We heard you that, while my messages are helpful, they do take some effort to scroll down all the messages—some of more interest to you than others. So… we’re changing the format just a bit which we hope will help you better navigate through the page. Topics will be at the top of the page with links to the various items; but if you want to peruse the items, you can still do that!
SAFE TRAVELS: How to navigate through the confusion
As many of you probably know, the Safe Travels Program was launched last week, October 15. There is still much confusion amongst Hawaii residents and travelers regarding the logistics of the program. If you still have outstanding questions, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/ to find everything you need to know. For quick facts, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/faqs/.
FREE COVID TESTING: UH Medical School in Kakaako is Open by Appointment Beginning Oct 26
The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine at 651 Ilalo Street in Kakaako is offering up to 500 free COVID-19 tests per day to residents who are underserved, uninsured and front-line workers. You can get tested and receive results in 24 to 48 hours. Parking is available on site or at the Kakaako Waterfront Park next door. For information or to make an appointment, please call (808)692-1310. The new lab is funded by the City through federal CARES Act funds of about $4 million.
QUARANTINE BREAKERS: Report a Problem
Though most of the passengers passed the covid test on Hawaii’s pre-travel testing opening day on October 15, others decide not to participate and must still abide by the 14-day quarantine rule. Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers an action group vigilantly looking out for suspected quarantine violators reported on the following:
Maskless visitors, many thinking a negative covid test exempts them from masking up.
A backlash between angry residents and uneducated visitors.
Visitors renting short-term vacation rentals even though they are illegal under Tier One of Mayor Caldwell’s re-opening strategy rules. (They are now legal under Tier Two)
Those violating quarantine have the option of returning home through the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii’s (VASH) COVID-19 Flight Assistance Program, which has already returned 289 visitors. The Honolulu Police Department and investigators with the Attorney General’s office continue to enforce the state’s emergency orders. For quarantine violators, expect to pay a $5,000 fine or spend up to a year in jail. If you have a tip on a violator, email quarantinebreakers@gmail.com. For urgent matters only, text preferred, call 808-351-6931. Or you can also contact the HPD at (808)723-3900 or email HPD at covidenforce@honolulu.gov
COVID AND CONDOS: DCCA offers guidance
Our district includes a robust condominium community. Many of you have called my office with covid-related issues affecting condos. See some of the guidance on issues raised by condo dwellers here, courtesy of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). For questions not answered at the website, please call (808) 586-2643, Mon.-Fri. between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
$10 K PIVOT GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES: Meeting the Challenges of COVID
The state has infused $25 million into the Hawaii Business Pivot Grant Program, giving local companies the ability to shift their operations or products to address challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible companies may receive up to $10,000 that can be used for a range of expenses, like investments in e-commerce platforms, worker training and reconfiguring spaces to allow for to pivoting or adjusting the company to meet the new economic environment. The grant application will be open October 22 – November 23. The program launches Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7:00am Hawaii time. To apply, click here.
VOTE and BE COUNTED: Don’t Miss the Deadlines
More than 900 ballots were not counted in Hawaii’s August primary because of a state law that sets a hard deadline of 7 p.m. on Election Day. Hawaii election officials like the finality of it, plus it means election results come sooner. The state Office of Elections recommends that if you are mailing your ballot, do so by Oct. 27. Any later, voters should drop their ballots off in one of the drop boxes or take the ballot to a voter service center, both depicted on this map here (purple icons). Get your ballots in by General Election Day on NOVMEBER 3rd by 7:00pm SHARP! Don’t let the clock run out!
