Happy Earth Day, Federal Programs, Neighbor to Neighbor

As we see our efforts of sheltering in place and social distancing paying off with fewer positive cases, let’s take some time to look forward and to honor our Planet Earth.  Today, Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day 2020, celebrating its 50^th anniversary. We can take action -anything small or grand- to change our world for a better sustainable future.  While sheltered at home, you can still join in the celebration going digital at: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/

This article from The Verge links to different virtual ways that people can celebrate Earth Day from home, including “Earth Day Live 2020,” which will be hosted by activists, entertainers and politicians to discuss, perform and instruct teach-ins about the Earth Day Movement.  It links you to Earth Day animation and poetry, telematic festivals and meditative YouTube videos, with a range of different interactive events for adults and kids to do while being stuck at home.

And here at home, you can participate in:

• Wednesday, April 22 8am – Virtual Walk on Earth Day – Join certified forest bathing therapist, Phyllis Look, for a virtual walk. This is a free “forest bathing” experience, a sensory-filled walk through a green-filled space.
• Wed, April 22, 5:00pm – 6:30pm Unite for Earth Day, Virtual Community Change Forum – Hosted by Sierra Club Oahu Group, Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition, and more.  Conversations will be hosted by advocates and students on sustainability, equity, and resiliency in each of our communities as well as our island as a whole.  Sign up at this link. Facebook Event page here.
• Friday, April 24 from 6am to 7am HST – Learn about emerging infectious disease and animal agriculture from Climate Science expert, Dr. Charles “Chip” Fletcher, Professor of the Department of Earth Sciences at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
• Commune with nature responsibly – Hawaii State trails are still open to hike for exercise purposes but you are asked to abide by COVID guidelines and the Governor’s 5th Supplementary Proclamation.   See DLNR’s Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program Page for more information.
• From Virtual Field Trips to Gardening, Here Are 9 Activities You Can Do to Celebrate Earth Day at Home (Video)

To add to our prior message on the “silver lining” of the COVID-19 pandemic and in celebration of Earth Day 2020, consider the following changes to the health of our planet:

• Airborne Nitrogen Dioxide Plummets Over China
• Photos of clear-skied Los Angeles are mind-blowing: Is the air really cleaner?
• New Evidence Shows How COVID-19 Has Affected Global Air Pollution
• Space images of Venice show how coronavirus has changed the city’s iconic canals
• People in India can see the Himalayas for the first time in ‘decades,’ as the lockdown eases air pollution

UPDATE ON FEDERAL PROGRAMS

• Unemployment Insurance:  Over 200 state administration and legislative staff have come to the aid of the Unemployment Insurance Division. They commenced training Monday and will complete training on Wednesday; and beginning  Wednesday, the call center will be working in two shifts (6 am-12 noon and 12:30-6 pm).   For those still waiting to get into the system, to be certified, or to receive a paycheck, it will come.  As for gig workers and independent contractors, because this is a new program funded by the federal relief act, it may take longer as the department installs the new system, but please know that you will be helped.

• Economic Impact Payments:  Depending on your income, this payment will also be coming. If you filed your tax return for 2018 or 2019 or received social security, you will receive payment directly from IRS. If you did not file a tax return, you need to submit a non-filer form. For more details click here.

NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
Some of our neighbors have been sending additional information sources that might be helpful and of interest to neighbors. We share a few with you:

• Keeping a Cool Head:  Another source of help is the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii (808) 545-2740. The Center’s therapists work with clients via video and telephone. The Center accepts all forms of insurance but never turns anyone away who cannot pay away.  Donations to the Center’s Client Assistance Fund supports anyone regardless of ability to pay.

• Safe Grocery Shopping: Keeping safe while shopping is critical as we overcome the Coronavirus.  Masking up is only part of the new routine to keep healthy. Here are some helpful healthful tips when shopping and preparing foods from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration

• KUPU Conservation Leadership Program is an environmental leadership training program located in Kakaako Makai so it’s appropriate to announce their call for applications on Earth Day.  KUPU offers entry-level opportunities for young professionals committed to a career in environmental conservation.   Trainees gain valuable insight into the conservation field and also may also receive a living allowance and an AmeriCorps education award. Deadline is June 15.  To learn more about the  KUPU program click here.

THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 WILL MEET TODAY (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22) starting at 11:30 am. The committee asked for updates on: the federal relief package (Department of Taxation Director Rona Suzuki); support for agriculture (Hawaii Agriculture Foundation Executive Director Denise Yamaguchi); and the status of our COVID-19 tracking, testing and medical inventory (DOH Director Bruce Anderson and HI Emergency Management Agency Lead Health Director Steven Hankins). The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 53 on Oahu or live online on Olelo’s website. See the agenda here.  If you missed last week Friday’s hearing or want to view past hearings, please visit the Senate Committee’s page.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFO TODAY (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22):  Governor Ige joins director Scott Murakami on Facebook live to provide the latest update on unemployment filings, give us details on the new tools to help you with your claims, and answer your questions live. Tune in at 10:15 am.