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Aloha Neighbor,
Incident Commander Kenneth Hara, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, briefed the Senate Special Committee today on the COVID-19 Emergency Plan. It is a comprehensive plan that identifies clearly four levels of effort for the four levels of threat (from “no disruption” to “major disruption”). More information will be on the Senate website or at olelo.org. It was approved by the Governor and will be shared shortly with the Cabinet; and, if followed, will move more quickly towards important efforts in prevention & protection, public health & medical response, information & public outreach, and supply chain management.
In addition to planning the emergency response, it is working with Governor’s economic recovery team so that we can map getting back to (a better) normalcy. In addition to planning efforts, HIEMA brings 1,300 national guard support to help in areas such as airport screening, contact tracing, call center, etc. wherever needed.
Enforcement of Governor’s Proclamation and Mayor’s Orders. General Hara urged everyone to follow these rules, especially social distancing. This is the best way to “flatten the curve.” We still haven’t brought our numbers down: since yesterday (Tuesday) we have increased the number of positive cases by 13 to 530. He said he sees violations and, because this is the only way, to overcome the virus and get to normalcy, the county police officers will be citing. If in violation you may be lucky to get a warning but if you are caught again, the maximum fine is $5,000 and/or a year in jail. The rules again: 6 feet apart while in public; no social gathering; and, more recently issued, wear a face mask.
HELPING RESOURCES
As we hear from folks who are waiting for their unemployment benefit check or paycheck, and need help, there are a number of resources. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance for food or other social services call 211 or visit AUW211.ORG.
FOOD FOR OUR DISTRICT
Seeing the long line looped on Atkinson Drive last Saturday, I thought that some of you may have need or know of others who may need a free nutritious meal. Here are some in our district. You can stop by and get help or also kokua by donating:
St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen in Waikiki offers a free, hot, nutritious meal for anyone who cannot afford a meal. It’s open from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays. You can also make a monetary donation by calling the parish office at 923-7024.
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center (a project of Pacific Gateway Center)offers free food for kupuna and the community on April 17th and on April 24th, 12-2:30pm at the corner of Keawe & Ala Moana in partnership with Aloha Harvest.
The Waikiki Community Center‘s emergency food pantry is open on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please bring your government photo ID and proof of need.
GENERAL FOOD RESOURCES:
The Hawaii Foodbank stores distributes food to their partner agencies. Click here to donate to Hawaii Foodbank.
The Executive Office on Aging provides the Aging and Disability Resource Center Food Resources Guide
The DOE continues to provide free breakfast and lunch to children. For our district they are being offered at McKinley & Kaimuki High Schools. For more information, click here.
Help is On the Way is a new non-profit for kupuna and others in need. They will drive anywhere on Oahu to kupuna and others who are homebound. To request a delivery service or to find information about volunteering, visit https://hihelpisontheway.org, or call (406) 426-1013.
Foodpantries.org lists several Honolulu food pantries including food closets, food banks, soup kitchens, congregate meal locations, food boxes, vouchers, etc.
Mālama Meals provides food security to communities in need or at risk due to actions taken to contain COVID-19 by distributing nourishing, freshly made meals. If you or your community’s food security has been impacted by COVID-19 see their website or call (808) 943-MEAL (6325).
Hawaii Meals on Wheels delivers meals for seniors and the disabled on Oahu. Call (808) 988-6747 or check eligibility online.
The YMCA continues to offer free, healthy lunch to children M-F, 11:30-12:30 at grab-and-go sites.
Apply for SNAP (food stamps). First time applicants: you are invited to use the digital fillable/printable application form. Once complete, you may print and sign, then mail it or drop it off at a processing center. Or, if able to place your signature on the page, you may scan or take a photo of the application and email it as an attachment to BESSD.StatewideBranch@dhs.hawaii.gov.
SUPPORT OUR FOOD SERVICES SECTOR:
Kakaako Farmers Market at 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. is open Saturdays from 8am – 12am
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sells and delivers locally grown produce.
Oahu meal prep, delivery services bring food to you.
Foodland, Safeway, and Target deliver groceries directly to homes.
Restaurants in our district continue to offer takeout. Please see our list of these restaurants.
GUIDANCE: The USDA offers this page for food safety information.
Take care & Stay Healthy!
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