Q&A on proposed 400′ Ala Moana tower, Mayor’s latest order, UI/COVID assistance

Aloha Neighbor,

Much is happening at the city, with a high-rise Kakaako development permit being heard before the city planning and permitting department and new orders on reopening issued by the Mayor; and a number of services and assistance, including homeless services as we are receiving more calls on the growing numbers in our community.

The meeting gives you the chance to hear from the developer, ask questions and assess the development. Then take action and send your input to the City Department of Planning & Permitting (DPP) at its hearing on the developer’s permit on Wednesday, September 30, 10:30am.  You can attend and/or submit written testimony about the project. Click here to view the public hearing notice and view testimony submission options.

MORE TO LEARN: MAYOR’S LATEST ORDER IN EFFECT 9/24
Finally, we have guidance on when and what.  The mayor’s newest order is based on the positive case count and while confusing it gives guidance when we open various activities – all with the intent of preventing community spread or a triple digit surge that would overwhelm our health care system.  To view the new order, click here. Under the Order, certain businesses will be allowed to resume operation with gatherings of five or fewer. Under the new 4-tier system, from Red Tier 1 (over 100 cases and more than 5% positivity rate) to Green Tier 4 (fewer than 20 cases and less than 1% positivity rate).  The activities that are allowed or not will depend on this gauge.  Carry this chart with you so you know what to do when we call our “red” today or “orange”….See for more on the tiers: https://www.oneoahu.org/reopening-strategy
But today, we’re “red” so here are some of the activities permitted:

• Gyms – outdoor activity only.
• Movie theaters – open but cannot offer food and drinks.
• Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons – open but with restrictions.
• Parks, beaches & trails – up to five people who can be unrelated.
• Restaurants & bowling alleys – operate at 50% capacity with 5 people or fewer per household, per table.
• Retailers, malls, museums, zoos, spiritual services, and essential businesses – operate at 50% capacity.
• BUT: Bars, nightclubs, certain rentals and helicopter tours – CLOSED.

For more info, click here.  And if you can’t find the answer and you’re still confused, the City has folks to help you. Call 768-CITY or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:  UI LOST WAGES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BEGINS DISTRIBUTION
The State labor department (DLIR) received approval to pay six weeks of benefits and pay $300/wk to eligible claimants beginning the week ending 8/1 to 9/5/20. The Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA) excludes those with a weekly benefit amount of less than $100.  Starting this week, a week’s worth of benefits will go out every week and for the next five weeks as follows:

• Sept. 23, 24, 25                      Payment for week ending August 1, 2020
• Sept 29, and Oct. 1, 2            Payment for week ending August 8, 2020
• Oct. 6, 7, 8                              Payment for week ending August 15, 2020
• Oct. 13, 14, 15                        Payment for week ending August 22, 2020
• Oct. 20, 21, 22                        Payment for week ending August 29, 202
• Oct. 27, 28, 29                        Payment for week ending September 5, 2020

Deadline for applying is September 30 (submit certification using your UI/PUA Account No.) For more info, click here.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: SMALL BUSINESSES PPE SUPPLY CAPACITY GRANTS
To keep Hawaii safe and help small small business the State is offering PPE Supply Chain grants to businesses with 50 or fewer employees.  Awards can range between $10,000 to $500,000, with larger awards if necessary. The main goal of this program is to increase the local capacity for producing cleaning supplies and PPE. Participants must have a plan to produce PPE/Cleaning Supplies commonly procured by the State. Applications due no later than October 26, 2020. Get your application in early, as awardees are announced weekly.  Apply at this website  http://www.htdc.org/  OR email  PPE@htdc.org .

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: STATE & CITY HOUSING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
The State Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program (RRHAP) supplements rent payments for those who qualify facing a reduction in income because of covid and/or at risk of eviction. RRHAP provides renters and homeowners with monthly rent and financial counseling. It is administered by nonprofits, Catholic Charities Hawaii and Aloha United Way. Applications are currently being accepted for rent payments due between August 1 and December 28, 2020. RRHAP will end on December 28, 2020. Residents in HPHA public housing or Section 8 program are not eligible. To apply, visit https://www.hihousinghelp.com/  OR also available is the City Household Hardship Relief Fund to assist in rental or mortgage payments. See https://www.auw.org/covid-19-assistance-programs#HHRF

KEEP OUR KEIKI SAFE:  FREE VIRTUAL CAR CHECK-UP DURING CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK
Safety technicians are offering free virtual car seat safety checks as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20-26, 2020. This week is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of correctly choosing, installing, and using car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.  Get a virtual check on  “National Seat Check Saturday” –tomorrow —September 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The virtual checks will include instruction on how to install and use car seats correctly. In Hawaii, all front and back seat passengers are required by law to wear seat belts. To make an appointment for a free, virtual car seat check, call 527-2588. For more info, go to www.kipc.org .