Ocean aloha, job opportunities, Ala Moana-Kakaako Board Meeting

Aloha Neighbor,

We are in the peak of summer which means it is the optimal time to flock to beaches.  We want to use today’s message to raise awareness about practicing aloha in the ocean and being respectful to our neighbors who enjoy the ocean.

PRACTICE ALOHA IN THE OCEAN: Playground for All
Let’s “play well with others,” DLNR Aquatics Resources Administrator Brian Nielson urges as the number of fishers has escalated on the Ala Moana Park beach. “We’ve been seeing higher than usual fishing activity around the state, ever since April, when the governor allowed people to cross closed state beaches in order to fish.” See the press release here. Where fishers and swimmers have been using the same areas, we’ve seen the conflicts. No more aloha when swimmers claim that fishers have hurled rocks at them and lines and rusty hooks are left in the water and lines are twisted around turtles in the areas where fishers now congregate. Although only during the months when the fish run, these actions are hazardous so we are looking for a more respectful and accommodating solution to make sharing the waters safe and healthy for all users. It’s not happening now so if you have suggestions let me know. In the meantime, we will work with the State DLNR and City Parks & Recreation to find a way to swim and fish with aloha.

CONNECTING KAMAAINA TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Launched on July 22, the HawaiiIsHiring.com website is an exciting new one-stop online resource to connect to job opportunities, training programs and careers.  It offers a streamlined job board with access to Hawaii’s valued, in-demand and emerging industries, to sectors expecting to grow in the coming years, and simple access to training and education. Check out this new resource and share it with others. It may just be a beacon of hope for those hit by the pandemic. All this made possible by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and its community partners in the Workforce Development Council– American Savings Bank, Hawaii Executive Collaborative, UH Community Colleges and Upspring Digital.

ALA MOANA-KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING: Coming up next Tuesday, JULY 28 at 6:30 pm
The Board will be taking up a number of issues and projects that might interest district residents.  See agenda here. Among other reports, the Board will be getting an update on the 803 Waimanu Street project, the Pensacola Street Protected Bicycle Lane, and discussing comments on the Ala Moana development.
WHERE: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King St.* (in person) OR
REMOTELY: Video-Teleconference (Zoom)**: https://bit.ly/3fSfcLq 
Meeting ID: 897 0962 7939
Password: 450159  OR
BY PHONE: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833
*If you are attending the session in person:

• Use facial coverings; it is mandatory even while speaking.
• Remain 6 feet apart and sit only in seats marked with a blue tape.
• Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair.
• Speakers shall keep their comments to under 3 minutes.

** If you are participating by Zoom, please ensure that your computer or phone is muted unless you are speaking.