PEACE: LET US NOT FORGET AUGUST 15 1945
There are those who remember the happiest moment in American history – a spontaneous eruption of ecstasy, outpouring of sheer joy that swept the continent on V-J Day—Victory over Japan — and the end of World War II. The public celebration dwarfed anything ever seen before or since. Coast to coast Americans took to the streets simply to celebrate peace. Wow! Even in Honolulu, jubilation in the streets drowned out the Board of Supervisors deliberating so they decided to defer Bill No. 10, relating to the construction, reconstruction and repair of sidewalks, and quit its work that day.
WAGING THE WAR AGAINST COVID: What Now?
We can wage war, but instead of weapons we must come together and care for each other – physically distance, practice good hygiene and sanitize, mask up and stay home if you’re sick. For the sake of our elders, our neighbors, our friends, don’t spread the disease.
But too many of us have not. We are now facing the consequences – from single digit cases in late June to the highest yet on Thursday (8/13) at 355! Those breaking quarantine, those not wearing masks in an elevator, those congregating and partying need to become more mindful. Now we need to hire 160 more police officers, train 450 contact tracers, and push a Department of Health that was not ready.
The Senate Covid Committee has pushed to ramp up contact tracing because we must contact those in close contact with coronavirus carriers so we isolate, contain, test and ultimately control the spread. Our committee was appalled to find that not only were 450 trained contact tracers not on board but that health professionals and others sought to volunteer but were never called. Only ten overworked investigators were contacting and tracing. Small wonder that the most vulnerable weren’t identified and helped. But, now, we have a new investigation branch chief, more contact tracers hired, and national guard help on the way. Also, the State Auditor is assessing the contract tracing policies and standards here and in other jurisdictions to find how best to address the increasing infection rates. He is also assessing the Department of Education’s readiness to reopen the schools. It does take all of us to win this war!
COVID TESTING: What’s Happening?
Rapid Antibody Testing Opens in Kakaako Wellness for Humanity is bringing science and technology together to provide more resources for our community. The company’s rapid antibody testing facility is open to the public. To learn more visits its website. You can see more on the KHON2 report.
Get Covid Tested This Sunday: Kakaako Waterfront Park
With the surge, more COVID-19 testing is available using PCR (nose swab) tests. You can drive-thru and be tested at Kakaako Waterfront Park on Sunday, August 16 from 9am-1pm. Walk-ups will be accommodated. Follow the posted signs to the test area. You will be screened for symptoms and asked to provide personal information and contact numbers. The attending doctor will determine if you should be tested. If you are tested, you will need to follow the doctor’s directions on quarantine. If you have medical insurance, bring proof of insurance; if you don’t there is no charge. For more information; contact Premier Medical Group Hawaii, at (808) 304-8816 or (808) 367-6020.
PANDEMIC SOCIALIZING: Some Tips
Labor Day. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. How in the world are we going to social distance with these major party-holidays fast approaching? We have to address the gray areas of socializing as covid transfers at the most unassuming moments. The 4th of July was our turning point in the fight against covid. Having any type of rules at a party seems unconventional, but in today’s world, it’s a matter of life and death. There‘s no demographic that’s truly safe from covid. To date, 4,312 people in Hawaii are infected. Six percent of them have been hospitalized. Forty have already died. Not socializing at all is not an option for most, so here are 7 life-saving tips.
REMINDER: US CENSUS WANTS YOU!
You’ve heard a lot in the media and here. It’s important to our state and to help those who receive federal support. If you haven’t yet completed the brief 2020 Census survey you can do it here. If you don’t the Bureau census takers will be at your front door. And if you need more information, you can read it – click here.
OTHER MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
HOUSE COVID COMMITTEE RECONVENES ON MONDAY AUGUST 17
Observe the committee in action via videoconference as they hear the status and prognosis of the state’s medical and economic condition.
SENATE COVID COMMITTEE MEETS ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19
The committee will meet with Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, Deputy Director of Health-Behavioral Health Services Administration Edward Mersereau and HIEMA Incident Commander MG Kenneth Hara.
PLACE: Olelo Cable Television Channel 49 and olelo.org
MAKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD RECESSES IN AUGUST
The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No.10 will recess its regular August meeting. Tentatively, the next regular meeting is scheduled for THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020. To see all upcoming agendas, visit the Neighborhood Board Commission Office Website.
