Gov. David Ige (D-HI) has issued 19 emergency proclamations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last March, but more than a year later and those executive orders remain in tact.
Some people have raised concerns about how long the state has been under these orders, and whether or not the end is in sight.
"The problem is what happens in month two, month three, month 20, month 40? At what point does this stop being an emergency and start being daily life?" Labor Attorney Tony Gill told Hawaii News Now.
One of Gill's concerns are the continued halt of some workers rights laws under the emergency orders.
His worries, and complaints from other constituents about emergency orders being "rolled over" are just some of the reasons why State Rep. Scott Nishimoto (D-District 21) wrote legislation that, if passed, would give lawmakers the ability to evaluate such orders after 60 days and require the governor to justify any laws that were suspended due to the orders.
Former Gov. John Waihee told Hawaii News Now the emergency period was likely extended because the pandemic continues to pose health threats to the public, which differs from natural disasters.