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Aloha Neighbor,
The Senate Special Committee Meeting met Friday at 11am, with a lot of ground covered on issues of concern that were left unanswered in previous meetings.
We heard from the Governor’s Chief of Staff presenting the state’s financial condition. Based on revenue projections and impact on the state budget, mitigating measures and proposed plans were shared. Given the projected downturn in revenues, projected at $1.4 – $1.5 billion in FY ’21, the administration proposed a plan of action. See the notes from the meeting that will be posted at the special committee webpage. No decisions have been made; and discussion with the legislature has begun. Stay tuned.
Director of Commerce & Consumer Affairs Catherine Awakuni Colon and Attorney General Clare Conners answered a number of consumer issues and discussed the Governor’s Fifth Proclamation signed today.
Landlord-Tenant Questions
Many were concerned about the possibility of evictions if paychecks and unemployment checks were not received. On Friday, the Governor signed the 5th Proclamation that provides for an eviction moratorium, preventing any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, maintenance fees, utility charges, taxes or other required fees, effective through April 30, 2020. While the period covered is through April 30, the Attorney General stated that the date may very well be extended. See more details on the Office of Consumer Protection website. Should you have questions or need assistance, call the Residential Landlord-Tenant Information Center at 808-586-2634 from 8am – 12 noon, Monday through Friday except state holidays. Or click on this link.
Federally Backed Mortgage – For landlords who cannot make mortgage, some banks are working to help. Check with your mortgage servicer. Homeowners with federally-backed mortgages can be helped under the federal relief CARES Act. See: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/
Other Consumer Issues. For other consumer issues such as price gouging, consumer scams, business and health insurance coverage, phone the Consumer Resource Center at 587-4272.
Stepped up social distancing in public places, essential businesses, and eviction moratorium were covered in the latest proclamation by the Governor. There are more stringent requirements to mask up when working in or visiting essential businesses. See the specific details of the 5th Proclamation here. If you are at a loss on ideas on how you can mask up you can get ideas from these folks. The Governor also issued an executive order suspending a number of laws such as offsite dispensing of needed medication, telehealth coverage, and renewal of various licenses. For more details see Executive Order 20-04.
How are we protecting our borders: airport checkpoint. The committee was pleased to hear that the Department of Transportation/Airports with the partnership of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has changed its procedures to screen all deplaning passengers at the airport. All passengers, visitor or resident, will need to pass a medical thermal screening, provide local residence address and phone number (which will be verified) and will be monitored to assure the person does not leave his/her room during the 14-day quarantine period, and will agree to all the social distancing requirements, including wearing a face mask. Failure to abide by these requirements will be subject to a maximum of $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail. A copy of the new procedures and other HTA efforts will be posted on the Senate committee website.
Screening and Testing: Another drive through site coming this Sunday
If you have a cough or fever or if you have been in contact with someone who has tested COVID positive please go to your physician who can send you to get tested. Or you can attend one of the “free” testings. Note: if you have no symptoms, you may not be a candidate for testing but they can give you a thermal screening. Testing will occur this Sunday at Kakaako Waterfront Park from 9am to 1pm. Click here for more information.
Take care & stay healthy!
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