Mahalo for your vigilance in preventing the spread of the virus. With the low number of new COVID19 cases (although Oahu had a small uptick today at 3 new cases), the number of deaths has stayed at 17. This is why we’re seeing the reopening of many businesses, facilities, and public spaces. Even so, please continue the same level of caution to avoid a resurgence.
SENATE SPECIAL COVID COMMITTEE EXPLORES “TRAVEL BUBBLE”
The committee explored today how the state could reopen tourism ever mindful of the public’s health. As other countries are exploring so, too, should we look at opening via a “travel bubble” to allow a quarantine-free travel zone between countries (or states) that have contained the virus, e.g., the Balkan region (Estonia-Lithuania-Latvia), Germany-Austria, and being discussed between New Zealand and Australia. The committee heard from and agreed to support the Hawaii Executive Collaborative that is developing a pilot Japan-Hawaii travel bubble. You can see today’s discussion and summary notes when posted at the senate website.
The committee will meet again next Tuesday (6/2) to discuss contact tracing technologies and DOH plans.
THIS FRIDAY IS FOOD DAY IN KAKAAKO: May 29
Free food will be distributed tomorrow at Kakaako’s Na Kupuna Makamae Center from noon to 2:30 p.m. at 653 Ala Moana Blvd. (corner of Keawe Street and Ala Moana Boulevard). It’s a walk-in pickup NOT drive-thru. Mahalo to the Center and Aloha Harvest for the food boxes. Due to the high demand, delivery to the elderly is limited to high-risk kupuna or those without families. Call 773-7047 or email carmenlee@pacificgatewaycenter.org.
RENEWAL DEADLINES EXTENDED THRU SEPTEMBER: Driver’s License, State ID, Instruction Permit.
If you are worried about renewing your driver’s license, not to worry. The state is allowing a blanket extension for all driver’s licenses, state identification cards, and instruction permits until the end of September. Click here for more details.
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SEASON: June 1 – November 30
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM) urges everyone to prepare for hurricane season especially with the challenges that COVID-19 brings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) announced there is a 75% chance of near or below-normal tropical cyclone activity during the Central Pacific hurricane season this year, beginning Monday, June 1 and running through November 30. Click here for more information on preparedness.
CAUTION TRAFFIC CONGESTION: Waikiki Sewer Work
The City Department of Environmental Services will be doing sewer work next week, beginning June 1, at 2025 Kalakaua Avenue and 240 Paoa Place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It may cause traffic congestion.
