If the mayors of the Big Island and Kauai counties are on opposite sides of Hawaii’s coronavirus social-distancing policy spectrum, Maui County Mayor Michael Mayor Victorino may be more moderate with a “compassionate and common sense” approach toward enforcing his emergency proclamation.

Victorino’s proclamation, which takes effect today, shut down certain nonessential activities and businesses and discouraged gatherings of more than 10 people — with individuals urged to stay 6 feet apart. It said violations are punishable as misdemeanors with fines up to $5,000, up to a year in jail, or both.

The mayor downplayed the punishments during a Thursday evening news conference; he said the county will take a “compassionate and common sense” approach toward enforcement.

“We are not here to run around and catch people doing something wrong,” he said.

But if people do see possible violations, they may call the Maui Police Department nonemergency line at 244-6400, county spokesman Chris Sugidono said Thursday night.

Maui County Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said Thursday that enforcement of the proclamation will involve compassion and education. Like other nonviolent cases, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors and those that require personal assistance, police will note the possible violation and handle the follow up through a phone call, rather than in-person contact.

Citations will be issued when warranted, Faaumu said.

“Worse case scenario, the last, last resort, is taking them into custody,” he said. “That will be last, last resort.”

The procedure was formulated drawing on best practices by departments around the nation in addressing the coronavirus issue, the chief said.

While Maui police are employing compassion and education, Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim is offering “guidance” to restaurants, bars and places of worship. They may make their own decisions on whether to open or close, but should consider ways to minimize risk to customers and employees.

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami has taken stricter action, issuing an islandwide nighttime curfew (with few exceptions) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., effective today. In restricting airline travel to essential needs only, he sent a strong message to the tourism industry and urged visitors against traveling to the island for recreational purposes, adding that “Kauai is on vacation.”

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell mandated the closure of restaurants, parks and nightclubs beginning this morning. Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery will be allowed.

Upon receiving a report of a possible violation, an officer will be sent to the establishment to meet with and inform the owner or manager of the rules and orders in place due to the current state of emergency, said Honolulu Police spokeswoman Michelle Yu.

“Anyone who refuses to comply could be warned, cited or, in rare cases, arrested,” she said Thursday night.

The maximum penalty is a $5,000 fine and/or one-year in jail, she said.

“We really think that our business owners are conscientious and that they will be responsible and comply on their own,” Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said in a statement.

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com.