements instituted to slow the virus has closed hotels, restaurants and retail stores across Hawaii. The state has received more than 240,000 unemployment benefit claims since March 1, which amounts to more than one-third of Hawaii’s labor force.
Ige acknowledged “dramatic” social and economic consequences of the pandemic and said many in Hawaii were worried about paying their rent or mortgage and providing for their family’s basic needs. He said he hopes the moratorium will put their minds at ease.
Hawaii reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday for a total of 553. The number of deaths remained at nine.
The governor’s order was part of a new emergency proclamation, which also included a requirement that businesses enforce 6-foot distancing rules among customers.
Christina Kishimoto, the superintendent of public schools, said students would continue to learn remotely through the end of the school year on May 28. She said summer school would also be held remotely. Plans are pending for the next school year, she said.
On Thursday, Ige said the state hasn’t met the U.S. government’s new recommended criteria for easing social distancing restrictions.
“We’re making progress but we’re not there yet. So please continue your hard work and perseverance,” Ige said at a news conference streamed online.
In particular, he said, the guidelines say there should be a downward trajectory of cases for 14 before the easing begins.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump detailed a three-step set of guidelines for easing restrictions over a span of several weeks in places that have robust testing and are seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases, assuring the nation’s governors: “You’re going to call your own shots.”
Across the country, governors of both parties Friday suggested they would be cautious in returning to normal, some of them warning that they can’t do it without help from Washington to expand testing.