Keiki & Kupuna Resources, Small Businesses, Senate Hearing
April 28, 2020
Aloha Neighbor,
Last Friday the Governor extended the stay-at-home order for another month to May 31. See Governor’s 6thProclamation.
With only one new positive case today [Monday] (though we had another death), many are wondering why. HIEMA submitted a plan to the senate committee but we await the specific details on the criteria and actions for the different levels of threat to enable reopening. We understand the need to keep our airlines and cruise ships at bay for a while longer to ensure our health and safety from the traveling virus.
In the meantime, many suffer. More are getting their unemployment benefits but thousands are still waiting. And small businesses are having a hard time. The Governor’s 6th Proclamation provides some loosening of the restrictions with more activities deemed essential (and thankfully he has added florists in time for Mother’s Day!) and continues relief for tenants. But we must still protect ourselves and neighbors with our social distancing routines which have become our new normal. Some of you have sent photos and concerns (sent to the HPD) about folks who don’t yet get it. As long as there are those who don’t take the rules seriously, we may have a longer wait.
HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Small businesses who did not get help in the last federal relief package (including those who are already in line when the funds ran out) have another round to get help. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications from participating lenders beginning today (4/27). The PPP provides small businesses (500 or fewer employees) with zero-fee loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and other operating expenses. SBA will also resume processing EIDL Loans and Advance applications. For more information on these programs visit the SBA website. It’s first come, first served loans so contact your friendly PPP banker to submit your application asap. Scroll down this page to find your banker.
CALL 2-1-1 HOTLINE FOR HELP
Aloha United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline is a free and comprehensive statewide community information and referral service. You can call, chat, text or email to connect with a specialist to help you find food, shelter, financial assistance, child care, elderly and disability service, job training and more. The 2-1-1 service is available every day from 7:00am – 10:00pm. All calls are confidential. Visit their website for more information at auw211.org.
MORE RESOURCES:
Drive Thru Food Distribution is another free food distribution drive-thru happening on Wednesday (4/29) at 12:30 pm in Kaka’ako (653 Ala Moana Blvd—on Keawe St.). It’s a first come, first served deal so get there early. Mahalo to sponsors Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (H3RC) and Hawaii Foodbank. They will follow social distancing rules. If you need more information you can contact aogata@hhhrc.org or call (808) 521-2437.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers eligible seniors $50 worth of coupons (10 coupons valued at $5 each) to obtain eligible foods without charge from participating farmers, farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Call: (808)954-7868 or visit this website for more information.
Healthy Kids: “Vape Talk with Your Kid” is a webinar that you can share with your kids before they get hooked. Put together by the American Lung Association and the Flavors Hook Kids campaign to keep our kids safe and healthy. A great number of youth say their peers got them started on vaping so this is a good time to discuss vaping while your kids are home. Check this out: April 30, 2020 01:00 PM. Register in advance for the zoominar.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR: HPD Safety Tips for Kupuna and Everybody
Mahalo to the HPD who are caring for all of us and gave us the tips below to share with you during these difficult times. We are so ready to sprint out the door after our sheltering in place we may forget these mindful actions:
Remember that criminals look for the easiest opportunities to commit a crime, so look for and remove any opportunities before criminals spot them
Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you
Avoid walking alone at night and, even in the daytime, ask a friend or significant other to accompany you
Walk confidently (it helps your posture too!)
Have your key ready when approaching your front door
Don’t carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need
Never leave your belongings unattended
Don’t carry any more cash than is necessary; in fact, use a checkbook or debit/credit care as many grocery stores accept them
And, since the parks are opening for exercise, here are more cautionary hints:
Prior to going on any outdoor excursions wash your hands and have a hand sanitizer readily available.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, trouble breathing) stay home and away from others and seek medical attention immediately.
As you walk or jog about, maintain a 6 to 10-foot physical distance from others.
Carry hydration products but keep in mind some public restrooms are closed.
Avoid areas that have more than a couple people in close proximity and remember keep gatherings to less than 10 people.
Be considerate and mindful of others and politely remind everyone to practice these tips.
SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING:
The special committee will convene tomorrow (Tuesday), April 28, at 11 am. Reporting to the committee on a number of concerns such as unemployment insurance updates will be by Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Scott Murakami; on testing by Department of Health State Laboratories Administrator Edward Desmond; on federal programs by Department of Taxation Interim Director Rona Suzuki; on regulations for reopening restaurants by Department of Health Food Safety Division Chief Peter Oshiro; and updates on our emergency and recovery efforts by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Planner Shawn Grzybowski. The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 and online at olelo.org. For information on prior or upcoming meetings, see the committee’s webpage.
