As we head into our pandemic summer, we continue to adapt to our new normal. The short-lived but trendy drive-thru graduations, the caring social distancing by most of us enjoying our beaches, and the anticipation of restaurants re-opening on June 5, have all been the chatter around the Zoom cooler. Today we share what’s ahead and information for those still facing UI woes.
WHY HAWAII BUSINESSES CAN’T REOPEN SOONER?
I shared with you last week the Governor’s presentation of the COVID phasing from severe disruption to no disruption when we arrive at our “new normal.” Tuesday’s House COVID-19 Select Committee updated and provided more guidance. Click here for the committee’s timeline. We are at the moderate disruption or “safer at home” phase so we saw the opening of low risk activities. And we are close to the minor disruption or “act with care” phase, which will allow re-opening of medium-risk activities by June. Chamber of Commerce leaders ask why can’t we reopen sooner. It’s because the state is cautiously assessing the data in the “waiting period” between re-openings. Sorry no better answer at this time. But soon, we hope.
CONTRADICTORY STATE AND COUNTY RE-OPENING RULES?
Can I take off my mask when I go into a business, or do I have to leave it on the whole time? Can I go to my hairdresser or not? You can on Kauai and Maui; but not until the end of the week (5/29) in Honolulu. As counties will differ, the Governor urged people to follow their county’s rules. This and other updates are addressed in the Governor’s press conference Tuesday. See video.
RENEWING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AND STATE ID
Driver licensing centers resumed serving residents Tuesday on an appointment-only basis for residents with driver licenses or state ID cards that expire in June as well as March expirations that were granted a 90-day extension. Later in the month, appointments will be offered to licenses expiring in July and April expirations with 90-day extensions. Make your appointment at AlohaQ.org. If you have a hardship or special need call (808) 768-4177 for assistance. You must wear a face covering during your in-office visit.
UNEMPLOYMENT WOES?
I’m sorry that I’m hearing from some of you that you still haven’t received your unemployment check. There may be a number of reasons. You might find the following checklist helpful:
To backdate your claim:dlir.ui.backdate@hawaii.gov. The backdate will be for your first week of less than full employment due to COVID-19. Submit your full name, last four digits of their Social Security Number, telephone number (including area code), and the week the claim should start.
If you have been disqualified:dlir.ui.disqualified@hawaii.gov. If you received an email, letter, or other message (screenshot) that says you are disqualified, submit your full name, last four digits of their Social Security Number, telephone number (including area code), and a screenshot of your disqualification message. You may want to apply for PUA if you are eligible (see below)
Email:dlir.ui.oahu@hawaii.gov. This email address is for Oahu claimants who have problems not listed above. Email your full name, last four digits of your Social Security Number, telephone number (including area code) and explain your problem.
DLIR Claims filing schedule.File your certification schedule based on the first letter of your last name to avoid clogging the UI system.(and hopefully getting into the system sooner). Be sure you double-check your application before submitting even one wrong number will add to delays. Remember you are working with an automated system.
Call: 833-901-2275. If you have problems that are not being resolved, this is the call center number. If it is busy “due to high volume” keep trying, as administrators are working on the system daily. You may want to check on the reasons why your claims is taking a while to be processed:
Your initial claim may not have input all employers within the last 18 months. This is for verification purposes. If an employer is missing from your list, it may not match the UI records, thereby delaying your claim.
You may have input wrong data, misspelling, typos, wrong numbers, etc.
Other Federal Relief Programs Available:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance website is available 24/7. PUA is for self-employed persons, bona fide independent contractors, and others who are disqualified from receiving UI for COVID-19-related reasons. You will have to first apply for UI and after you are disqualified, apply at the PUA website. Answer all questions completely and accurately.
“Plus Up” ($600/week) is yours if your UI /PUA/EB claim is approved. This is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) that pays $600/week if you have an eligible claim. No need to apply; you are automatically enrolled. But it is time-limited: March 28-July 31.
Extended Benefits (EB) for 13 weeks more. You may be eligible for another 13 weeks after you exhaust your UI benefits under the federal Pandemic Extended Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program but you must apply. Log into your UI account and click “here” under the PEUC message.
HELP WHILE WAITING
IF you are still waiting for your first UI check, you may get relief under the City’s Household Hardship Relief Fund (HHRF) launched in partnership with Aloha United Way and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) which assists those hardest hit with basic needs, such as rent or mortgage, eligible utilities, childcare, and other necessary expenses. For more information and to see if you are eligible click here. If you think you are, then apply here.
SENATE SPECIAL COVID MEETING POSTPONED
The committee was to meet Tuesday to hear from the Administrative Director, HiEMA and Department of Health, but the hearing was postponed. We did meet with Kathy Sokugawa, Director of the City’s Department of Planning & Permitting, on closing the enforcement loophole of short-term renters violating the quarantine order, with proposed changes to state law and a “host order” requiring hosts of travelers to sign an order to be responsible for his/her adhering to the 14-day quarantine.
