Guidance for Our ʻOhana on the Coronavirus

Aloha mai kākou,

Today, Ali‘i Nui Mō‘i Edmund Keli‘i Silva Jr. issues a letter to the people of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i regarding the emerging coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus is beginning to spread around the world, and many of our ʻohana are concerned about what it means for our islands and our future.

In his message, the King offers both practical guidance and spiritual reassurance, drawing from medical experts as well as our Hawaiian ancestral wisdom. He reminds us that while illness and uncertainty may come, our Nation will endure and grow stronger when we remain united, calm, and rooted in pono — righteousness.

Key Points from the Letter

• Understanding Coronaviruses: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some mild and others severe (such as SARS, MERS, and the novel 2019-nCoV). COVID-19 is a newly discovered strain spreading internationally.
• How It Spreads: The virus can spread through respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze, through close contact, or by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching the face.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and fever. In severe cases, infection may lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, or even death.
• Prevention Tips:
• Wash hands often with soap and water (20 seconds).
• Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap is not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home when ill, except for medical care.
• Stay hydrated to support the immune system.
• Treatment: At this time, there is no vaccine or specific treatment; supportive care is the primary approach.

A Message of Resilience

Most importantly, Ali‘i Nui Mō‘i reminds us that as the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, we live in harmony with nature, each other, and all of creation. With this foundation, we have the strength to overcome all adversities. His words echo the wisdom of our kūpuna — ancestors:

“Because we live in harmony with nature, with each other, and all of creation, we as a Nation, will overcome all adversities and emerge stronger and wiser for it.”

This guidance is timeless, reminding us that health is not only physical, but also spiritual, communal, and deeply tied to how we live as a lāhui — nation.

Read the Full Letter

We encourage you to read the full message from Ali‘i Nui Mō‘i Edmund Keli‘i Silva Jr. for his detailed reflections and advice as this situation unfolds. Read the Full Letter Here

Ua Mau Ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono. — The life (or sovereignty) of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.