Reopening dates, Handi-Van, neighborhood boards, free mental health services
May 28, 2020
Aloha Neighbor,
Although we are in recess until mid-June, we are working on continuing COVID issues and looking at the impact on our community so we can address when we return in a couple weeks. In the meantime, we will continue sending you information that I hope you find helpful.
WHAT’S REOPENING: UPDATE
The Governor approved the city’s reopening timeline for several businesses, services, and facilities over the next several weeks. While we are happy to see the reopening of the activities below, they are required to follow strict restrictions to ensure the public’s health. See more details here.
Outdoor attractions such as sea life attractions, water parks, pools, campgrounds, People’s Open Markets, shooting and archery ranges, and similar outdoor facilities may reopen tomorrow (5/28)
Personal Services such as barbers, beauty operators, hairdressers, nail technicians, and tattoo artists may open with modifications on Friday (5/29)
The Honolulu Zoo is targeting for a June 5 opening.
Business/commercial offices (in addition to restaurants that were already announced), indoor residential, non-commercial gatherings of 10 or fewer (regardless of household) may open June 5. For restaurants, as noted by Governor Ige, the Oahu county rules will apply in such a case as there is a conflict between City and State rules. These rules can be found in Mayor Caldwell’s Order. Section III.F of the Governor’s 8th Supplemental Proclamation on page 13 of 35 provides as follows: In the event of any inconsistency, conflict or ambiguity between this Proclamation and any county emergency order, rule, directive or proclamation, the relevant documents shall be read to allow a county maximum flexibility to exercise its respective emergency management authority.
Indoor operations such as movie theaters, museums and fitness centers with modifications may open June 19
SERVICES THAT YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL
TheHandi-Van Eligibility Center is again conducting in-person assessments for those wishing to apply for or extend TheHandi-Van services. For questions or to schedule an assessment call (808) 538-0033, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TheHandi-Van Eligibility Center is located at the First Insurance Center, 1100 Ward Avenue, Suite 835. Know that the appointment schedules and procedures have been adjusted to maintain proper social distancing within the office and waiting areas.
Free Mental Health Services if you are uninsured. The city launched a new program to support for the psychological well-being and mental health needs of individuals needing help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Free therapy and counseling services will be provided online. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Just log on to https://www.hawaiipsychology.org/ and click on the “Please click HERE for more information” link under the heading: Hawaii Mental Health Pro Bono COVID-19 Project. For more information, click here.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS RECONVENE
Neighborhood boards will be able to reconvene public meetings starting on Monday, June 1. As with all other gatherings, they must adhere to the social distancing requirements (in the Order) and the City’s “COVID-19 Guidance for Business”. For more information please contact the NCO at 768-3710, nco@honolulu.gov, or visit www.honolulu.gov/nco.
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
The committee meets tomorrow (5/28) at noon to explore reopening quarantine free travel through “travel bubble” agreements with other regions that have contained the virus. Paul Yonamine, Duane Kurisu and Lori Teranishi will present their proposal on a Hawaii–Japan “Travel Bubble.” The hearing will be available for live viewing on Olelo. Check this page shortly before the hearing for broadcast information.
