UI update, Rapid testing, Jobs, Ala Wai flood risk
September 3, 2020
Aloha Neighbor,
COMMEMORATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAPAN’S FORMAL SURRENDER ENDING WORLD WAR II
Today (9/2) marks the 75th anniversary of Japan’s surrender formally ending World War II— signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The “Mighty Mo” — a major attraction — now rests at anchor in Pearl Harbor. Today’s ceremony at Pearl honored the 16 million Americans who fought in the war to preserve freedom and democracy for us all, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Out of that triumph came lasting peace between the U.S. and Japan; an enduring alliance still strongly felt in Hawaii
Formal surrender of Japan on the Battleship USS Missouri deck ending WWII–September 2, 1945
A new documentary, “Apocalypse ’45,” chronicles the war in the Pacific that ultimately led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. Director Erik Nelson intends to immerse the viewer in the war experience of the harrowing final year of the war pulling from thousands of archival reels that were filmed in color—some never seen before. Told through the voices of 24 veterans, including Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, “Apocalypse ’45” brings into focus the horrors of war while serving as a tribute to veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom today. Watch the trailer here. If you want to watch the entire 1 hr 44 minute film, you can watch it online here for $12.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE UPDATE: Additional Benefits & More Help
The Senate Covid Committee met today (9/2) with Anne Perreira-Eustaquio, Acting Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, who brought some good news for the unemployed:
Additional $300/week for four weeks (for eligible claimants). The state has been approved for “Assistance Program for Lost Wages” under the Presidential Memorandum, paying benefits backdated to August 1 to eligible claimants (must be receiving $100/week or more and must self-certify that unemployment is due to COVID-19). Go to the UI website that will give you instructions on how to apply, using your current account number: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
UI calling claimants with pending claims. Additional staff are being hired and volunteers coming on board to address pending claims. Staff will be calling claimants so the Labor Director urges claimants to answer the phone call. Staff will leave messages or try to email but the fastest way to get the problem addressed and claims processed is to answer the call.
Virtual Call Center on the way. Currently staff are working Monday through Sunday to answer calls but cannot keep up with thousands of claimants. The department will soon have a virtual call center that will be able to provide assistance more quickly.
EXCITING POSSIBILITIES: A New “Made In Hawaii” Rapid COVID-19 Test
The committee also heard from Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Oceanit CEO, on its ASSURE-19 test currently being tested. So far it shows promise as a test with high sensitivity and specificity and the speed of results (within 10 minutes) and cost( $5-20/test depending on production volume). Very easy to use, just collect your saliva and, like a pregnancy test, the test kit provides results; and is used for 5 days when virus is active. All they need is $10 million to produce 400,000 test kits. The committee sees this as a new local industry to diversify our economy. Let’s hope the department of health and Governor (and/or Mayors) can provide the funding support needed to test the test to control the virus. See Wednesday’s presentations by Director Perreira-Eustaquio and Dr.Sullivan when it becomes available here or notes from the meeting when available here.
LOOKING FOR A JOB? CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII LAUNCHES NEW JOB SITE
The Chamber launched HawaiiIsHiring.com –a one-stop online resource– to connect job-seekers to a portal of more than 16,500 jobs, plus training programs and educational opportunities. Job-seekers can find a job, bridge to a promising new career, enroll in short-term certificate programs, and/or sign on to earn-and-learn apprenticeships and internships, etc.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Council’s Report on the Ala Wai Canal Flood Risk Management Project
The City Council’s Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) responded to community concerns about the Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed flood risk mitigation design for the Ala Wai Watershed by investigating and exploring alternatives to minimize impacts to the area. The PIG obtained assistance of Oceanit’s engineering team. The report proposes a Subsurface Watershed Inundation Flow Technology design in its report here. The report will be considered for adoption at the City Council’s Special Council meeting on September 9. If you have questions, contact PIG council members Ann Kobayashi, Carol Fukunaga and/or Tommy Waters.
