LIHU‘E — The people on Kaua‘i responded positively to the mayor-mandated curfew that took effect on Friday.
The Kaua‘i Police Department would like to thank the public for its overwhelming positive response to the implementation of the curfew on Friday, and for voluntarily abiding by the requirements of the curfew, states a release from the Kaua‘i Police Department.
KPD reports there were no observed violations between 9 p.m., Friday and 5 a.m., Saturday, the hours the curfew is in effect.
“This tells us that you are serious about preserving the health of our community members and stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd G. Raybuck, in the release. “We want to express our extreme gratitude to the community for abiding by this new curfew. We could not do this without the cooperation of the public. As we have said before, this is an unprecedented time, and while it might not be apparent right now, these actions will benefit the community immensely and preserve the lives of many.”
The police department also wants to remind people that the first and foremost responsibility of police officers continues to be to respond to serious crimes, actively.
“Calls for police service are increasing due to the stressful nature of this global pandemic,” Raybuck said. “While we are doing our best to respond to issues presented due to new measures implemented by COVID-19, we must also continue to respond to emergencies. We kindly ask, given the current situation, that you please consider the nature of your concern, and whether it is an immediate risk to public safety before requesting police services. Again, mahalo to everyone for their willingness to work together at this time.”
The curfew that was implemented Friday remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily until further notice.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, in making the decision to implement the curfew said curfew was set with three goals in mind — firstly, protecting and preserving our existing resources; secondly, managing the spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing, and thirdly, ensuring that essential services, operations, and family care can continue.
Set in the Mayor’s Emergency Rule No. 2, the exceptions to the curfew include those commuting to and from work; working for an essential service provider whose shifts are within the curfew window; delivery services associated with food service establishments, or stores that sell food and household supplies, and those seeking medical attention.
