New park restrictions, House COVID hearing, food distribution
August 5, 2020
“As long as individuals in our communities fail to accept personal responsibility for the spread of COVID-19, we are unfortunately going to see continued days of triple digit numbers….This already has resulted in the renewal of restrictions on large social gatherings…and is likely going to lead to additional ones.”
~ Dr. Bruce Anderson, Hawaii State Health Director
Aloha Neighbor,
With Hawaii‘s new record of 207, the highest, single-day record of new positive COVID-19 cases thus far, Mayor Caldwell has already reinstated some restrictions for City parks and recreational facilities, described below. The Administration has also adjusted to the surge: a delay in the start date of public schools, the ongoing installation of airport thermal screening cameras, and waiting for the feds to agree on a relief package. Fortunately, some community organizations are not waiting; they are actively serving those in need with food distribution drives.
CITY PARK RESTRICTIONS DUE TO COVID SURGE
Restrictions outlined in Mayor Caldwell’s Emergency Order 2020-22 have resulted in the reinstatement of some Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facility restrictions. The most notable are:
No indoor or outdoor social gatherings exceeding 10 people
No new picnic permits issued (but will honor previously approved permits)
While outdoor team sports events are allowed up to 100 people, they are not meant to be social gatherings so participants must leave after the event finishes.
Beaches may only be used from a half an hour before sunrise to a half an hour after sunset, unless being used for fishing or exercise. Regular City park closure hours remain in effect.
Campgrounds already have a 10-person limit per campsite; if large gatherings occur they may be closed again.
HOUSE COVID MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
The House of Representatives continues its assembly of community leaders to problem-solve and monitor covid-impacted sectors to boost our safe economic recovery. Highlights of yesterday’s (8/3) meeting:
FEDERAL RELIEF. Congress is still negotiating a relief package. Points of contention relate to Medicaid, PPP, UI, stimulus payment, extension of CARES act money through 2021.
TOURISM / PRE-TRAVEL TESTING. Tour industry partners.– wholesalers, hotels, airlines— are being contacted to notify them about our pre-travel testing. The Administration is executing contracts with pharmacies despite difficulty in obtaining pre-tests due to the mainland covid surge.
CARES ACT MONEY. The $8.4 billion CARES Act funds are being documented, where the money is going, who the expending agencies are, how much is drawn down from feds & how much is expended with each agency.
JAPANESE BUBBLE–– Japan has identified Hawaii as the only U.S. state to start a travel bubble, it will include exchanging testing protocols, and communication with testing partners and Japan travel agencies.
FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION: NA KUPUNA MAKAMAE CENTER
Dates: August 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 12 – 2:30 pm (while supplies last)
Place: 653 Ala Moana Blvd. (Corner of Keawe St. and Ala Moana Blvd., old pump station) See flyer for details
HAWAII FOOD BANK ASSISTANCE UPDATE
With the addition of food safety guidelines and a flyer of specific resources (mental health, legal, rental, veteran, food, shelter and abuse issues, etc.), the handout broadens its outreach to individuals who most likely have more than just food access issues. View the handout here.
OTHER DISTRICT PROJECTS AND MEETINGS OF INTEREST
MOILIILI AREA SEWER RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Sewer reconstruction involving work on Isenberg and Hausten Streets between Date and South King Streets is set to begin September 1st and last for a year. The allowable work hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. For more information, see this flyer.
MCCULLY – MOILIILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
McCully District Park
831 Pumehana Street
See agenda here.
HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 10:30 a.m. The virtual meeting will discuss construction issues affected by the Governor‘s emergency proclamations, including right of entry, approval of contract services, utility easement, and environmental impact statements. See the agenda here. Accessible to the public on facebook.
SENATE COVID COMMITTEE MEETING – Thursday, August 6 at 2pm; DOT and DOH will update the committee on arriving travelers, COVID testing and contact tracing. Live viewing will be available on Olelo Channel 49 and on olelo.org.
