Mermaid

Effective yesterday, rules were relaxed to allow exercising on the beach, parking lots were opened, lifeguards were back in their towers, and park restrooms were opened.   So I decided to try Sandy Beach (asihavebeenwantingtodo).  The beach is still pushed up against the parking lot, but the waves are already carving out an intermediate tier.  

Asked one of the lifeguards what had happened to the beach?  He said "they went move 'em"  which confirmed that City & County brought in big machines.   No worries, he says, the first big swells gonna bring 'em back down.   Couldn't get a good overall shot on the beach but it still looked like this.

The extra, while not in focus, I really like.   Caught it too late.

Morning newspaper headline :  SHUTDOWN EXTENDED
Gov. Ige extended his statewide stay-at-home order and mandatory 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving in the islands through May 31.
Ige also said all county mayors must now "obtain my approval, or the approval of the director of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, prior to issuing any emergency order, rule, or proclamation."  
Within 90 minutes of that announcement, (our)Mayor Caldwell objected, saying the order would "undermine the mayors' ability to lead."  Hopefully everyone will get on the same page.
Ige's announcement also came on the seventh consecutive day of Hawaii having fewer than seven new cases.  Only 3 positive test results were reported Saturday.  604 cases total, 14 deaths (unchanged).
Ige also allowed elective medical procedures, and has extended the eviction moratorium, which bans evictions from residential dwellings for failure to pay rent, through May 31.

And, :  Tourism timeout
The COVID-19 pause give Hawaii a chance to restore balance.
Hawaii hosted more than 10 million visitors last year and supported more than 200,000 jobs in the tourism industry.

And, :  Some fear liberties will be lost in pandemic orders
Have Gov. Ige and the mayors of Hawaii's four counties gone too far in curtailing civil liberties in the name of health and safety?   Some say the answer is "yes" or at the very least, they're pushing the envelope.

Stay well, stay inside, and take care, everyone!