THE U.S. CENSUS WANTS YOU: Non-Response Follow Up Begins July 30
Hawaii is not doing very well; maybe that’s why we are one of 14 states that will be starting the Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU) on July 30 – two weeks earlier than the original plan. If you haven’t yet responded, a census enumerator will be knocking on your door on July 30. Learn more in the latest Hawaii census newsletter. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding goes to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. 58,285 meals were delivered to home-bound seniors on Oahu and over $45 million in federal funds went to feeding our keiki in local school lunch programs, among other things, thanks to the numbers collected by the census. To beat the knock, go online to fill out the form now at 2020census.gov. See this Oahu flyer for more information or you can get help from the Hawaii district office by texting Robert Su at (213)359-3616.
PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOTS ARE OUT: Voting Begins
If you registered to vote, you have or are receiving your “vote by mail” packet this week. You can study the candidates and mail in your ballot in the stamped envelope so long as it is 3-5 days before August 8 Primary Election Day. Unlike other states, Hawaii pays the return postage so there’s no excuse not to send in your ballot. You can also drop your ballot in one of 8 drop boxes on Oahu (Honolulu Hale is closest to our district) and available 24 hours a day. Maps for these locations are on the Office of Elections website. Same-day registration is available at voter service centers (Honolulu and Kapolei Hales) which are open 7am-7pm from July 27-August 8. For a summary of questions and answers from the Mayor’s Tuesday press conference on this topic, click here. To watch a recording of the press conference, click here.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: Be ready
As Tropical Storm Douglas approaches, we are reminded by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to be prepared this hurricane season. Follow these 6 calls to action to be prepared:
If you’re in a flood hazard area, be aware of surroundings
Communication: sign up for alert warning systems
Develop a plan on how you will respond if the hurricane hits you
Have a kit: 14 days of supplies (add hand sanitizer and masks to the kit)
Consider flood/hurricane insurance for your property
See a recording of the Governor’s Tuesday Community Connection here. For summary notes, click here.
RESTAURANTS ARE OPENING: Support Them
Some restaurants are opening; others closed permanently. We urge you to support those who are open and opening. The Hawaii Restaurant Association maintains a database of over 1,000 Hawaii eateries searchable by zip code and shows their opening status and services offered including dine-in, take-out, drive-through, curbside, deliver, family packs, and catering as well as website and contact information. See the list here.
